xsara ph2 aircon problem

[dei9]

Hi all,
Next problem is the air conditioning. So I don't have it working. The initial question is what does a knackered compressor sound like. I ask because when I start her up in the morning there's this massive scratchy rattle that disappears when the car warms up. So could this be the problem? Never worked on a compressor before. Next question is, can I swap one from a Xantia?
Thanks

[xantia_v6]

It is probably not your compressor causing your problem.

First thing is to check to see if the compressor clutch engages a few seconds after the engine starts (usually with a loud click)
If it is not engaging, it is probably because the pressure safety switch has cut out because there is not enough gas in the system.

[dei9]

Ah ok, it doesn't click in at all. I have that thing to check the pressure of the gas. If it's low I can top it up. Which one is the high pressure line, the two lines are running against the firewall on the passenger side. So that scratching rattle when cold noise isn't a knackered compressor then?

[addo]

The thin tube is the high side.

[Stickyfinger]

When starting "cold" and getting a "screech,rattle" check the pulleys and belt tension wheels, often worth checking the Alternator and Compressor ones as they are often "clutched" units.
PlusGas/WD40 does not work well on this type of item. Often it carries on for years but is generally the first sign of it getting corrosion in it and failing, check them/get them checked before getting your wallet out. as I don't like to shoot "off target" and cost you money

[dei9]

Do you mean the belt might be slipping when cold?
I saw the price of a new compressor!!!
So hoping it's not that. The alternator throws a fault from time to time. So it could be that, it still charges the battery ok for now. So if it is that, no massive rush. If it is the compressor, well, that can wait can't it (forever maybe).
I could always swap alternators from the Xantia (?).
But I'll check the gas now.

[Stickyfinger]

No, NOT the belts....the sounds come (often) from the clutches in the pulleys, they are either electromagnetic (Air-Con) or load sensing (alternators).

[dei9]

Hello, topped her up, and then it worked. Cool, literally. Thanks for the advice.

[Stickyfinger]

Does it still "screech and rattle" at start up |?

[wheeler]

The usual cause of an empty A/C system on a xsara is a leaking condensor, they normally leak at the bottom right corner (as you look at the front of the car) you can usually see the teltale oily residue.
Did you do a DIY top up ? If it was a garage doing a proper top up it should have been leak checked as part of the process otherwise it may be empty again in a few days or weeks.

[dei9]

Hi,I did top it up myself yes, with those canisters from Halfords, I need to check the pressure again today. The stuff has some anti leak stuff in side it so it may do the trick for the summer days if it's a slow leak. I'm not too bothered if it's a slow leak, if it's an easy fix I'd do it but I'll see first. I'll check for the oil at the same time. At least I know it works and there is are major issues with it.

And yes, it does still rattle when cold, so I guess it's down to the alternator clutch? Again, it still works and charges the battery. Can alternator clutches be overhauled?

Thanks