Does My A/c Work?

[Woody1966]

Hi all sorry if this is a dumb question but....I am trying to work out if my A/C system is working or not.Unfortunately it is -2.0 outside and I am not sure if A/C systems have a temperature switch. I have just purchased this car so need to know of any problems now so I can get them fixed/paid for under warranty.

The a/c light comes on on all 4 fan settings but i am not hearing anything happening in the engine nor do the revs drop slightly as I would have expected as the compressor kicks in.

Does this mean it is not working or is it just the outside temperature that is preventing the compressor from cutting in.If it is the outside temperature how do I check it is working as by the time the weather warms up it will be too late

Kind Regards

 

David

[MadBaz]

If you can see the compressor pulley, the one below the alternator, it should be going round with engine on and with a/c on or off, if you look at the centre of the pulley, if ii's not on/working the the innards will be static, when a/c on & working the innards spin with the pulley.

 

I don't think there is a low temp cut off as mine works in the cold, when c/c set to clear windscreen, the compressor will shut down though if any faults are present, usually low pressure. Get a vag-com lead (~£8 on ebay) and download vcds lite (free) any faults then can be read.

Edited February 4, 2012 by MadBaz

[credless]

The A/C wont kick in if ambient temp is below 5 deg C - at least thats the case with my MK2. Suggest wait until weather improves a bit and try again. The AC light will still illuminate. Edited February 4, 2012 by credless

[seatkid]

The A/C wont kick in if ambient temp is below 5 deg C - at least thats the case with my MK2. Suggest wait until weather improves a bit and try again. The AC light will still illuminate.

Correct for Mk1 also.

[MadBaz]

The A/C wont kick in if ambient temp is below 5 deg C - at least thats the case with my MK2. Suggest wait until weather improves a bit and try again. The AC light will still illuminate.

Correct for Mk1 also.

 

 

http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gifWhy's mine working then (C/C on auto, ambient at 0.5c)? and double checked this morning. Compressor deffo going round, as is refrigerant, ever so slight hissing from evap. Looks like I need to get the lappy out.

[gregers]

could be wrong,but iirc it is working but not cooling.

hence why when using aircon in this weather it helps to clear the screen quicker.

[MadBaz]

Just had a look on TIS,

MK2: 2.8 and 1.9 with climate control don't have de-icing switch all others do.

MK1: 2.3 and 2.0 do have a de-icing switch, all others don't.

 

The de-icing switch is activated at 1 deg C measured at the evap fins, it disconnects the compressor clutch, it's de-activated when temp rises to 2.5 deg C.

 

I cannot find any reference to the a/c system being disconnected according to the ambient temp.