Technical Can somebody assist diagnosing Air Con?

[snowy1998]

Hello,

I have had a search and can't find any related topics so was wobndering if somebody could assist.

Have a 2010 Panda 1.4 Dynamique with AirCon, was last used in the summer and now we have just had our first mini heatwave of 2020 tried to put it on again yesterday.

Amber light shows it active on dash, however the electromagnetic clutch on the compressor does not appear to kick in and it sits stationary while the aux belt whizzes around.

I have checked the compressor and the internal pulley moves freeley indicating it's not jammed?

I read on some other threads that it could be gas pressure or a relay issue, but none that are specific to a Panda.

Anyone any ideas?

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Needs a regas at the very least.

Generally it’s far worse to leave the aircon switched off all
Winter than it is to run the Aircon through the winter which helps keep
The system healthy and helps dry the air in the car.
When the system is in use it circulates oil around that keeps all the seals supple and stops them drying out. When the rubber seals dry out they can crack or become hardened, so with expansion and contraction of the metal parts the open up leaks and the gas all escapes.

When the gas escapes there are pressure sensors that detect it and won’t turn on the compressor if there is no gas in the system.

 

[snowy1998]

Many thanks. To be honest I didn't think it would be due to lack of use, it probably hadn't been used for 2 or 3 years previous to last summer when it worked fine.

I guess it should be ok to re-gas or is there something extra that would need to be done to re-moisten the system so to speak.

thanks

 

[varesecrazy]

Many thanks. To be honest I didn't think it would be due to lack of use, it probably hadn't been used for 2 or 3 years previous to last summer when it worked fine.

I guess it should be ok to re-gas or is there something extra that would need to be done to re-moisten the system so to speak.

thanks

The regas should include a lubricant component

 

[portland_bill]

Many thanks. To be honest I didn't think it would be due to lack of use, it probably hadn't been used for 2 or 3 years previous to last summer when it worked fine.

I guess it should be ok to re-gas or is there something extra that would need to be done to re-moisten the system so to speak.

thanks

If it has not been used for that amount of time a regas is unlikely to 'fix' it. The seals will not just have dried and shrunk, but probably also split. The ones at each pipe joint are easily replaced, but the seal inside the pump might mean a new pump is required.

 

[timmycm850]

Hi All

We have had a 2005 dynamic A/C since new and have used the aircon throughout the year, summer time for the cool air and winter time we use it to dry the air and cleaning the screen quicker with dry air. Its never needed a regas in 15 years and still works great.

So yes the trick is to use the aircon weekly.

I agree with the above and it sounds like you need the regas with the dye and lube, that will pin point any leeks for repair.

Tim

 

[snowy1998]

looks like i'm off to kwik fit to take advantage of the Recharge or no charge

 

[portland_bill]

looks like i'm off to kwik fit to take advantage of the Recharge or no charge

It is possible that you may find someone competent who will give you a proper and accurate diagnosis.
Whatever they say, do not accept any offer of repair, but instead get their diagnosis in writing, either theirs or you take a notebook, and present it here, so that you can gain the benefit of unbiased advice.

 

[snowy1998]

Many thanks, will do......

 

[Kronkron]

Keep us informed of your finding, once the lockdown is over I will need to get my system regassed

 

[DaveMcT]

Fast fit outfits can be good but can also be sharp at finding problems to make them more work.
A local garage that survives on maintaining a good reputation is a far better option.

 

[varesecrazy]

Fat fit outfits can be good but can also be sharp at finding problems to make them more work.
A local garage that survives on rmaintaining a good eputation is a far better option.

Can I have my typing finger back when you are done.. ?

 

[The Panda Nut]

I had similar on another small car 12 months back. It was a leaking seal. My local garage suggested a sealant might work and I gave the go ahead. It did indeed work and was still working 6 months later when I sold the car. Cost was about £60 for the recharge and test and the sealant which I though was good value. We had established a leak and its extent and the cost of getting to it to replace the seals.

Our 1.2 Panda had a holed condenser (air con rad). These are not too pricey and it did fix the problem. Air con gas has shot up in price recently so a thorough check by someone who knows is vital to avoid running up the bill if the fist fix does not work.

 

[DaveMcT]

Can I have my typing finger back when you are done.. ?

I should tripe in Notepood - at lust that meet spell cheek four me.