ZX Air Conditioning

alaws · Post by **alaws** » 07 Aug 2003, 21:13

Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me whether they have air con fitted to their ZX?
Supposidly it was an optional extra (Like ABS), but I've never come across one with it.
Also, I know the 306's came with air con, and wondered whether anyone has transplanted one of their units into a zx, and if so, how much of a mare was it?
Thanks
Andy[?]

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 07 Aug 2003, 21:42

Ive seen a ZX in a scrap yard which im sure had it as the heater dial was totally different and im sure it had a extra switch either in it or near to turn it on. Cant remember now but im sure it was an extra when new along with the leather seats.
Oh did I need air con today in mine!

Crossman · Post by **Crossman** » 07 Aug 2003, 22:41

I would be interested in this as well, I have seen a couple of ZX with A/C in the autotrader but that was nationally so I guess they are quite rare.
Crossman.

alaws · Post by **alaws** » 07 Aug 2003, 23:19

I've come to the conclusion from the heat over the last couple of days that I need air-con as well.
You just can't win - heat no matter what you do.
Blowers on cold = Hot air
Windows open = Even hotter air
Sunroof open = HOT AIR + a free Scottish sun tan on your forehead !!!! (no offence)
Just can't win!!

tecw1979 · Post by **tecw1979** » 08 Aug 2003, 01:06

im going to be taking the air co from a 405mi16 as soon as my mates finished taking the engine out for his 205. may need to get the pipe docter on it to make more pipes up, but i have the mi16 in my zx too so pump will fit and i have the loom. im thinking itll be too late for this summer... u know itll b snowing next week !but maybe ill fit it over winter.will keep u posted. of course ull need to re gas the system.

SGould · Post by **SGould** » 15 Aug 2003, 18:35

No, but i have A/C in my Xantia which works well. However, there is a continuous light buzzing sound from the middle air vent when you switch it off and for about 5-10 minutes after turning it off, there is a stale smell that comes through the vents. Has been like this since I bought it 2 years ago. I have never fiddled with it isn't a big deal but would be nice to know what is behind it!
Any suggestions out there?
cheers
S

alan s · Post by **alan s** » 15 Aug 2003, 18:47

Before you get too excited about fitting air/con to a car that didn't have it fitted as standard, see if there is any allowance to fit it.
As an example, the BX 16V with air/con had an alloy sump whilst non air/con BX 16Vs had a steel.
The alloy sump had the fittings on it to accomodate the compressor but the steel one didn't.
Also a second fan is essential to operate the condensor as well as the engine cooling.
We are about to start next week fitting an air/con to my sons BX but we'll be taking it holus bolus out of an air/con car & fitting it into the non a/c vehicle. Both cars have the mechanicals out of them at present.
As a refrigeration mechanic by trade, that's the only way I would personally attempt this job on any modern car regardless of brand, so if it's possible to have the cars sitting side by side to do the transfer all well & good but if not, just remember the saying "a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing." If you don't know what I mean, I think you will by the time you're halfway through the job!![:0][:0][:p]
Alan S [;)]

pete woods · Post by **pete woods** » 15 Aug 2003, 19:33

Well "S" The buzzing sound may be the little fan that draws cabin air over the temp sensor. I think it's mounted behind the alarm led just below the center air vent. Not sure how to get it out to check or clean it though. I'm sure someone will tell us. As for the smell try changing the pollen filter. The one I took out of mine looked like an Alien life form! Smelt like it too. Also run the car till its nice & hot then with the aircon on turn the temp up to full & let it run for 10-15 min.(I left mine ticking over on the drive while I cut the grass)
This should kill the bugs in the tubes that cause the smell.

SGould · Post by **SGould** » 15 Aug 2003, 21:08

Thank you for your help Pete. Would you be able to tell me how to change the pollen filter?
Stath

pete woods · Post by **pete woods** » 15 Aug 2003, 22:29

Sure. It's behind the dash on the passenger side. Access is from the passenger footwell. Take out the screws that hold the carpet type trim material to the underside of the dash. With this out of the way you will see a plastic housing. Undo the 2 or 3 screws that hold on the oblong cover Thr pollen filter is under it & just pulls out. Fitting is a reversal of the procedure as they say. My A/C was working ok ish but I decided to get it recharged. A mobile specialist came round, took out the old stuff. Put in dye to trace any future leaks.Recharged & tested it. Massive improvment & peace of mind for £65!

chizzy · Post by **chizzy** » 16 Aug 2003, 10:58

I have a 95 zxtd with an Alpineair aftermarket a/c fitted by the previous owners. There have been some mods to allow this esp. bottom auxilliary belt tensioning roller and the mounting of the pas pump pulley. Oh and you lose the glovebox too!. The cooling element has failed once (stone chip) and the aux. belt 5 0r 6V 1225-1238mm are not easy to get hold of. Would not by a car without it after 5 years use. It might be worth talking to a mobile refrigeration engineer who sevices food transport vehicles because most of this stuff is standard across the industry. You will need a citroen compatible compressor to fit the sump mounting brackets and some blower unit that will fit in the glovebox or any available engine space!

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 16 Aug 2003, 11:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pete woods

Undo the 2 or 3 screws that hold on the oblong cover <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
On mine (a late 98 model) the cover just slides off. It has a foam rubber seal that sticks a bit though so it needs a bit of a wiggle to break the seal.
Watch out for dead wasps.

Guru Meditation · Post by **Guru Meditation** » 16 Aug 2003, 22:08

What's the feasibility/availability of an electric a/c compressor one that wouldn't need engine drive?

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 16 Aug 2003, 23:55

Guru -
That may make the installation easier - no need for a direct connection to an engine axle.
But the drive power is STILL taken from the engine - via the generator/battery.

alan s · Post by **alan s** » 17 Aug 2003, 03:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Guru Meditation

What's the feasibility/availability of an electric a/c compressor one that wouldn't need engine drive?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Does such a thing exist?
Unless there have been some rapid advancements in recent years, 12 volt sealed units either needed a power station to run them or a truck to carry them. [:D][:D][B)][xx(]
Alan S