Member Since: 24 Apr 2014
Location: Preston
Posts: 4
Air con not getting cold
As I'm new to the forum, apologies if this topic has been raised before but having had my ac re gassed at the main dealers last May, it's now not getting cold at all on the auto setting, works moderately well at lower fan speeds and 16c, but it surely should be ice cold shouldn't it? First thought was there was a leak, but no, all the gas is still there. There's also a whining noise when the ac is turned on which changes with the throttle position, I've been advised it may be something to do with the HVAC unit, can anyone shed any light on this?
24th Apr 2014 5:31 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73019
Should be cold as a cold thing with added cold, look at my avatar for how cold it should be.
24th Apr 2014 5:33 pm
Woolmeister
Member Since: 26 Mar 2007
Location: Chandler's Ford
Posts: 3463
Re: Air con not getting cold
db737 wrote:
all the gas is still there
How do you know all the gas is still there? Have you looked?
FWIW, mine suffered from a corroded condenser shortly after the warranty ran out which meant that my gas escaped through a corroded condenser. If yours has rear air con then the pipes to the rear may have gone the same way, as they often do.
You need to take it to an air con specialist who will inject some dye into the system. They will then be able to ascertain - under UV light - whether the system has a leak when pressurised.
If no leaks then it needs properly refilling with the correct quantity of gas (depending on whether or not yours has rear air con or not). Make sure you point out to the air con monkey that the quantities of gas are different depending on whether rear air con is fitted or not. The volume of gas is printed on the sticky label on the bonnet slam panel (just above the radiator).
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24th Apr 2014 5:41 pm
fisherman
Member Since: 16 Jan 2007
Location: Hornchurch Essex
Posts: 1789
I had a problem with this and needed a new pipe for the rear A/C. Cost £215 for the pipe alone
No problem since.
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24th Apr 2014 5:47 pm
db737
Member Since: 24 Apr 2014
Location: Preston
Posts: 4
Thanks for the replies, had it back to the dealers who said there's no loss of gas, there's no rear air con as far as I'm aware, I assume there would be rear controls or is this standard on an HSE? I'm taking it to an independent specialist next week rather than the dealers who don't really seem that interested to be honest. Seems a bit strange that it gets colder at the slower fan speeds but at full whack is just tepid and that's at an OAT of 16c. If it ever gets any hotter here, I don't think it will be cold at all. And what's that odd whine all about? Only does it when I put the ac on and blip the throttle, could it be related?
24th Apr 2014 7:03 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73019
Certainly 06MY HSEs have rear AC as standard, not sure about 05MYs though.
24th Apr 2014 7:24 pm
nicedayforit
Member Since: 05 Sep 2011
Location: Beside the Solway
Posts: 369
The ac air gets colder at lower fan speeds simply because there is a lower mass of air passing thro the evaporator so the cooling capacity available is able to cool the air to a lower temperature.
Conversely more air, the mass of air is greater so the cooling capacity available isn't able to cool the air down as much.
16C OAT indicates almost no cooling capacity. The OAT should cycle between about 4C to 5C certainly no more.
Irrespective what the dealer says are you 100% certain there's the correct quantity of gas in the system?
Don't know about the whine but are you also sure the ac belt is correctly tensioned. ie the ac compressor is actually turning at full speed?
The only other thing I can suggest is that you have the ac system checked on a diagnostic system for sensor failures.
24th Apr 2014 7:42 pm
WOODY179
Member Since: 01 Jun 2005
Location: Chesterfield
Posts: 3651
DSL wrote:
Certainly 06MY HSEs have rear AC as standard, not sure about 05MYs though.
Was not standard on the HSE until the 06MY
24th Apr 2014 7:58 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73019
24th Apr 2014 8:00 pm
db737
Member Since: 24 Apr 2014
Location: Preston
Posts: 4
Guys that's all great info thanks very much, I'll certainly get the system checked out by an ac specialist, hadn't thought about the ac belt tension either, sounds like that could be a runner. Post back when I've got more info.....
25th Apr 2014 7:30 am
eddiethe0
Member Since: 26 Nov 2011
Location: Essex
Posts: 8
I am an auto Air con specialist with my own business!! D3 do suffer with condenser and rear pipe leaks and not many other problems to be honest!! Purely from your description it sounds as though it is leaking sufficiently to still have enough gas to engage the compressor but not enough to effectively cool!
My recomendation would be to take to a specialist NOT kwikfit et al.... And ensure it is fully gased and ENSURE a U/V is added. It may take six months to lose it but get it checked out ASAP or before the winter is set in to find leak.... Although 99% sure it will be a condenser if no rear A/c.
If when taking to a a/c expert the standing pressures are at or above say 4 bar pressure (based upon current ambient temperatures) and the compressor does not kick in then DON'T get regassed as you will then either have a compressor or other electrical problem.... Hope this helps!!!
25th Apr 2014 8:43 pm
db737
Member Since: 24 Apr 2014
Location: Preston
Posts: 4
Absolutely great, many thanks, I'm sure you've saved me a big bill at the dealers at the very least. When I speak to the ac specialist I'll pass on what you say, thanks again.
25th Apr 2014 9:59 pm
eddiethe0
Member Since: 26 Nov 2011
Location: Essex
Posts: 8
Db737 let me know how you get on!!!
26th Apr 2014 12:52 am
crazy
Member Since: 27 Jan 2008
Location: Near Milan
Posts: 1852
Hi eddiethe0, could you tell me if when there is no gas, the compressor does not start the fans? My fans work randomly and I would like to eliminate this cause and move to the verification of the electrical parts.
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26th Apr 2014 8:40 am
eddiethe0
Member Since: 26 Nov 2011
Location: Essex
Posts: 8
When there is no gas in the system the pressure switch will not feed ultimately the compressor so that will not be turning! (Except pulley on the belt) the clutch won't engage or on clutch less compressors the valve). The condenser electric fans will also work when pressure is high in ac system or on some cars when engine is overheating. No gas will mean NO fans!!
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escaped through a corroded condenser. If yours has rear air con then the pipes to the rear may have gone the same way, as they often do.
