1.0 Tr - Air Con Problem

[Rascal Man]

Hi Everyone,

Just after a bit of help and advice.

I have a 08 plate 1.0 TR.

Towards the end of last year the air-con seemed to become less effective - or maybe in-effective - the air is no longer cooler with a/c on.

I had noticed that when the a/c WAS working - when i pressed the a/c button the engine revs changed (dipped - on idle) - now their is no change to the revs.

Im not sure where the compressor is located - but i suspect that it isnt running. Does the compressor have a fuse, and if so where?

Would the compressor stop working if the pressure system was low?

I would be pleased if anyone could advise me on the above.

Many thanks

Rascal Man

[stantheman1]

Chances are that it's low on refridgerant, get it tested and if low usually a top up is all that's needed. Leaks can occur If the A/C hasn't been used regularly, but failure of the compressor is less common and more expensive to rectify.

[alfiejts]

As Stan says - there's a pressure switch that stops the compressor engaging if the pressure is low. That's your best bet. But don't waste money buying a DIY top up as there's almost certainly a leak somewhere that needs fixing first.

You are meant to use the aircon for at least 10 minutes every month to keep the internal seals lubricated, but I'd be surprised if that was the cause of low pressure on a 2008 car even without regular use as our 2000 car never needed topping up in the 8 years we had it - and my wife never used the aircon unless she was hot or the car was steamed up...

Find a local independent specialist - DONT go to Kwik Fit or similar - they're not preperly aircon trained and there are lots of unhappy stories about people having their aircon investigated at the fast-fit chains...

When my Alfa aircon failed, my local guy came around, put a dye in to identify the cracked pipe - then came back after I'd replaced the pipe to test and pressurise the system. He only charged me £50 for all that - whereas before I called him I'd wasted £35 trying to repressurise the system myself with a can from Halfords which just leaked out again...

Hang on - 08 car should still be in warranty - can't you just take it to the dealers?

[Rascal Man]

Thanks Guys for your help its much appreciated.

The car is in for service next week and I will ask them to check it out. In my opinion its better to be fore-armed with information when talking to these people. Hopefully they know then you cant be fobbed off!

Many thanks again

Rascal Man

[Madasafish]

Disagree about Kwikfit. I had mine recharged there last year. Great job, took over 1 hour, temperature nice and low again when aircon on.

I suspect quality varies from branch to branch.

[Parts-King]

The problem with most of the fast fit jobbies is they dont service your A/C they just top up the gas. Any old muppet could do that, a full A/C service would involve purging the system, adding the correct oil and the correct amount of gas, checking the pollen filter and sanitising the system. Your dealer will normally do this for between £50-£70 depending on location, plus the cost of the filter if required

Kingo

[Madasafish]

Kwikfit pumped out all the old gas, purged system and refilled with oil/refrigerant mix etc.

Winter offer was £25. (half price) .. well worth it.. As I said, over 1 hour on their machine...

[Hartside]

Are you sure it's not just a cold weather thing. Most car aircons in cooling mode do not work below 3 or 4°C. Wait until the weather heats above 5° and try it again, just to be sure

[alfiejts]

The man could have a point. I know the Audi manual says mine doesn't operate below a certain temp because there's a risk of the compressor freezing.

That said, my daughter was using her aircon in her Yaris to demist the interior over Christmas when she was home and that was working with the temperature around freezing....

[Chris81]

Hartside has got it in one. The a/c won't be working because it can't/won't work below a certain temperature, usually 3 - 5 degrees. The Yaris manual doesn't mention anything but the freezing temperatures will almost certainly be the cause rather than any fault with the system. It doesn't matter whether you have the setting in the car turned to hot or cold, the compressor won't kick in when it's below a certain temperature.

Definitely test it again when it gets a bit warmer as Toyota would probably sting you for a re-gas if you tell them it's not working. Goodness knows why Toyota don't put it in the manual. It gets a mention in Fords, Vauxhalls, and Audis it would appear.

[Raeman]

Hi Everyone,

Just after a bit of help and advice.

I have a 08 plate 1.0 TR.

Towards the end of last year the air-con seemed to become less effective - or maybe in-effective - the air is no longer cooler with a/c on.

I had noticed that when the a/c WAS working - when i pressed the a/c button the engine revs changed (dipped - on idle) - now their is no change to the revs.

Im not sure where the compressor is located - but i suspect that it isnt running. Does the compressor have a fuse, and if so where?

Would the compressor stop working if the pressure system was low?

I would be pleased if anyone could advise me on the above.

Many thanks

Rascal Man

Have you checked the pollen/cabin filter? I changed mine last year and the air-con & blowers were instantly better.

Failing that, i would just get it re-gassed as other members have said.