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Old 11th June 2022, 12:56   #1
JefferiesFarnol
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Default Air Conditioning Compressor Check

Hello Chaps,

My leaking condenser was changed earlier this year and the system still has pressure but the a/c doesn't work. As per a previous thread, I've been through the whole cooling fan process and fixed that, the fuse is fine and I've swapped the relay with the identical fog light one and they both seem to work so I've been led back to the compressor.

I wonder if anybody could tell me how to check if the compressor clutch is engaging? Some pictures would be helpful if at all possible as I really don't know what I'm looking for, whether it's on or off I can't really see any difference.
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Old 11th June 2022, 13:04   #2
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Old 11th June 2022, 13:25   #3
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Originally Posted by suzublu View Post

Thanks, I've already read that through a few times now and as I say, I've fixed the cooling fan now and I did try the 'compressor solenoid test' but I don't know what to physically look for to see if the compressor is running or not. What I really want to know is how to see if the compressor is actually working and if the clutch is engaging as I'm trying to conclude whether the whole compressor is broken or not.
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Old 11th June 2022, 13:33   #4
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The centre of the compressor clicks in and out as the clutch engages and disengages. Aircon on, it's out, off and it's in towards the centre of the compressor. If that's clear 😁

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Old 11th June 2022, 17:10   #5
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Thanks for explaining it, I've no experience of compressors and without pictures, it can be a bit hard to know what you're supposed to see!


The compressor is working when I bridge the two connectors at the trinary switch but not with just the A/C on. I've just had the leaking condenser replaced and system recharged at the start of the year and that worked for a day and then stopped, however since then I've fixed the fan.


Based on what Jules says, it's likely low gas in this situation, since it's only just been properly recharged and the old refridgerant doesn't need expelling, I suppose I could buy one of the home recharging kits and see if it kicks in after that.



The MOT is due in about a month and a half so I can get them to have a proper look then, but for now I think this might be a good stop-gap.
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Old 12th June 2022, 05:35   #6
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I had exactly the same symptoms as you, turned out to be a poor connection with the pipe into the condensor, ( my fault) as I hadn't fully cleaned the mating surfaces, resulting in a tiny leak. I would suggest you have whoever replaced your condensor, recheck the pipe connections, clean thoroughly with a wire brush and Stanley knife blade, and refit with new "o" rings. Solved my issues. Using a recharge kit will be a waste of your money as the gas will just leak out as before.

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Old 12th June 2022, 06:38   #7
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Originally Posted by JefferiesFarnol View Post
The compressor is working when I bridge the two connectors at the trinary switch but not with just the A/C on. I've just had the ... system recharged ... and that worked for a day and then stopped ...
It very much sounds as if you're losing your refrigerant gas.
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,,, it's only just been properly recharged and the old refridgerant doesn't need expelling, I suppose I could buy one of the home recharging kits and see if it kicks in after that.
Who is working on your system Hector? To recharge the system properly any "old" refrigerant must be evacuated first. Do not buy a home recharging kit. The correct charge is determined by weight which those kits cannot achieve so you can end up with too little or too much pressure. They also don't allow for the addition of the lubricating oil.

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Old 12th June 2022, 08:13   #8
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It very much sounds as if you're losing your refrigerant gas.

Who is working on your system Hector? To recharge the system properly any "old" refrigerant must be evacuated first. Do not buy a home recharging kit. The correct charge is determined by weight which those kits cannot achieve so you can end up with too little or too much pressure. They also don't allow for the addition of the lubricating oil.

Simon

My garage did the repair on the condenser, they did do a full, proper recharge which is why I thought under these circumstances, it would be all right to use one of the kits as a top-up. I know that they're not good to use under most circumstances, I just didn't really feel like booking the car in again but it sounds like maybe I should.
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Old 12th June 2022, 09:35   #9
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Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by suzublu View Post
The centre of the compressor clicks in and out as the clutch engages and disengages. Aircon on, it's out, off and it's in towards the centre of the compressor. If that's clear 😁

Sent from my SM-A326B using Tapatalk
As above shine a torch down and get someone to turn on the A/C for you.

https://youtu.be/cO8-DN1Amtk
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Old 13th June 2022, 06:58   #10
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My garage did the repair on the condenser ... I just didn't really feel like booking the car in again but it sounds like maybe I should.
Hello Hector,

I'd recommend that you book a mobile air conditioning specialist who will come to your house with the necessary knowledge, experience and equipment to find the problem for you. Garages usually don't have this, they just connect an automatic machine and have a cup of tea for half an hour.

Search Google for "automotive air conditioning near Canterbury".

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