i wonder if you guys can help.

 

i have a series 1 tt. the aircon does not work. where should i start. i have tried to put it into diagnosis mode but it just gives me a load of temps i was expecting a fault code. is this just for the series 2.

 

the electro magnetic clutch does not kick in so im not sure where to start

 

can i get it regasses as its a 91 car

Unless its been converted (I doubt it very much) then it will still be running on the R12 gas, which is now illegal. A/C systems now run on R134a gas which most car garages can regas as long as they have the equipment. I'm not sure how you go about converting to the latter, but I know several garages round here that 'cant do R12 regas' if you get me ;)

You can get them regassed but they need an adaptor, so kwik fit cannot do it.

 

I took mine to a specialist who regassed and after getting a face full of refrigerant, diagnosed the leak to the compressor.

 

Only charged me £70 for the regass and adaptor.

 

All I need to do now is replace the compressor !

Heres a copy of something I wrote a while ago on another site

 

OK heres the rub. Lots I dont know but car air con I do. In simple terms. Old cars (pre 1994 ish) R12 refrigerant (now illegal) and schraeder type valves with a non compatible oil. New cars (post 1994) R134a and quick release fittings with PAG oil.

Even if you change the fittings you can't just put R134a in the system for two reasons. 1st it runs at a higher pressure (pressure also directly relates to temperature) so the amount of refrigerant installed must be reduced. Also the old old oil will not mix with R134a so will starve the sytem of vital oil and seize the compressor.

So the way to do it properly is

Recover the R12 and dispose of properly.

Remove compressor and drain oil. Re-fill with an esther oil which will allow any remianing oil to mix with the new refrigerant and keep components lubricated, re-fit compressor.

Fit new quick release adaptors

Re-fill system with 30% less R134a than it would normally take in R12

Check for leaks

Hey presto done

 

I thank you

thanks for that.

 

im sure it is running r12. the pump turns by hand but makes a little noise but that may be the clutch. the radiator also looks very mankey so i guess it has leaked from there. all in all i guess its not worth the hastle. is there an easy way to see if there is gas in the system ie press in valve and if so would a lack of gas stop the clutch from kicking in ie pressure sensor (could connection be corroded?)

 

many thanks

First suggestion would be gas. You can check the compressor easy enough just put a live feed straight to it and see if it clutches in. You can press the valve to see if gas escapes but FFS watch your fingers as if it does have gas in there it will burn you if your not careful, also it is a bit naughty to do that as its bad for the environment and illegal to boot.

The compressor locks out at about 30 psi left in the system. Below that it stays locked out. The gas naturally leaks out over time and by 8 years is mostly gone gone unless serviced and recharged.

 

You can get a compatible to R12 (non R13a) drop in refridgerant that does not need any mods to the system and works perfectly. It was used in mine.

 

The aircon guy would need to vacuum the system to see what is left and to boil off any moisture inside and to check for leaks before he would refill it. They can inject some coolant with flourescent dye in it that helps show up any small leaks.

Check there is a fuse in the A/C fuse slot! When I bought my car the A/C didn't work - there was no fuse in the holder. Put a fuse in and it blew straight away - turned out to be the clutch coil - gone short circuit....£35 later, job sorted...ice cold air.

Just another idea:)

well there is a fuse in there. ill try and see if i can test the clutch and pressure tomorrow. might give me a better idea. thanks for the help