Hi Paul,
Step 1:
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Originally Posted by Muttley
It certainly doesn't chuck out the cold air I am used to.
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Press the windscreen demist button to check that your radiator fan is working on slow speed.
Step 2:
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... I can hear whirring etc from the engine bay ... I am assuming it is the aircon pump ..
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Try not to make assumptions. They usually turn out to be expensive mistakes (it could be an idler wheel or tensioner).
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... because I can hear it whirring the pump must be activating/spinning.
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Verify that theory by observing the compressor clutch engaging whilst an assistant switches between 'Econ' and windscreen demist mode.
Step 3:
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So do I just get the aircon re-gassed and "re-oiled" ..
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Find an independent air con. specialist (preferably mobile) who will extract your refrigerant and weigh it. You will then know whether the charge was correct or low. If it's correct, investigate the cause of the noise remembering that as the compressor puts extra load on the engine, other components may be responsible (on diesels it's the crankshaft pulley). If the charge is low, your specialist should check for leaks with low pressure nitrogen (holding a vacuum is not a reliable indication) and if o.k. evacuate for 30 minutes followed by a recharge.
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... has anybody used one of the NISSEN pumps advertised on Evil-Bay (they are about £100-£125 cheaper than the DENSO versions)?
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I made the mistake of buying a Nissen condenser for my Citroën. The first one arrived damaged and the second sprung a leak from the receiver/drier just after the guarantee had expired. I found Nissen's customer service to be very arrogant so I would not recommend them.
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Why are these things so expensive to resolve on cars worth the same price as the parts?
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Air conditioning is indeed expensive to maintain. It's one of those unfortunate things we encounter, rather like death and taxes.
Simon