XM Aircon

Unread post by **David Hallworth1** » 01 Mar 2005, 02:41

When i turn the A/C on in my XM, nothing happens, i've had a look under the bonnet, and the electronic clutch isn't moving at all when you press the button. Could this be just because it's been sitting for a few years and needs a recharge? or is it likely to be more serious?
Thanks
David.

Richard Gallagher · Unread post by **Richard Gallagher** » 01 Mar 2005, 03:05

If it has been sitting for years unused then the gas has more than likely escaped through dried up seals. It may work if the system is recharged, it all depends on how the seals are really.

Unread post by **alan s** » 01 Mar 2005, 03:50

Out of curiosity, how cold is it when you've been trying to use it?
I think you'll find anything under 5 deg C won't trigger the thermostat.
Also based on recent experiences I've had out here, was the system originally an R-12 system and if so was it ever fully converted to R134a? By fully converted I mean were the old "O" ringd replaced to green neoprene types and the oil changed too?
This should be marked on the vehicle somewhere as being in possession of this knowledge before you take it in to be checked can cave you getting scammed or the wrong gas getting put in.
Alan S

Unread post by **David Hallworth1** » 01 Mar 2005, 16:51

Hi,
The temperature wasn't scortching, but it was a pleasantly warm day when we tried it, the car has been off the road for about 8 years, just recently i have decided to try and get it back on the road. I got it when it was three years old (1994), from memory i didn't have the air con touched as it always worked. Probally needs converting to the new type (R314a). I've seen kits on ebay to do this for £49.99 including three canisters of gas? This sound reasonable?
Thanks
David.

Unread post by **alan s** » 01 Mar 2005, 17:27

It takes a bit more than just a few "O" rings and a charge of gas. They need to be evacuated with a vacuum pump and by sounds of it given the time factor it will almost certainly be out of gas and will also need a new receiver dryer.
At best, I'd suggest you look at fitting new neoprene "O" rings through the entire system and then get an air/con repairer to supply and fit a new dryer, evacuate and recharge as I feel that would be more economical than trying to DIY in this instance.
Alan S

fastandfurryous · Unread post by **fastandfurryous** » 28 Mar 2005, 04:00

There is an alternative to using R134a as a replacement for R12. Instead of the horrible cost of new compressor, expansion valve, drier and seals (which is what you need to do if you want it to work for more than 18 months... the £49.99 kits will knacker the compressor) you can instead use a direct replacement gas, R413.
This is a little-known gas, which is a blend of R134a and isobutane. It works in systems designed for R12, and works very well indeed. My 405 is just before the changeover from R12 to R134a, and I have been running with R413 for a while now. It's powerful enough to make the car positively cold, even on a baking hot summers day, and the compressor is even still having to cycle in and out, as the evaporator goes below the cut-off temperature!
There is a local refridgeration specialist near me who did the drop in for £60. Highly reccomended.