ZX 16v Air-Con.

Seamster15 · Post by **Seamster15** » 02 Aug 2004, 20:41

Hi all,
I have a ZX 16v with aircon fitted but not working

I am told that it need new seals, a condensor and a receiver!.
Does anyone know if these parts are the same as the ones fitted to the xantia or do I have one of those famous Citroen bespoke systems!
many thanks...

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 02 Aug 2004, 20:45

Dont forget the Peugeots too, A 306,405,406 one might fit too.

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 02 Aug 2004, 20:58

If it is not working, Who has tested this? Do you know if it is an R12 or R134a System. If the condenser is stuffed then you need a receiver but compressor seals are often ok (But an expensive job to have done!) and the manufacturers suggest that it will be all right on both gases.
Have you had any professional tests done on the system?

Seamster15 · Post by **Seamster15** » 02 Aug 2004, 21:13

Hmmmm... R12 or R134a.... *Seamster goes outside for a look..* (he maybe a long time!)

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 02 Aug 2004, 21:20

There should be a label on the compressor. Can you still get the condenser from GSF. It may be worthwhile checking this first. I don't think you would like to know what the main dealer wallet pulling tool could cost for this. It is almost certainly viable as a DIY job if you can get a cheaper condenser. Citroen may well ask for £300+. Do some research!

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 02 Aug 2004, 21:32

Its most likely got R134a in it

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 02 Aug 2004, 21:45

hmm zx 16v with air con, how rare must that be! Oh for your car on saturday when I was sat on the m25 in my 16v in that boiling heat wearing jeans and my normal blower fan doesnt work! lol

Seamster15 · Post by **Seamster15** » 03 Aug 2004, 01:40

Its black with black leather also, so it really needs the aircon.....! (to be working!!!)

Seamster15 · Post by **Seamster15** » 03 Aug 2004, 02:01

Hmmm... any idea's on how to tell which system it has...? perhaps I could ring Citroen with the vin/Chassis number?

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 03 Aug 2004, 14:44

and leather! archie heh, i think thats my problem with mine, i never named it so ive never felt at one with it, all my visa's had names except also the current one, must sort that :p
re: chassis number, may help, i went to citroen yesterday to get a new acav diaphram as yet another broke and their search thing took ages to work and he said if he put in just the chassis number it brings back all the stuff instantly so may be worth a try

drkstuart · Post by **drkstuart** » 03 Aug 2004, 16:03

it's almost definately r134.freon12 was phased out years ago due to the greenhouse effect and it is very hard to get hold of.it's a shame because it was a far superior gas.on this forum an a/c man will no doubt put you right.

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 03 Aug 2004, 17:51

OK; we'll settle for R134. What was the failure pattern; did it just stop or did it get weaker?
Again, what tests have been done?

Seamster15 · Post by **Seamster15** » 03 Aug 2004, 19:19

The system was not working when the car was purchased. About a year ago the car was taken to the AA at Halfords for a re gass but after they purged the system of the old gas their machine broke! Its not untill recently that we hace pursued fixing it again and so took the car for a full dianostic at the AA again... they said that the system was compltely dry and required new seals to all pipes a new condensor and receiver!
[xx(]
I think it maybe time for a 2nd opinion.
BTW the system clicks as normal when turned on and has a noticable drain on power.
many thanks...

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 03 Aug 2004, 21:22

That would suggest that there IS pressure in the system. If there wasn't, that wouldn't happen. Maybe the AA didn't manage to purge it and broke their machine!
You need to observe the compressor clutch operation first and see if the clutch can be pulled in by operating the a/c. The end of the compressor will stay still if it doesn't pull in.
If it does pull in, and the fans pull in too then
I would reckon on going for a regas to see if it will work. If not, then a more thorough debug is required

Seamster15 · Post by **Seamster15** » 04 Aug 2004, 13:54

Thanks Tom,
I will give this a try at the weekend....