Aircon Problem Advice Wanted

[Jocky]

Right guys the aircon on my Patrol isn't working:doh

I've been checking it out today and the compressor is not running when I press the button

I can get it to run if I make the relay, so there is power to the comp, but is the relay shot or is it needing regassed. I've found a pressure switch in the loop, is the lack of pressure causing the comp not to start, or am I barking up the wrong tree.

Cheers

 

[zippy656]

when the compressor is funning, do you get any cold air throught he vents.

id think if you do its teh relay, but if not it needs regassing.


but im open to correction.

 

[Jocky]

I didn't leave it running for long and its cold anyway so didn't notice any difference.

I've tried one of the other relay's and its still the same so me thinks its the low pressure switch thats stopping it. If it needs gassing the switch will stop it.

I think i've answered my own question:doh:naughty

:augie

 

[zippy656]

you're as clever as me then

 

[glen]

Hi
Search web company called Autokool, Speak with Andy he is the owner, he supplies DIY Products for Air con I have used for 5 year now, top ups Sealers.

Phone: 0845 226 9143 Fax: 01246 811250

Glen

 

[Timbo_1975]

Firstly do not use the "sealers"; they swell the o-rings for sure but only temporarily. If the system is discharged, it only takes 20-30mins to replace all the o-rings with new.

Secondly, do not use the DIY recharge cans UNLESS the system is working (but not very cold) and even then you don't know how much charge is already in there. The correct charge is very VERY important. Too much is more damaging than too little.

Bear in mind if you top up a system you are never injecting any oil, so although it may work your compressor may go bang soon after.

Bottom line= Have the system properly deep vaccuumed, re-oiled, dye added and then the proper charge.

 

[Jocky]

I'm going to get the system checked out by the pro's:thumb2 Thats not Nissan BTW

Thanks for the info everyone:thumb2

 

[Deleted account DD]

Been there with other cars and things

Run the car up with the heater about mid way , air con off. Get hold of a cheap thermometer (Boyes does them) put it on the seat where you can see it. Once the temp is stabilised in the car get the relay to click in without opening the car door and after a few minutes if the comp is working the temperature will drop by a small amount. Even though you've not asked it to the air con system cant help itself.

If this happens the compressor is probably ok although it still may need regassing.

All abit rough and ready but gives a decent diy indication.

Don't run it for too long if you fell it may be low as the oil in the gas provides the lube.

If the temperature does drop and youre happy with it, its down to good old fashioned electrical fault finding on the switching side of things.

If you need it (and I'll have to dig in the shed for it) I have a gauge that goes on the schrader on the air con top up to give an indication of the level.

My money is on the "protect switch" if it has one (I've no idea what the proper name on yours is) picking up its low on gas and preventing the comp running. Thats very often the reason.

One way you may find a leak is with a UV light. A lot of the gas oils have dye in them now so if thats been used its an easy spot.

Good luck :thumbs

 

[Toolbox]

If you bypass the pressure switch by joining the wires and the compressor clutch kicks in, you have either no gas or the pressure switch is faulty.
You should be able to hear the clutch click without the engine running, with just the key on and aircon on.

 

[Jocky]

Update guys, got system checked and it was just needing regassed, no holes in system and it works better than ever:thumbs

Cost £49 and is warrantied for 12mths, so any probs its covered:clap

I've checked the pressure in the system, so if it starts dropping I'll know before it stops working

cheers for all the advice:thumbs

 

[rustic]

DIY Re gas of aircon

I went into Halfords today, and noticed that they do a can of R134a, plus oil for £39.15 with a pressure gauge, I was thinking of topping up the Picasso air con, not been touched for 5 years, and having read this thread has put me off, regarding the inclusion of oil.
Is this task better left to the dealer, or if it ain't broke, don't fix it..?
Advice please..

The air con is still working, but it may not be as efficient. (Summer will tell)

Best regards, Rustic

 

[jims-terrano]

I still think that Quik Fit are about the best, not sure what their current price is but they don't charge if the regas fon't work.

Jim

 

[Jocky]

Update guys, got system checked and it was just needing regassed, no holes in system and it works better than ever:thumbs

Cost £49 and is warrantied for 12mths, so any probs its covered:clap

I've checked the pressure in the system, so if it starts dropping I'll know before it stops working

cheers for all the advice:thumbs

Found where mine is leaking from will get it repaired if we get a summer this year:lol

 

[Deleted account DD]

I went into Halfords today, and noticed that they do a can of R134a, plus oil for £39.15 with a pressure gauge, I was thinking of topping up the Picasso air con, not been touched for 5 years, and having read this thread has put me off, regarding the inclusion of oil.
Is this task better left to the dealer, or if it ain't broke, don't fix it..?
Advice please..

The air con is still working, but it may not be as efficient. (Summer will tell)

Best regards, Rustic

I bought one of those a few years back when I had my mondeo. It did a top up job absolutely perfectly.

But that was in the days before Halfords and other were doing it for around the same price. Cheapest I could get it done for then was around £75.

The advantage of the Halfords kit is you then have the gauge so if you want to monitor the system if you reckon you have a hidden leak where the dye cant be spotted :thumb2