Citroen C5 X7 - AC cold air only when moving.

[GolfMk1Vr6]

Hi!

I have this problem that i noticed since the weather got warmer: AC blows cold air only when the car is moving, when the car stops it's uncomfortably hot inside.

I never heard the 2nd stage of the radiator fan working so i was prepared to order the cooling fan resistor 9827870080 / 1267 J6 and replace it.

Before doing that i checked the 1st and 2nd fan stages with FAP app and suprisignly, both of them works fine.

Any suggestions?

2012 C5 X7 2.0 HDI 163 cp.

Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

A/C will work regardless of when the car is moving or not. Either it's working or it isn't. You may actually find that the cooling effect you are getting is only from the air intake when the car is in motion and not from the A/C.

If the A/C is low on gas, the compressor will automatically shut off to protect the compressor.

I suggest you get an A/C service, where they will check refrigerant levels, check for leaks, pressure test the system and replace / top up the refrigerant and oil where needed.

The low speed fan will always come on when the A/C is activated. But as said, if the refrigerant is low, the system may be cutting in and out.

[GolfMk1Vr6]

I forgot to mention, the AC was serviced, refrigerant and oil were top up. There's no error on the tester.

[GiveMeABreak]

How long ago was that checked? Before or since the current problem? - I ask as something like a stone chip can put a small hole in the condenser at anytime. Happened to me a few times on my X7.

If you're sure that's not the issue, what about the exterior temperature sensor in the wing mirror? Is this reading correctly? If not, this can affect the A/C as it relies on the outside temperature for correct operation.

[GolfMk1Vr6]

The AC was checked in the spring time, it had 500+ grams of refrigerant from the total of 650. I noticed the problem only when the weather got warmer.

There's absolutely no fault code on the tester.

Might be a compressor clutch problem? In what conditions may i simulate the 2nd stage of the radiator cooling fan? I never heard it until i started from the FAP app.

[GiveMeABreak]

The second or higher speed fan only comes on at very high engine temperatures - say on a really hot summers day, when the engine is really hot and in standing traffic jams as an example, where the engine isn't moving, so isn't getting any air-ram cooling effect. Under normal conditions you won't really ever see or hear the engine fan on at high speed otherwise.

Remember the only real fault codes you'll get for the A/C system are likely to be related to the pressure information - the rest of the faults for the system are really related to the ECU on the dash, the air mixer and distribution, the sunshine sensor for example and the external air temperature that I mentioned. You didn't say whether you checked to see if the outside temperature reading on the multifunction display is accurate when testing with a thermometer on the outside of the vehicle...

Also you may have the incorrect refrigerant level - please provide your VIN and I can confirm the correct volume. Please post your VIN in full without spaces - it will be automatically masked from public view after submitting your post & will only be visible to staff.

The X7 will have a refrigerant capacity of between 525 and 625 grammes depending on the engine fitted, not 650!

[GolfMk1Vr6]

The outside temperature sensor has a correct reading.

My mechanic added refrigerant from 500+ (the quantity in the system) to 600+, can't remember exactly. The correct amount will be appreciated and i will check with the printed paper tomorrow. VIN number: VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Also i will check the ac compressor clutch by pressing AC button and see if it stops or not and also i'll check again the cabin filter (it was recently replaced though).

Thanks for your help!

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so confirmed that you have a DW10CTED4 engine that is Euro 5 and therefore the refrigerant capacity on this vehicle is 525 grammes. If it's been over-filled it can cause serious damage.

I suggest you switch the A/C OFF until you have it properly checked out - and change your mechanic....

[GolfMk1Vr6]

I was wrong, i checked the printed ticket and the quantity added was indeed 525 grams.

I checked the compressor clutch, it works fine.

The only thing i have to check is the cabin filter, after that i have no idea what to do.

[GolfMk1Vr6]

I often get the ,,Economy mode active" message and i often have to start the engine in order to open the trunk, adjust the electric seats and so on.

Seems to me like a dead 12v battery. Maybe this might cause the problem with the AC also?

@GiveMeABreak Can you help me with the battery type that is needed for my car? How many Ah or part number.

Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

Happy to help with part numbers, but please see below:

We can help if you need an original genuine part number, part diagram or factory build sheet and can't already find the info you need on the Forum. For this service, we do ask for a membership upgrade for official parts data as we are in turn charged for this. It will cover you for future part number requests for up to 2 years, so excellent value.

If interested, links are below, then provide your vehicle's VIN in full, which will be masked automatically when you submit your post.

A response to your question by a Forum Admin requiring parts or specific vehicle information requires you to have made a current contribution (Min. £10 / €11.48 or equivalent) to the Forum.

To Upgrade Your Membership & Donate Click Here For Further Information About Vehicle Parts and VIN Numbers Click Here

[GolfMk1Vr6]

Hi!

I have solved the issue replacing the power control valve from the AC compressor (Sanden manufacturer). I knew this issue from an ex-VAG car with the same problem.

Now AC is working fine, part price is around 45 euros. Refrigerant must be extracted first.



Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

Thanks for updating the thread.