Currently retro fitting aircon top a UK MY98. Fairly straight forwards so far and looking to finish it off tomorrow.

My question is that before I "gas" it, would there be any harm in testing the system without gas in it?

Cheers,

Andy

 

I dont see a problem for a short time of testing,Although i believe the gas also acts as a lubricant for the pump and ofcourse its not gonna get cold unless gassed.

 

Okay, I've fitted everything now pressed the new A/C switch.......and nothing! No light on the switch, no compressor clutch engagement, not a peep!

Anyone got any ideas as to diagnosing the problem, the car is a UK MY98 Turbo? It could be the switch, but I'd rather not rip out the dash again until I've tested a few things in the engine bay.

i.e. Can I test the compressor clutch in isolation easily?

Cheers,

Andy

 

Get it charged & then test it, it won't do anything until it's gassed.

D (who retro fitted his aircon & panicked when it would't do anything before it was gassed !)

 

There is a low pressure switch - the compressor won't kick in until it's filled with gas

 

Useful information but even so, shouldn't the dashboard switch light illuminate??

Do you know if there's any way to fool this into thinking it has pressure so the compressor will kick in?

Cheers,

Andy

 

Certain nothing will work until it's charged.
Go and get it charged to find out for sure !!!!!!

D

 

Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and get it gassed.....but I'll be really pissed off if it still doesn't work and I have to loose the charge to change bits around!

Oh well, that's life

Andy

 

The only time you'll need to take the charge out is if there is a leak. You could fill it with nitrogen and do a pressure test overnight if you had the equipment handy. Even then you can't run the compressor.

Unless your compressor is knackered (rare) in which case, the only way to find out is to gas it up properly.

If it doesn't work then who ever gasses it will be able to reclaim and re-cycle the gas used, so you should only get charged for the labour.

 

the light in the ac button should light up even if there is no gas in it have you fitted the relays and fuse plus the second fan

 

The interior fan will also need to be switched on before the ac will start. (It might be obvious to you, but to some it isnt.)
The pressure switch could be bridged for a quick poke at the switch to see if the clutch engages.
For gassing up, first all the air will need to be taken out and any moisture, by vacuum pump, before the gas charge is put in.
I would think that perhaps a fuse is missing somewhere or a relay.
Hope this helps

 

Okay chaps, I got the system charged this morning and it works!! (Crossed my fingers while I pressed the button on!)

However I do have a couple of remaining problems:
1) The light doesn't come on the aircon switch - not really bothered about that!
2) The compressor is very noisy - sort of whirring noise when the clutch is engaged. Chap at the aircon place asked if I'd put oil in it, but I didn't know I had to! Question is: is it knackered or does it just need lubricating? It's not a noise that I can hear in the cabin, but when stopped it does seem to make quite a racket!

Any ideas?

Andy

PS. Thanks for the help so far!

 

I'd guess theres a bulb or led in the switch which has blown. As for oil in the compressor.Never heard of it!!That doesnt mean it doesnt need it though

 

I havent worked on such small compressors, but all compressors I have worked on including R134a type have an oil charge in them.
Sounds like yours hasnt got enough.
The gas only carries the oil around which is usually prevented by oil seperators and the like as it is best to keep the oil in the compressor as it is only there to lubricate this.
I would think we are talking about a very small quantity of oil in this case, but this should be tried first and definitely before the compressor is run again