[Tym]

Just as we hit the warm weather, I realised my air con doesn't work! Had it checked a short while ago as I was doubtful about it when it steamed up easily, and had half a charge put it. They (Preston Jaguar - independent garage) said that they coudn't find any issues with it...

Asked at main dealer today while I was there ordering my XF estate (I wish!!!! - can't wait til it's released later this year!) and they said the only other thing it could be is the compressor. Plenty on ebay, but...

a) Is there an easy way I can test my current one to see if that *is* the problem, and
b) has anyone replaced their compressor and is it a big job?

Ta!

 

[G4GVB]

Had my compressor changed a couple of months ago, I was told they had to drop the sub frame, I don't think they did. I think you need to go in from the top, that means moving the rad.

 

[Phil S]

sorry I hope you don't mind me hijacking the thread?

Mine works but not that cold. I have it booked in for A/C service on Friday, but in the meantime...
how is it best operated as I have had it set on Low with just A/C switched on and it seems warm, I tried it on 17deg Auto with A/C on and it is colder but not ice cold as I'd expect

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[G4GVB]

Have you got a digital thermometer? When I stick mine in the center vent and turn on the A/C full blast (set LO, fan on full, vents selected) after about a minute its reading around 4 C

 

[Tym]

Mine just feels like it's blowing cold air in from outside... even on LOW!

 

[Phil S]

Have you got a digital thermometer? When I stick mine in the center vent and turn on the A/C full blast (set LO, fan on full, vents selected) after about a minute its reading around 4 C

No I haven't I'm afraid. However on low it just seems to be hot and as it was 25 deg today not nice, when stuck on 17 at least there was cool air albeit not ice cold like I'd expect. As it is cold I'm hoping a re-charge will do the trick. I was just wondering as I haven't got a clue on how to use climate control yet if I was missing something.

 

[djdex]

Tym, don't rely on the dealer, there's no easy way to self diagnose - bite the bullet and go to an AC specialist, they'll be cheaper and better than a dealer.
In this case, by specialist, I do not mean Kwik Krap.

 

[Ian D]

A dealer will normally just say compressor as it's the most expensive part in the system on the X-Type.If it's blowing hot, I would as djdex says take it to an air con specialist, get it re-gassed with dye and then they should check the system for leaks, the system is pressurized, so they'll be checking to see if the system can hold it. A re-gas does normally sort it as the system looses a bit to the atmosphere as the system gets older.

 

[Beamender]

Tym, don't rely on the dealer, there's no easy way to self diagnose - bite the bullet and go to an AC specialist, they'll be cheaper and better than a dealer.
In this case, by specialist, I do not mean Kwik Krap.

Totally agree.
They will identify the problem.
They will tell you if the compressor is faulty or the clutch etc.

There are many places that now have auto regas kit.
This is how I believe it works.
IIRC They select the vehicle type so it know what weight of gas should be in the system.
It sucks out the gas and applies a vacuum to the system for maybe 30 mins and if the vacuum is maintained then it recharges the system with the correct amount.
If there is a leak then it will not recharge until that leak is fixed.

I am not aware of what "servicing an A/C" is,
I had the compressor replaced on my previous vehicle. As part of tha job the Dryer unit was replaced ( not expensive)
An additive sort of dye was introduced as well as the gas. In the event of a leak a U/V lamp should identify where the leak is.

 

[Phil S]

had the A/C done today £48 and no leaks and now lovely and cold

 

[martynuk]

Hi Phil

For future reference where did you get it fixed?

Cheers

Martyn

 

[Phil S]

Welcome - AutoMedics Ltd Car Servicing and Car Repairs Southend-on-Sea

they seemed friendly and helpful - I'd use them again

 

[gtomo2]

Had my air con serviced yesterday As it was blowing hot found the relay for the compresor clutch had blowen. So full service and new relay for £49. And nice cold air again now.

 

[Tym]

Had my air con serviced yesterday As it was blowing hot found the relay for the compresor clutch had blowen. So full service and new relay for £49. And nice cold air again now.

Oo! Mine's not blowing "hot" it's just not "cold"... it seems to be just blowing in the air from outside.

I'll check my fises though - easier to change that than the compressor...