Dodgy Air Con

[daktari]

Not sure if my air con is working? No difference in engine speed when i switch it on and it certainly dont get cold!

I`ve checked the gas reservoir and it looks empty. But that besides, is there any way to know if the compressor is working. Where are the fuses for the air con? Would the compressor work if the gas is discharged?

The other possible problem i might encounter is what sort of gas does the system use?

Apparently there is more than one type. A friend of mine took his `91 pajero to Lucas and was told that he would have to have something replaced (140 quid) :ffs: because they changed the gas type. Would this be the same for my `91 ST185 ??

I`m thinking that if it`s goin to be too much hassle and expense that i`d remove the air con completely.

Any ideas, views, suggestions?

Tyia.

[Tom.B]

My m8 had the same problem with his FTO . He was told itd cost bout 150 quid to be fixed. (Something to do with a heater matrix). The major cost of this was due to them having to rip the dash off to get to it :( .

Best thing is to get it checked by a pro. See what they say and then decide whether its worth getting fixed. (could be a hot summer but the way its looking at the moment id be happy that my heater worked)

[Boro Sera]

If there is insufficient Gas pressure, the compressor won't turn. There is a pressure switch somewhere in the circuit that connects up to an Electric clutch on the compressor.....not enough pressure=no clutch actuation=no aircon.

There is a chance the gas you need isn't available ( well, it's still available, but it's been banned !). I think it was called R12. There should be a sticker under the bonnet somewhere that denotes what type of gas is needed. If it's an R12 system, then the internal seals in the system need replacing to use the new gas (something to do with particle size AFAIK). There;s probably more to it than I've mentioned, but that's the basics.

It's all repairable, and probably worth it. It's your call really

Rich

[daktari]

Thanks for the info fellas. Think the visa cards about to get hammered again. :( Might as well get it sorted out properly. You never know it might turn into summer. :)

[Boro Sera]

It's just as useful in the winter though,dries out the air and prevents condensation in cold weather.

In fact, it should really be used at least once a week, regardless of the weather. If the system isn't used then after a while the gas seeps out of the seals, resulting ultimately in needing a regas. This happens anyway with aircon, but it lasts much longer if it's used regularly.

Rich