E46 A/C Compressor fault?

[gizard]

Hi all can anyone enlighten me on the following?

- Is AC still covered by the std. 3 year warranty?
- Although I have a light come on on the Dash when I press the AC button the compressor clutch fails to engage and therefore the AC does not work - I have checked all the related fuses as per manual (3 of them from memory) and the all seem fine
- Is possible that the compressor has failed - or is it clever enough to not start if the system needs re-gassing?
- Finally if indeed this sort of thing is not covered by warranty can anyone suggest a good outlet in the SW area of London to fix it?

cheers

G.

[[TW]Fox]

The compressor will not engage if the gas falls below a certain level.

[T-bagger]

Yeah as he said, if the pressure sensor in the system senses a low pressure the compressor will not be allowed to engage (because low gas can mean low PAG oil level and this could seize the compressor). This is no gaurantee that the gas level is low, but if it is then it's usually down to a leak (ie. hole in condenser caused by stone damage) which is not covered by warantee. If there is a leaking seal, service valve or other defective component then this should be covered by warantee and likewise if the compressor is faulty (quite rare) then this will be covered also.

[gizard]

Thanks all I recon it is likely to be a leak because the last time I remember it working it was a bit weak and slightly smelly - car is a Cab. so the aircon doesn't come on automatically by default. will get it checked out for leaks etc.