Ac Blowing Warm Air

[roks]

Hi All,

Its me again, this time its the AC not working.

I did a re-charge with DIY can from Halfords last year when the AC was not working at all, i.e. ac clutch not engaging, used about 3/4 of the can.

I did use the AC during the winter to defog the windscreen as and when required but not very everyday.

Its now about a year now and the AC is partly working, i.e. the clutch is engaging but only blowing warm air.

When the fan seep is set to low, I can hear a hissing noise coming from the centre vents. Its not a normal leaking air hiss, but more like when you blow air in a empty drinking glass.

I cant see any obvious leaks and don't hear any hissing in the engine bay. I did the balloon trick on the Low side valve and that doesn't appear to be leaking.

Do I do another Halfords job or is there a leak somewhere in the system and I need to take to the professionals?

Thanks.

[FoxX]

Probably best taking it in to get it pressure tested, if you don't have a leak and you've topped it up then there should be enough refrigerant as it lasts for years. Although apparently too much refrigerant can cause warm air too.

When you say the clutch engages, you looked in the engine bay and when the A/C is on you can see the central part of the AC unit spinning ok? if its not spinning then you may have low refrigerant or a problem with the pressure switch or clutch.

Air/moisture in the system can also cause similar problems, I think they have to vacuum suck this out.

[roks]

Hi Foxx,

Yes, when the AC is on the middle part is definately spinning and the the rpm goes up a bit as well.

I will see if I can find a local who can do the pressure testing.

Anything I should be aware when they do the test?

Thanks

[FoxX]

Na they should know what there doing, watch

- pretty corny but explains a bit about it and I think its probably the easiest way to get your answer unless any of the guys on here have another idea ^_^

[Jhonson Smith]

You must need to take the professional either there's a leak or something problem inside and this is not checked by DIY process. So in order to prevent such problem is necessary and hire a professional to do that and do know whether the person have the experience in the field of repair and servicing the ac unit or not.

[roks]

Thanks for the reply, its been fine after that top-up in 2013....

[oldcodger]

Bit surprised you used one of those Halfords recharge bottles when for just a few pounds more you can get it done at so many places, typically the large tyre fitters.

Halfords currently offer a full recharge and clean for £59 and even offer a free test. -see web site

If you look up 'Auto Air Conditioning' in your area you will find lots of such outfits who just specialise in Air con, and they will do a full system / leak test, though they usually give you a set price for such testing, repairs extra.

As you seem to have a problem, think I would choose the specialist over the high street.

[roks]

Hi OldCodger,

I was a noob then (still am ) and it was on sale £25 and got a free ac sanitiser as well.

I kept running the AC in the winter to demist the screen and that kept everything oiled up hence not much loss.

Next service will be with the pros, quite cheap where I live now.