Air-con not working

[buzz]

Just thought I'd switch on the air con today, and it's blowing out hot air even on the lowest setting, does it need re-gassing
checked the sightglass can't see any bubbles
checked the valves on the pipes under the light blue caps, and there's a hissing sound, so I assume that means there's gas in the system.
also the revs don't seem to increase as they did, when I switch the AC on

Any ideas

Thanks in advance.

[Kace]

Can also be the magnetic clutch - this is what went on me, Just bought a second hand one from Steelroe and fitted - works fine now

[buzz]

Can also be the magnetic clutch - this is what went on me, Just bought a second hand one from Steelroe and fitted - works fine now

Is that a part of the pump itself

[Kace]

Yes it is. It engages when the aircon comes on. When the clutch engages (working properly) you will see your lights dim for a split second and hear the unit kicking in periodically.

If your aircon isn't doing this then it is likely that the clutch is the problem

[CJ]

Yes it is. It engages when the aircon comes on. When the clutch engages (working properly) you will see your lights dim for a split second and hear the unit kicking in periodically.

If your aircon isn't doing this then it is likely that the clutch is the problem

Coincidence or what, but I reckon I have the same problem. Had the system refilled a few months back, it was also leak tested without problems. The system won't blow cold air and I notice no increase in revs that you get when switching on the aircon, this was pretty obvious to me in the past.

Kace, do you know whats involved in diagnosing and replacing the clutch, is it difficult?

CJ

[Kace]

After driving without aircon for about 18 months I did some research by looking at the FTO technical manual and there is a test listed there where you need to take out 2 connectors off the unit and do some multimeter tests to see if it is working correctly.

In the end I didn't bother trying to do the tests as I figured it had to be the clutch not working. I knew I didn't need a gas refill either - I got a guy to check it out (car hasn't had a refill in 10 years and it's still fine).

You'll know if your clutch is not engaging if you can get the chance to see someone elses working. The magnetic clutch is down by the alternator and the belt runs around it also. It's somewhat like a normal clutch in that it has 2 plates which come together when the clutch engages. If you look down you can actually see the 1mm gap between the plates.

So just bought the second-hand one for 80 bills or so and got Paul Nolan to fit it. You don't have to disconnect any of the anircon hoses or anything to replace it so no re-gassing or anything required. Hey presto - aircon worked fine again.

[CJ]

After driving without aircon for about 18 months I did some research by looking at the FTO technical manual and there is a test listed there where you need to take out 2 connectors off the unit and do some multimeter tests to see if it is working correctly.

Yeah, theres a section on page 55-25 of the Chassis manual:



I'll take a look later when I'm trying to locate the vehicle speed sensor

CJ

[CJ]

Pic of the ac clutch in place, deffo no clicking out of it when the a/c is engaged, couldn't get at the terminals, it was too tight:



CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

If anyone would like to take my A/C out of my car they'd be more than welcome to it - its 50kgs I really don't need in this climate.

[buzz]

Thanks for the info guys

Had it checked out today, turned out to be a corroded pipe (in corner under air filter box)

New pipe £50 + labour

re-gas & oil

total £186

[CJ]

CJ... nice picture...how the hell did you manage to get you and a camera inside the engine bay? are you a secret miget?

Short @r$e, yes, midget, no

It was taken from underneath the front bumper.

CJ