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[SlacMac]

For the last couple of weeks its been fookin hot, so temperature had to come down in the car.  Well it blows coolish air, but not what I would expect.  So did myself a little test today.  Normally in the past, if I swtich Air Con off the engine revs would drop a bit at idle, and rise again when Air Con turned back on.   Now when I do it nothing changes, inside the car all is fine cooling fan does its bit according to what is displayed on the ECC, but the temperature doesn't do its stuff.  

So basically, from what I can tell something under the bonnet isn't working.  Compresser or Condenser or dunno, unfortunately I don't have a clue about this so replies in lamens terms please  

[Matchless]

First check that the compressor clutch is engaging.

Engine running, a/c off or ECO
Look at the a/c compressor, the outer part of the pulley will be turning with the aux belt but the front face should be stationary.
Now turn a/c on (or eco off), the front face of the pulley should now be spinning as the clutch should have engaged.

If  the clutch is engaging but you have only slight cooling then it is possible that some of the refrigerant has leaked out over time. Get it to an a/c specialist to check pressures and top-up if necessary.

If the clutch is not engaging then there is either an electrical fault or you have lost most of the refrigerant and a safety switch has inhibited the clutch.
Check that the electrical connector is fully 'home' on the bottom of the compressor.
Have a look at the a/c pipes down between compressor and radiator, you will find two sensors screwed into the pipes, check that the connectors are fitted to these properly.
Fuses.
If you cant find anything then its off to the a/c guy again for a pressure check and re-fill followed by careful leak testing.

[RolandL]

I had same problem with mine, checked everything out no sign of anything not working, apart fron the compressor not engaging. Inside the compressor is a pressure switch, if the "gass" level gets too low (unit will naturally loose gass over time) the compressor won't work (only need to loose 35%,holds 950gms, and switch won't activate)  I took mine to local aircon specialist, and had the unit regassed, cost £60.

Has been ok since, and it's like living in a fridge !

[Martin_1962]

There is a sensor on one pipe hanging down, and the cables tend to get broken off it.

I had that with my 2.0 so it is worth a look

[SlacMac]

Thanks guys, if you can point me in the right direction for the compressor clutch, that would be great, I know about engine stuff but this air con goes like a 747 straight over my head

[iggy21uk]

Mine was same cool air  not cold air.  Re-gassed £60.00 check for leaks

Now so coooool.

Handbook says run once a month even  during the Winter.

Air con man says this helps the seals and stop the gas leaking out  dont have a clue
if this is true or not

[Martin_1962]

Handbook says run once a month even  during the Winter.

Air con man says this helps the seals and stop the gas leaking out  dont have a clue
if this is true or not

Yes

[Marks DTM Calib]

Running the pump circulates the aircon PAG oil around the system. This keeps the compressor, seals and pipe work coated in oil...

[markey mark]

i would run it once a week matey keep everything nicely lubed up !!  

[Matchless]

Thanks guys, if you can point me in the right direction for the compressor clutch, that would be great, I know about engine stuff but this air con goes like a 747 straight over my head

Looking at the engine, the a/c pump (compressor) is the bottom pulley on the right.

[Mark_L]

I can recommend this company;

http://www.readerair.co.uk/home.html

based in Woking - not a million miles from Slough....

they recently sorted the pump on my 3 litre. They will do a free diagnostic first....

[SlacMac]

Top man Pete, I'll check it out tomorrow  [smiley=thumbsup.gif] [smiley=thumbsup.gif]