Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

How does the air conditioning system of the Mercedes A-Class work?

Model: Mercedes Classe A W176 - Years 2012-2018
Part: Air conditioner

Let's see how the air conditioning system works on a Mercedes Classe A: it is a closed system whose key components are: the compressor, which is activated by a belt connected to the engine, which compresses a refrigerant gas; a condenser, which is a small radiator located in front of the engine radiator, where the hot and compressed refrigerant gas releases its heat to the outside air, condensing and becoming a high-pressure liquid. The expansion valve is a narrow passage where the refrigerant is expanded, causing a sudden cooling of the refrigerant, and then it passes into the evaporator, another small radiator hidden in the dashboard: the hot air from the cabin is passed through the cold evaporator. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air, cooling it down. The moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator and is drained outside: this is why air conditioning dehumidifies and defrosts the glass. The continuous cycle is: compression/condensation/expansion/evaporation/return, and the cycle starts over again.

Posted on 26 August 2025 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

Mercedes Classe A (2004-2012 / W169) If the air conditioning fan of the Mercedes Classe A stops working at the first three speeds and only works at the last one, the problem is attribute…
Mercedes Classe A (1997-2004 / W168) If the climate control buttons do not light up when the headlights are turned on, the backlight bulb is likely damaged. It is a glass incandescent bu…
Mercedes Classe A (2012-2018 / W176) The fuses in the Mercedes A-Class are located inside two dedicated fuse boxes installed in the vehicle: in this car model, you can find the first box…

Other guides you may be interested in

Fuses Location and Diagram for the Volkswagen Crafter

In this guide, we will look at the location of the fuse boxes and how to find their diagram for the Volkswagen Crafter. First, get inside the vehicle and start by removing the plastic cover found under the steering wheel, to access the internal fuse box; you will find another fuse box in the engine compartment by removing the plastic cover located next to the battery. At this point, use the owner's manual to find the fuse diagram, which will allow you to identify and replace any blown fuses with new ones!

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos