Hi,would appreciate some help with diagnosing a 'not at all cold' air-con system.This is my first car with Air-con and I probably haven't used it enough through winter months!?[:I]
Some have said I need a new 'gas canister'?
Is this true? if so, is it easy to fit?
It's getting a bit hot in here[:p][:p]
'98 Laguna Air-Con
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TazzyK
- Posts: 47
- Joined: 26 Aug 2003, 21:57
If its not 'cold' then chances are the gas may be low. However, before taking it to a garage to 'measure' the gas (which I believe should be around 800g in total), press the A/C button whilst you are stationery but with engine switched on and idling. If you hear the compressor come on then its more than likely low on gas. If compressor does not come on then your guess is good as mine. (You will know the compressor is on because when it is activated you will hear an additional noise and the lights on the instrument panel (or tape display) will slightly dim for a second or two...a good indicator!!!)
Mind you, the A/C on the Laguna isn't all that effective anyway I reckon, not compared to my other car anyway.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Babel</i>
Hi,would appreciate some help with diagnosing a 'not at all cold' air-con system.This is my first car with Air-con and I probably haven't used it enough through winter months!?[:I]
Some have said I need a new 'gas canister'?
Is this true? if so, is it easy to fit?
It's getting a bit hot in here[:p][:p]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Mind you, the A/C on the Laguna isn't all that effective anyway I reckon, not compared to my other car anyway.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Babel</i>
Hi,would appreciate some help with diagnosing a 'not at all cold' air-con system.This is my first car with Air-con and I probably haven't used it enough through winter months!?[:I]
Some have said I need a new 'gas canister'?
Is this true? if so, is it easy to fit?
It's getting a bit hot in here[:p][:p]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
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Dieselwheels
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 01 Jul 2004, 23:09
Hi,
I am a marine engineer and air con/refrigeration specialist. You are probably right about the lack of gas in your a/c system, especially if under used. You must run an a/c system for at least a few minutes each week to keep the compressor shaft seal lubricated and prevent gas loss. Your vehicle manual probably recommends this. The seal has an oil film which dries out if left static and needs regular turning to re-wet it.
Turning on the a/c when undercharged may not do anything as some systems have a pressure switch to protect the system from operating if the gas charge is too low (as this can cause compressor overheating). You get a green light on the a/c button, but the compressor will not spin as the electromagnetic drive hub is de-energised.
You need to visit an a/c specialist to get the gas system pressure tested for leaks, vacuum dehydrated (essential) and then recharged with the correct amount of the correct refrigerant type (usually R134a). It is illegal to recharge a leaking system with refrigerant under the montreal and kyoto protocols (greenhouse gas etc.). Any leaks found in the pressure test must be rectified before recharging.
I am a marine engineer and air con/refrigeration specialist. You are probably right about the lack of gas in your a/c system, especially if under used. You must run an a/c system for at least a few minutes each week to keep the compressor shaft seal lubricated and prevent gas loss. Your vehicle manual probably recommends this. The seal has an oil film which dries out if left static and needs regular turning to re-wet it.
Turning on the a/c when undercharged may not do anything as some systems have a pressure switch to protect the system from operating if the gas charge is too low (as this can cause compressor overheating). You get a green light on the a/c button, but the compressor will not spin as the electromagnetic drive hub is de-energised.
You need to visit an a/c specialist to get the gas system pressure tested for leaks, vacuum dehydrated (essential) and then recharged with the correct amount of the correct refrigerant type (usually R134a). It is illegal to recharge a leaking system with refrigerant under the montreal and kyoto protocols (greenhouse gas etc.). Any leaks found in the pressure test must be rectified before recharging.