Air Con first checks..!

[diddypony]

Hi all..
J reg 2.4 manual with aircon.. Never worked since I've had it so think it might be time to get it sorted. Any one know of any first checks to do before I jump straight in with a £70 - £80 re gas. Never had air con before so wouldnt know what is good or bad..

Cheers

[shokenore]

Does it work?
Does it blow out any cold air?
Any clicking noises when you press the a/c button?
Can you see the clutch pull in on the air con compressor?
Are all the bits still attached?

[diddypony]

Thanks for that.
The switch lights up when I press it on. Nothing changes in the temp when it is on and all the pipes and belts 'look' like they are there. Never noticed the clutch thing..Though I've never looked..

[shokenore]

The clutch is on the end of the compressor.The pulley has iirc three or four little studs.
With the engine off it should spin freely by hand.
Turn the engine on and turn the a/c on the clutch should pull in.
I think there is a resettable fuse behind the glove box.
Might be worth checking there, if not it may be best to get to get someone to stick a set of gauges on to see if you have any gas left in it.
Obviously don't go sticking any delicate bits near any whirring bits.