Air Con Kick Up problem ..?

[oldcodger]

 

Hi,

Had  a leaky condenser replaced and  a proper machine evac and  recharge to the A/C.

What I am noticing now, is that with the engine at normal temperature and ticking over at about 650rpm, if the A/C is switched  on, the  rpm  jumps to about 1200, as it did before, but now , in 2 seconds it drops down to 850 rpm and the A/C cooling is weak, only at around 11c ( ta  25c),  but if I give it some revs to around 1500, then the cooling comes back fine.

The Evap sensor checks out fine on a resistance reading;  the Ambient temp sensor, which the Haynes manual says is part of the A/C circuit , agrees with the dashboard temp display and  against a good thermometer placed down by the sensor.

Any suggestions as to what might be wrong ?

Wondering if disconnecting  the Battery to force the ECU into learning mode might restore  the Kickup ?:

[jono987]

Hi mate, i have a suspected leaking condenser on mine. Pentagon did a free health check and spotted it, they wanted £550. Just curious if you dont mind me asking how much you paid? Cant justify 550 to fix it.

[oldcodger]

Hi,

£77 for the condenser and new O ring kit, plus the cost of the evac and recharge, which has gone up a lot this year as the gas suppliers have tripled the cost

I used a local mobile service guy who does a lot of smaller garages in the area who do not want the cost and trouble of their own recharge machine.

I got the condenser from here  but found it was about 15mm too tall, it has to fit between two fixed cross members,  had to make adjustments to the upper and lower fixing on the condenser to make it fit;  they are China made pattern parts, so expect other similar priced suppliers will be the same...?

Apart from the gas, its a simple enough diy job, but its made easier by removing the front bumper, just a few screw bolts, as it give clear access to the pipe connections to the condenser and plenty of room to guide things in and out.

Do check yours has pipe fittings like this pic, there are two possible models.

 

[jono987]

Thanks a lot mate thats extremely helpful.

Was going to leave it but for £77 ill have a go at fixing it!

[oldcodger]

Hi,

You have to order that essential O ring kit as a separate item at checkout, not included with the condenser.

I had to remove some of the depth from the bottom rubber to make it fit,  but not too much otherwise the body will touch the bottom crossmember.

The upper brackets can be unscrewed to allow them to slide down over the frame so  you can get the unit under the top cross member, then they can be reattached, if you see what I mean.

Don't unscrew anything until its been discharged, its under pressure and harmful stuff.

If you are near Halifax this is the guy I used.  http://m.joecoolaircon.com/