Air con - how to tell if borked?
Discussion
I bought my Civic last year, and the air con has never worked in it. This doesn't bother me a great deal, but if as the vendor told me, it only needs a re-gas, I may as well get it done.
I've inspected the system - all looks to be ok. The compressor(?) kicks in when I turn it on, and the button lights up. I'm pretty sure there's gas in the system too. I found 2 valvey looking things which when pressed release a healthy sounding "psssssshhhhh".
Is there anything else I need to check before getting it gassed? Obviously I don't want to get it re-gassed only to find out something else in the system doesn't work.
I've inspected the system - all looks to be ok. The compressor(?) kicks in when I turn it on, and the button lights up. I'm pretty sure there's gas in the system too. I found 2 valvey looking things which when pressed release a healthy sounding "psssssshhhhh".
Is there anything else I need to check before getting it gassed? Obviously I don't want to get it re-gassed only to find out something else in the system doesn't work.
As much as I hate the idea of recommending them, most 'Kwik Fits' offer regasses and won't charge you if it doesn't work....
Something else to check, does the electric fan cycle with the aircon active ? If it doesn't the output will be pretty poor unless you are driving at motorway speeds.
Something else to check, does the electric fan cycle with the aircon active ? If it doesn't the output will be pretty poor unless you are driving at motorway speeds.
If your compressor is still clicking in, then you do have gas in the system, as you already mentioned.
The most common issue with cars is leaks in the condensor, usually down to corrosion or stones going through them. If you can see the condensor check for damp spots or slightly green areas if the system has had dye put in at some stage. This principal applies for the whole system, any damp spots could be a leak, most often on fittings/joints where there is a seal.
If you want to find a leak, get your garage to take the gas out and do a high pressure test with nitrogen, this usually finds most issues.
If the gas level is good and there aren't any leaks, you may want to check the pressure switch as if that fails the system simply won't work. The thermostat may also be another problem area although that's not a very common problem with cars.
The most common issue with cars is leaks in the condensor, usually down to corrosion or stones going through them. If you can see the condensor check for damp spots or slightly green areas if the system has had dye put in at some stage. This principal applies for the whole system, any damp spots could be a leak, most often on fittings/joints where there is a seal.
If you want to find a leak, get your garage to take the gas out and do a high pressure test with nitrogen, this usually finds most issues.
If the gas level is good and there aren't any leaks, you may want to check the pressure switch as if that fails the system simply won't work. The thermostat may also be another problem area although that's not a very common problem with cars.
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