Air-con (again)
Air-con (again)
Author
Discussion

olly

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

307 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
My air-con has stopped working....
Had gradually been getting worse & worse, but now nothing happens when I hit button. The Blue LED is still coming on, but with no click from the compressor.

Does anyone know if the system is clever enough to detect when there is not enough gas in the system to power it up ?

Also, anyone know of anywhere in/around Ashford that would re-gas it if this is the problem ?

Thanks

RichardP

74 posts

306 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Yes, the pressure switch senses loss of gas pressure and inhibits the compressor working.

If you have a leak, you might be able to see oil in the area of the leak because the refrigerant has oil in it. That's how I spotted the hole in one of my hoses.

Check all the air con hose connection nuts - I was told of one Cerbera that had a loose fitting on the fuel cooler.

You should change the drier/filter located in the n/s front wing when you repair/re-gas the system (approx £40).

I've been through all this over the last couple of weeks and used VACS (01932 411358) in Byfleet but they aren't that near to Ashford.

Richard

redcar

737 posts

269 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
The systems usualy have a LP cutout on them to detect gas loss and stop compressor clutch engaging. I'm in the AC industry but on the industrial side, If your stuck for a repairer email me and I'll give you the contact number of a GOOD HONEST car A/C repairer.

olly

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

307 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies.

I'll have a hunt round to see if I can see any obvious oily hoses & take it from there. I'll probably just contact Walldonway to get it re-gassed there as I know they have a guy they use...

RichardP

74 posts

306 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
I'm sure you realise that if it has lost the gas then there is a leak somewhere. Just getting re-gassed isn't the solution. They should be able to pressure test the system with nitrogen before filling with (expensive) gas.

olly

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

307 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
To be honest, it wasn't used for quite a long period of time (porbably 3 months ?), when I noticed it was rapidly getting worse. So I suspect a losoe hose or cracked/crackign pipe. But will get it tested 1st - thanks

davidd

6,667 posts

307 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
I've just had mine repaired, took ages for TVR to send the correct pipe (thanks). Realised I had forgotten how crap it is!

Where is the thermostatic switch as I might see if it is better if I turn it up (have a feeling the pipes might be freezing).

D

olly

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

307 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Should be just above your right knee/shin when sitting in the drivers seat....

Trust me - no A/C is worse !!!!!

trooper1212

9,457 posts

275 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
olly said:
Should be just above your right knee/shin when sitting in the drivers seat....

Trust me - no A/C is worse !!!!!


Not in my 96 Cerb it isn't, no idea where it is in the early Cerbs...

kojak69

4,547 posts

276 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
dont think mine is there either.Not sure where it is, or even if its got one.

daver

1,209 posts

307 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
olly said:
Trust me - no A/C is worse !!!!!

Depends what you want. Granted, other cars might have a/c that's better at cooling overall cabin temperature. (But then their cabins don't have quite the same heat source to contend with.) The Cerb is king when it comes to icy blast directed straight at the driver though!

- Provided you've found your thermostat and have set your output temp to 3 degrees... and have gas in your system!

davidd

6,667 posts

307 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
daver said:

olly said:
Trust me - no A/C is worse !!!!!


Depends what you want. Granted, other cars might have a/c that's better at cooling overall cabin temperature. (But then their cabins don't have quite the same heat source to contend with.) The Cerb is king when it comes to icy blast directed straight at the driver though!

- Provided you've found your thermostat and have set your output temp to 3 degrees... and have gas in your system!


Will it say 3 somewhere then?

D

Julian64

14,325 posts

277 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Never found any car capable of producing 3 degrees!

Even the BMW which incidently has a chiller cabinet in one of the glove compartments can only manage 10 at the vents. Its A/C rad is massive. The A/C rad on the front of the cerb is puny by comparison. That is seriously cold for a car A/C. normal is about 15-17.

RichardP

74 posts

306 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Yes, on the digital thermometer that you'll be using to check the temperature!

You can certainly get the air to be less than 3deg at vents in a Cerbera. Less than 3-4deg and the evaporator will freeze.

>> Edited by RichardP on Wednesday 25th August 17:08

olly

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

307 months

Thursday 26th August 2004
quotequote all
kojak69 said:
dont think mine is there either.Not sure where it is, or even if its got one.


Various pics/location suggestions herre (including pics from our car)...

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14656