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[DrAndyB]

All,

Sorry if sounds daft question, but does the A/C Compressor only 'Click on' if the temp outside requires it ?

I only ask as moved old girl out of garage for a few mins and noticed that upon tucking her back in the Garage  tickover seemed to sound slightly different (slightly lower revs - the same as when Eco button is on). 

I have had her from new so know most of her quirks but not experienced this one (or perhaps just never noticed till now  ), and only does this when Eco button pressed (illuminated) and MPG drip from 0.3 to 0.2 Gal/hr.

The Climate control was set to on (NO illumination on ECO and NO illumination on Recirc - all switch lights out), and I put it to LO  to test if compressor kicked in but seemed not to do so.

It was 12 degrees out there, so I am coming to conclusion that the compressor does not need to come on in that case as air is cold and below a threshold to trigger ?

Is this normal ?  Air was COLD, but it was 12 degrees outside 

I always have the Climate control on and in Auto so compressor on when required I assume.

I have 2.5V6 CDX Manual Mini Facelift (last of the 2000 V Plate's  )

Thoughts ?

 

[YZ250]

If you open the bonnet with the engine running and with 'ECO' showing on dashboard, the lower pulley centre, on the nearside, should not be spinning. Go back inside the car and switch ECO off (so the aircon is on) and you should see the centre of the pulley spinning now.   
Im sure the aircon should work at any temp above freezing. 

[DrAndyB]

Hummmm, maybe fuse or relay then ?  Any dedicated fuses/relays to check ?

I'll give the old girl a longer run next time to get all things up to flying speed and temp

[YZ250]

The compressor pulley won't kick in if it's low on refrigerant. 
Sadly, I believe the only way to check the refrigerant level is to have it re-gassed. 

[DrAndyB]

Never been re-gassed from new 

Maybe its time then as this has only just started to happen. Perhaps a/c may kick in after long run ?

Any recommendations as where best to take for regas ?

[Elmstoneboy]

Read on the forum couple of months ago that the AC doesn't run below 5deg. I suppose it wouldn't need to.

Re-gassed mine with gas bottle, adapter with gauge and instructions from Halfords. Worked fine, easy and quick to do.
Gas bottle has a £20 deposit, with refund on return.  Should get 1 top up and a bit spare. If it leaks could be hardened seals
on pump, especial if low on gas for a long time.
The fitting you fit it to, is the top one towards the back of the engine (on the 2.6) should have a black plastic cap on it.
Also check the AC ECU. Try a reset by holding down the Auto button and the off button together. Try this before gassing.

Ian

[DrAndyB]

Cheers for that.  I have not done the reset before so give it s go but prob best to look about now I think for local a/c specialist place for regas 

[jb]

If its never been vacced down and regassed since new you have done well!

First step is to get this done and see if there are any leaks . Most common area for leaks is the condensor which goes brittle and cracks over time but is an easy fix.

[05omegav6]

Read on the forum couple of months ago that the AC doesn't run below 5deg. I suppose it wouldn't need to.

Re-gassed mine with gas bottle, adapter with gauge and instructions from Halfords. Worked fine, easy and quick to do.
Gas bottle has a £20 deposit, with refund on return.  Should get 1 top up and a bit spare. If it leaks could be hardened seals
on pump, especial if low on gas for a long time.
The fitting you fit it to, is the top one towards the back of the engine (on the 2.6) should have a black plastic cap on it.
Also check the AC ECU. Try a reset by holding down the Auto button and the off button together. Try this before gassing.

Ian

Several issues with the diy approach:

1. Doesn't check for system leaks... it's illegal to fill a system known to leak.
2. Makes no allowances for existing quantity of gas in the system.
3. Makes no allowances for the required amount of gas required by the system.
4. Doesn't remove any contaminants from the system.
5. Bottle refund notwithstanding, it costs more than a proper system check/regas.

[Kevin Wood]

Read on the forum couple of months ago that the AC doesn't run below 5deg. I suppose it wouldn't need to.

Re-gassed mine with gas bottle, adapter with gauge and instructions from Halfords. Worked fine, easy and quick to do.
Gas bottle has a £20 deposit, with refund on return.  Should get 1 top up and a bit spare. If it leaks could be hardened seals
on pump, especial if low on gas for a long time.
The fitting you fit it to, is the top one towards the back of the engine (on the 2.6) should have a black plastic cap on it.
Also check the AC ECU. Try a reset by holding down the Auto button and the off button together. Try this before gassing.

Ian

Several issues with the diy approach:

1. Doesn't check for system leaks... it's illegal to fill a system known to leak.
2. Makes no allowances for existing quantity of gas in the system.
3. Makes no allowances for the required amount of gas required by the system.
4. Doesn't remove any contaminants from the system.
5. Bottle refund notwithstanding, it costs more than a proper system check/regas.

Agreed. If you can't vac the system down, it's a hiding to nothing. Take it to a proper air con specialist instead.