Non GS... Air con question

[blues n twos]

Hi all,

Need to pick your brains about air con on my car. Mondeo ST24 V6.

When I put the aircon on, firstly the air does not get colder nore can I hear anything kick in in the engine

On my other Mondeo the engine revs drop slightly and you can hear something doing its job up front

If there is no or little gas in the system would the compressor still work or does every thing stop if gas is low

Jon

 

[lynchy]

air con

Not sure how the mondeo system works, but on most systems if it needs recharging there is a sensor in the system which cuts out the electrical feed to the A/C compressor clutch. Try running the engine with the A/C turned to max cold and see if the pulley on the compressor it turning, It might switch its self on and off and you should hear a clicking noise. If its not turning look for a wire on the compressor,try linking a 12v wire from the battery to this wire and you should see the compressor pulley start to turn. If this happens you need to get the system recharged. Hope this helps

 

[Aidan1150]

If your system does need charged try getting a quote from a transport refridgeration company. Thermo King or Carrier agents carry the gas for air con systems as it is the same stuff used in road reefers (there are lots of different types). Should be cheaper than going to a Ford dealer.

 

[Blackal]

Is the ambient temperature high enough to let it kick in?

You are right about the revs dipping on compressor start

You've most likely lost enough gas from the system to trip the Low Pressure cut-out (which prevents the compressor from running and dragging in air from atmosphere, Or...............

The compressor is seized due to lack of use . They recommend you run the AC for a short while every month or so (if the ambient temperature allows it to kick in)

You should take it to an AC specialist first to check for gas, then check for leakage.

Al

 

[John Armstrong]

I had the same problem on a T reg mondeo, it was a pipe that goes near to the wheels etc, gets corroded and fails. A common problem for them I was told. Helps Mr Fords profits I suppose.

 

[jetjock]

Ive got a v6 2.5 mundaneo and similar thing happened to me in last years heat wave .Not funny.Same symptoms as yours. Kept trying the A/C and it eventually started to work.

 

[Timolgra]

When I put the aircon on, firstly the air does not get colder nore can I hear anything kick in in the engine

You should be able to hear, and sometimes see, the electro magnetic clutch engage on the pulley.

If not, it could just be the fuse or the relay.

Take a wire from the battery positive and join into the feed wire for the A/C clutch to check this.

 

[Smartbazza]

ac

there'll be a puncture or leak and the system wont run when low on gas.
£200 'll fix it.

or put the window down..

 

[blues n twos]

Thanks for all your advice chaps, much appreciated

However I did some digging in the engine last night and found that the compressor has been completly bypassed

The belt that drives it does not go anywhere near it

I have a reciept of work done by Ford for a new air con compressor clutch done in 2004 and tested ok but querying a slow leak.

Now my suspicious mind is telling me there must be something quite wrong with the system for them to have fitted a smaller belt to bypass the compressor entirely

Bugger!

Jon

 

[Keith Chapman]

looks like there will be a V6 mundaneo on ebay soon did you sell your old one

 

[Springer]

If they have taken the drive belt off its likely there is a compressor fault as regards to slow leaks. I spend a lot of time tracing leaks for main dealers the phrase covers a multitude of sins. I would recomend you look in yellow pages under refrigeration engineers get them to confirm its the compressor and pressure test the system with nitrogen if its sound get them to order a compressor from VAC services normally about 50% cheaper than main dealers fit it yourself and book em to return evac and recharge the system.

 

[blues n twos]

If they have taken the drive belt off its likely there is a compressor fault as regards to slow leaks. I spend a lot of time tracing leaks for main dealers the phrase covers a multitude of sins. I would recomend you look in yellow pages under refrigeration engineers get them to confirm its the compressor and pressure test the system with nitrogen if its sound get them to order a compressor from VAC services normally about 50% cheaper than main dealers fit it yourself and book em to return evac and recharge the system.

Thanks for your advice mate Can a system be tested then without the compressor running

Don't suppose your round amersham way are you

Jon

 

[blues n twos]

looks like there will be a V6 mundaneo on ebay soon did you sell your old one

Hi Keith,

Old one sold today to a forum member

I won't be doing anything yet as I got the car for a vey good price. Will do some research re the aircon and see how it goes. The car drives so nice and looks great. Parkers show the car at £1500 in good nick so quids in at the moment but that can all change

Jon

 

[Springer]

Sorry chap your a bit far out from sunny dorset but most competent fridge blokes who do car a/c will sort you out I suspect that your system lost gas and its caused damage to the compressor so before you go throwing money at a new compressor do get the system checked as in most cases the condensor (rad looking thing at the front) is the source of the leak and you may find Condensor/compressor/drier/recharge may or may not be economicly viable your local one man band fridge monkey will charge you 20 to 40 quid to advise you but will normally wave this charge if you give them the work. good luck

 

[Voyager]

there'll be a puncture or leak and the system wont run when low on gas. or put the window down..

I had a similar problem with my 2003 Focus Ghia Estate - had to use the sunroof in the hot weather !

Fords re-charged the Air-con system and put a tracer dye in to help trace the leak.

Don't know what it cost - its a Company Car

 

[GrinningGSer]

My merc W124 AC stopped working a few years ago cos the heat exchanger sprung a leak
Exchanger was approx £300, but labour was approx 14hrs

Manufacturers seem to love burying heat exchangers in the most inaccessible places

As previously mentioned, usually if the gas has gone, the compressor clutch will not activate