How to completely turn off the air conditioning in a Mercedes-Benz S320?
3 Answers
Press the car's brake pedal to prepare to start the engine. Press the car's one-touch start button to start the engine and let it idle. Press the fan speed button to turn off the fan system. Press the AUTO button to turn off the automatic air conditioning system.
Every time I repair a Mercedes, I have to remind everyone that to completely turn off the air conditioning in the S320, you must ensure all activities of the fan and compressor are stopped. Locate the air conditioning control area on the center console, where there are several buttons and knobs in the middle. The large knob on the left adjusts the fan speed—turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to the zero position, and the fan speed icon will display as 'off.' However, this alone isn’t enough. The Mercedes automatic system is quite smart, so it’s best to check for a button labeled 'OFF,' which on some models is located in the lower right corner. Pressing it will fully deactivate the cooling function. In summer, the air conditioning often keeps the compressor running in the background. If not completely turned off, it can silently consume fuel and battery power. Before long trips, I recommend checking this to avoid sudden battery drain and failure to start—this is a common issue. Turning off the air conditioning before parking and shutting down the engine can also extend component lifespan and save on repair costs.
As a Mercedes owner for ten years, I find it quite straightforward to turn off the AC in my S320. After starting the car, locate the fan speed knob on the center console—it's a circular dial with an arrow. Normally, I use it to adjust the airflow; to turn it off completely, just gently rotate it to the minimum setting until the airflow indicator shows zero. If the auto mode is on, remember to press the AUTO button to deactivate it, otherwise the temperature sensor might automatically restart the fan. Once fully turned off, the screen will dim or the AC icon will disappear, indicating the system is off. Doing this in summer helps save some fuel, especially in traffic jams, reducing engine load. Mercedes did a great job with this design—it's quick and foolproof. When I first got the car, I didn’t fully understand and couldn’t turn off the AC properly, leading to strange noises. Later, I checked the manual and realized zero airflow means off. The same logic applies in winter for the heater—similar steps are needed.
