Oh no - Acrid Smoke starting coming out from under the Bonnet
 

Just thought I would write a post based on last week's experience with my ZT (2.5 V6) and for the benefit of anyone else who has the same experience.

It started with a sort of clanking noise while driving south over the Tyne Bridge last week (only 300 miles from home). When we got to the Gateshead side, it was a case of "what's that smell" followed by acrid smoke coming from under the bonnet.

I quickly stopped and switched off the engine. The smoke started clearing and seemed to have come from the bottom end of the Auxiliary Belt. After it cleared, I restarted the engine and quickly drove into the central reservation in order to get out of traffic and there I waited for the RAC to come - fearing the worst.

The patrolman didn't take long to get to the bottom of the problem. It seemed that the clutch on the air conditioning compressor had decided to go out in a blaze of glory. He advised turning the aircon off and restarting the engine. Everything ran smoothly, and I was able to drive the car to our hotel.

Next day, I took it to an RAC recommended garage who advised that "it could not get any worse" and I was cleared to drive home (aircon off).

No problem. A nice smooth drive home last Saturday evening - and quieter than usual. The car's now in the local garage getting a new aircon compressor installed. Does add to the cost of getting the belts done earlier in the year, but the car still looks great and drives like a new car (after the belts were done).

So, see acrid smoke - it may not be as bad as you fear - but do turn the aircon off.

You needed aircon in Newcastle!

Glad it was an easy fix for you 👍👍

This was south of the wall - so yes...


One of the real nice features of the 190+ is the automatic temperature management system - the aircon comes on automatically when it needs to - even in Newcastle.

Hi Tony,

You might be interested to know that it's not quite as sophisticated as that. ;) When you have 'Auto' selected the air conditioning compressor will generally be running continuously. The temperature regulation is achieved by the hot and cold air blending flaps.

As with everything there are pros and cons with this mode of operation. The good news is that it keeps the system in working order making a recharge less likely. But whenever the compressor is running the radiator fan will be too and this shortens the life of the motor brushes (3 speed system) and the resistor (2 speed system). It's not the end of the world but worth bearing in mind.

I think that the ideal regime is to make sure that the air conditioning is used regularly, every month all the year round but not necessarily leave it switched on permanently.

Simon :}

Those pesky air conditioning compressors can cause a real headache - I'm glad yours was a relatively simple fix in the end.

A similar thing happened to our ZT260 - it stalled abruptly when pulling up to our unit, but we thought nothing of it and carried on with the day's work.
Upon leaving the engine appeared to be seized solid - turns out the compressor had actually locked up and gave the impression that the whole engine was scrap!

One brainwave from a good friend of mine later and a snipped auxiliary belt and we were back on the road - and all is well now a new unit is fitted.
Needed a 'calming' beer after that ordeal! :D

Interesting. I have had the car since new in Feb 2004 and done 105k miles. In that time, the radiator fan motor has had to be replaced once - in about 2014.

I have had it on auto the whole time I've owned the car and this the first time I ever had a problem with the aircon. In fact, I don't recall it ever being serviced. It just ran reliably for over 17 years.


Postscript: now fixed with a new aircon compressor. The garage tried to use a (cheaper) third party part at first - but couldn't get one with the right combination of pully and compressor. After 3 attempts, I told them to just give up and buy the genuine original part (from Rimmer Bros).