C5x7 air conditioning query

[aerodynamica]

The air con in old Nim doesn't work. It doesn't blow as cold as you'd want in hot conditions. First though as ever, is that it needs recharged but I suspect the compressor itself isn't doing anything because when the a/c button is pressed on or off there is no change in sound from the engine. I disconnected the two plugs at the compressor and they look clean and healthy inside. The driver manual lists fuse f11 in the engine fusebox as ' air conditioning blower' a 40a beast that appears to be fine. It's the only fuse listed I could see with any reference to the a/c.

Anyone have any other suggestions of what to check?

[GiveMeABreak]

That's normal behaviour Graeme.

If the A/C system detects the gas is too low in the system, then it disables the compressor clutch from engaging to prevent compressor damage. So in this scenario pressing the A/C button will make no difference as it won't engage.

I suggest you get a full A/C service where they will first check for leaks, before vacuuming out the oil and gas, clean and disinfect the system, then recharge the system with the correct quantities of oil and gas.

[GiveMeABreak]

I should also add that if they detect a leak, they can generally advise you where the leak is coming from after testing the valves and common areas with a sniffer tool.

I had a mobile A/C service come to me and did the lot for £80!

[aerodynamica]

Are they a nationwide company? That seems very good

[GiveMeABreak]

I used https://cool-carz.co.uk/ Graeme they don't operate in Scotland as yet.

Though there are a few coming up for Glasgow:

https://vehicle-air-conditioning-servic ... ness.site/

But if push comes to shove, even Halfords to an A/C service now or Kwik Fit.

[RichardW]

If you look in Diagbox Graeme, it will tell you if the low pressure cut out is active - it may also actually give the pressure in the system. If the pressure is not zero, then it may well just have a weep somewhere (service ports are a favourite!), and it may spring back into life if you put some gas in it. If it's zero, then it's got a proper leak.... condensers are hardly unknown, and damage or a leak may be obvious via an oil stain, there is also a pipe that was a common fail on some X7s IIRC.

[Sloppysod]

........ service ports are a favourite!.......

On wife's Corsa, I found the Schrader valve to be leaking after testing with a drop of soapy water. Replaced the valve, recharged system works fine.

As always "Quick simple" checks first.....

[aerodynamica]

Well I got the chance to hook up the lexia and have a look. It said there are no faults with the air conditioning??

[RichardW]

Won't necessarily show as a fault, you need to check live data to see what the pressure is, and if the low P cutout is active. If you're over Carluke way you can pop over, I've got a refill can with a gauge on it, we can see if there's any pressure in it.

[aerodynamica]

Thanks Richard! Would be good. I'll certainly be back over at some point. I've spent all day doing the hydraulic pipes