Air Con has stopped Air Conning. Pls Helllllllp!

[Simes]

Hi Clever Peeps

Have 2.4 93 gorgeous beast which I smile stupidly every time I drive. I notice several others of you have this virus too. Ridiuculous isn't it? Friends of mine I take out are starting to suffer similarly.

Today, however, in weather of the extreme hot and sunny type, my air con stopped working. Looking under the bonnet at what I think is the air con unit I can see no spills, hanging wires, unattached hoses etc. but that doesn't mean that much as I don't know much about her (yes, "her" - sexist but fact I'm afraid) little specifics yet.

She is warrantied with the RAC but I'd like to fix the prob meself if it's something straightforward. I don't want to wait ages for them to sort - esp in this luverly weather.

Anyone got any ideas pls? I know I haven't given you much to go on but I don't know what you'll need to know yet, do I?

Cheers hopefully

Simes

[poppy986]

No A/C

Hi Simes,was it working ok before?
It might be the belt has broken that drives the A/C (small fan
belt)worth a look?
Cheers Chris

[Simes]

Thanks Chris - yep, checked that. Belt is fine - feels tight and no audible slipping when driving.

A few more thoughts. Have little or no idea about the workings of Air Con units but this seems to have a pressure valve on the top of the metal part of the hose, coming out of the Air Con unit cylinder thingy with the pulley wheel on it (getting too technical for ya, eh?). Does this work with a tyre pump by any chance? I have an accurate electric pump. Can I check the pressure is what it should be using this? And what should it be anyway? Will entire vehicle inflate? Could I make it bigger and more ostentatious still?? Sorry - burbling again.........

<pacing the hallway - pile wearing thin>

Cheers anyway
Simes

[Tallyman]

What ever you do DO NOT touch the valves on the top of the aircon compressor. These can only be accessed by an aircon mechanic as that's where the gas that runs the aircon is stored. Could be a fuse gone or possible shortage of gas.

You'll need to get in touch with an aircon mechanic and it could be expensive, so suggest you make use of your warranty.

[TonyN]

check the clutch is working on the A/C pully, with the switch off, the outer part of the pully spins without driving the pump, switch it on, and the whole pully should lock and drive the pump.

there is a wire joiner for the clutch wire near the pump, check this is clean and getting power to the clutch.

[BigPoppa]

Just a thought...could your Aircon System need re-gassing??

Take it to an Aircon specialist...see Autotrader for starters.

[stara]

1. check center clutch is spinning with pump (on an auto, the revs will rise)
2. check sight glass, bubbles should be seen for a short while after aircon is switched on and then go clear.
3. check top pipe is v cold
4. check elec fans are operating
5. switch aircon off, run blowers and check they are not blowing warm at all in cold position.

[Duncan]

Might be stupid? But have you got the main fan switch in the car switched to off as this also stops the air-con.The fan must be blowing for the air-con to work.