Ford Fiesta Air Con problems...:-(

[Griff Boy]

Hi,
I took my sons 2003 Fiesta 1.4dci to the local Halfords today as the air con isn't working, but unfortunately it was numpty day and the guy there didn't have a clue...

The problem is that despite the aircon button light goes on and off when pressed, the car doesn't put any cold air out at all, so I thought get it recharged...

Found the lower valve after removing the nearside headlight, the fitter connected his pressure valve and gas bottle, but he said it wouldn't let much gas in. Started the car, and nothing, still warm. But there was a clicking by the valve, every 10 secs or so, and the pressure gauge on the tester cycled up and down in time with the clicking.

Any ideas where to go next? Is it worth checking fuses and relays etc?

Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers GB

[haggishunter]

Sounds like low gas , it’ll fire up the compressor then detect low pressure and switch it off. The pressure is restored and repeats the cycle. I’d get it checked by a competent person.

[finlo]

Was the fan running?

[DuraAce]

haggishunter said:

Sounds like low gas , it’ll fire up the compressor then detect low pressure and switch it off. The pressure is restored and repeats the cycle. I’d get it checked by a competent person.

This.

Halfords? What were you thinking?

Find a local air con specialist.

[Griff Boy]

haggishunter said:

Sounds like low gas , it’ll fire up the compressor then detect low pressure and switch it off. The pressure is restored and repeats the cycle. I’d get it checked by a competent person.

Cheers mate, hopefully it's a simple fix then!

[Griff Boy]

finlo said:

Was the fan running?

The fan controlled from inside the car? If so, yes was on full whack.

[Griff Boy]

DuraAce said:

haggishunter said:

Sounds like low gas , it’ll fire up the compressor then detect low pressure and switch it off. The pressure is restored and repeats the cycle. I’d get it checked by a competent person.

This.

Halfords? What were you thinking?

Find a local air con specialist.

It was Scotland, and it was hot.. I panicked! Lol

[Peanut Gallery]

Griff Boy said:

finlo said:

Was the fan running?

The fan controlled from inside the car? If so, yes was on full whack.

Also need the engine cooling fan to run, keeps the air flowing past the rad and the air con condenser. - My focus runs the fan at a low speed when the AC is on, however I have heard some fiestas run the fan at max speed..

This keeps the pressure down in the system, otherwise the system trips on high pressure, then the system cools just passively, the system starts the compressor again, over-pressures, trips, cools, starts, over....

Find someone not at Halfrauds who can put a pressure gauge on the high and low side!

[Griff Boy]

Peanut Gallery said:

Griff Boy said:

finlo said:

Was the fan running?

The fan controlled from inside the car? If so, yes was on full whack.

Also need the engine cooling fan to run, keeps the air flowing past the rad and the air con condenser. - My focus runs the fan at a low speed when the AC is on, however I have heard some fiestas run the fan at max speed..

This keeps the pressure down in the system, otherwise the system trips on high pressure, then the system cools just passively, the system starts the compressor again, over-pressures, trips, cools, starts, over....

Find someone not at Halfrauds who can put a pressure gauge on the high and low side!

Cheers mate, just trying to find a local specialist to take it to. Wouldn't mind, but its not even my car! Lol

[finlo]

Peanut Gallery said:

Also need the engine cooling fan to run, keeps the air flowing past the rad and the air con condenser. - My focus runs the fan at a low speed when the AC is on, however I have heard some fiestas run the fan at max speed..

This keeps the pressure down in the system, otherwise the system trips on high pressure, then the system cools just passively, the system starts the compressor again, over-pressures, trips, cools, starts, over....

Find someone not at Halfrauds who can put a pressure gauge on the high and low side!

I was referring to the rad/condenser fan or as you say it will keep chopping in and out on the HP switch.

[paps]

As well as avoiding Halfords, I'd steer clear of ATS Euro Master.
I went there for a recharge and the bloke tried to hook up to the high pressure valve, then complained that his adapter wouldn't fit because the valve is recessed.
It was only later that I discovered that the low pressure valve is toward the back of the engine bay on my SMax. Ended up buying a can and trigger system and DIYing it.

Go see a specialist.

[Griff Boy]

Hi all,

Just to close this off, I took this advice and took the car to a local specialist with a full diagnostic and regassing machine. They tested the system and all came back absolutely fine, just low on gas. One full regas later and an instantly colder car!

Moral of this story, never go to Halfords for anything more than a fluffy steering wheel cover!

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.

[Peanut Gallery]

May I ask for details of the specialist, if you would recommend him! Mine was talking about retirement when he did my car, and his website has not been renewed.

Thanks in advance!

[anonymous-user]

paps said:

As well as avoiding Halfords, I'd steer clear of ATS Euro Master.

Go see a specialist.

Agree about ATS. Years ago I went there to get the tracking done on my car, when I asked if they had the full four wheel laser alignment system the guy working there told me condescendingly "We have been doing tracking for over 30 years". I should have walked then as my gut told me they didn't have the right equipment but I let them do it anyway.

Afterwards the car just didn't feel right and as I was on a sweeping dual carriageway at 70MPH the traction control kicked it. I had to go back as the car was dangerous and in the end the guy was driving up and down the carpark with his hands off the wheel to see if it was going straight......

Absolute numpties.

[Griff Boy]

Peanut Gallery said:

May I ask for details of the specialist, if you would recommend him! Mine was talking about retirement when he did my car, and his website has not been renewed.

Thanks in advance!

Hi mate,
It was a local place based in Edzell, has a huge Bosch test rig and regas unit and were able to do a full system check etc first as well. Good price at £40 too. Called brand garages, only an independent though, so not sure the location would work for you! Lol