Air con conked
 

My air con has just stopped working, having never missed a beat in ten years of ownership (I can't ever remember having to regas it either...) Engine is 2.5V6 auto.



Took it to Kwikfit who pressure tested it and regassed it but said they couldn't get it to circulate. They didn't think there was a leak as such (there was a small amount of gas present before, and the took out all the new gas they added so they didn't actually charge me in the end). But they said it wasn't being pumped around and suggested maybe a pump or sensor could have gone. They specifically said the engine fan was working.



Any ideas, and more importantly, any suggestions for a decent mechanic in Birmingham that could have a look? Getting nervous about parts availability if it turns out something has conked out.

Hi David.
How did they test the fan to say it was definitely? and have you since checked your self by doing the demist test.

Start the engine make sure the A/C is off then press the demist button.
https://i.imgur.com/WO0J8Crl.jpg1

Then look through the front grill is the fan continually running.
https://i.imgur.com/dFhWMdXl.jpg2

Can you see a silver resistor or gold through the front grill.
https://i.imgur.com/hYyWtBfl.jpg3

Please let us know, then go from there.

Hello David,

You don't need a mechanic, you need a mobile, self-employed air conditioning specialist although there are a few small companies with premises around. Google "automotive air conditioning repairs near me".

Kwik Fit is not a good choice. Having implied that your compressor wasn't engaging, it is now impossible to check for faults because they have left you with no refrigerant gas! :rolleyes:

Simon

Check the relay in the under bonnet fuse box I have had few of these fail and stop the compressor working

Relay is small black one there are 2 in there just swap them over and try

Dave

Would it be OK if I listened in on the side as I am having similar problems. My aircon has ceased over a period of time so I have purchased a recharge kit, thinking it would be a simple recharge job.(Chuckle)
On pressing demist my fan runs OK, but unable to spot resistor?
The recharge kit states check to see if compressor is clutching in and out prior to recharge, how do I do that please? Where do I look, if it can be seen?:shrug:
Or is the clue in the fact that the fan runs,which is attached to compressor???So can I go ahead and recharge?

Try this https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=35567 to test your compressor.
Did your recharge kit come with a gauge? If so, plug it into the aircon pipe to see if there's any gas present.:cool:
Just to add Derek, your car is the same age as mine, and my condensor was rotten, worth checking.

Hello Derek,

Your fan running is not an indication that the compressor is functioning.

To check that the compressor clutch is operating, look for the ancillary belt low down at the front of the engine. In Econ mode the clutch will be disengaged, press the windscreen demist button to activate it.

DIY recharging kits are not a satisfactory solution. The refrigerant charge is determined by weight. We do not know how much refrigerant your system currently has and you won't know the weight of the gas you are adding. The result could be that your system will become under or overcharged. You also won't be able to regenerate your dessicant pack which requires a vacuum to be held for about 30 minutes.

The professional way to check and recharge your air conditioning is to book a visit by a mobile self-employed specialist who will extract and weigh your current charge, check for leaks, evacuate your system and recharge with the correct weight of refrigerant together with the special oil.

Simon

Won't help as there's no gas.----:duh:

Hi Simon...Thanks for advice. I feel a bit cheeky dropping in on someone elses post, but it did not seem appropriate to list another post on basically the same problem.
As for my recharging kit, the gauge instructions, explains the layout of the scale and to check system contents first, depending upon reading it then gives ,will depend upon how much gas one adds.
To be honest I did check the lower pulley,but from my aircon knowledge it was guess work!! anyway it wasn't turning with aircon selected (Demist or auto),so I guess as Ron states mine like his, has gracefully died over the years, just have to keep the windows open, if we get a summer that is.

My aircon switch is now also the one that opens the windows too :D I have a leak in one of the pipes but too much faffing to change it.