Hi all, the air con on my face lift 2005 seems to have packed in. The compressor kicks in when I switch the a/c but theres a zinging noise under the dash from around the heater box area. The fan works on all speeds and Ive taken it out and it sound ok. Any ideas would be gratefully received.

Sorry, don't think I can help with this one. When you change fan speeds, does the volume of air coming out of the vents change?


The 'zinging' noise is difficult to imagine. If there's a 'clunk' when the a/c button is pressed and the engine note drops a little, then it sounds as though the compressor side of the circuit is ok. Could the zinging noise be a small leak in the cabin matrix that only starts leaking when the system pressure increases?


It may be worth having a dose of UV dye put in the system, then go looking for leaks under the dash with a suitable UV lamp.

I had a bad noise when air con used earlier this year.
At first I thought it was the radio playing up. It was hardly cold at all.

I have now regassed and all OK. Will see how it goes.

Pressure was low but it had not lost all the gas charge.
They inspect it for leaks with the dye as part of the refil.
While on VAC it kept vacuum OK so it looks like there is no leaks.
He went round with UV torch inspecting for leaks but nothing obvious.
They inject oil and dye as part of the change over while it is vacuum down.

Schrader valves on charging can leak - might be worth getting them changed for a few quid. Put some soapy water on top and look for bubbles when you know there is pressure in there ...

I got sorted, took it to work and they pressure tested the system with nitrogen. The pipe that has the re fill connectors on had a leak on one of the joins where it goes into a rubber pipe. Bought a new pipe that should have retailed at £225 but I managed to get sone discount, re charged and is now fully working. Its hard to justify to keep spending but its still cheaper that a finance agreement!