Zafira 2002 2.2 Air conditioning clutch not engaging

[kenm]

The air conditioning clutch does not engage when the AC is switched on.

I took it to a garage that does a free check and they told me "The air
conditioning clutch does not engage when the AC is switched on" (I had
already figure that out) and that therefore that the problem was not
that it needed a re-gas. They did not seem to have much idea beyond
that. Can't really complain, as they did not charge me.

I have since got the impression, from reading the newsgroup etc, that
there might be some kind of cut out switch to prevent the current being
applied to engage the clutch, if the gas is low. Is this correct?

I have not been able to locate the switch (The engine bay is a bit
tight to say the least on the 2.2). Could anyone give me a clue where
to look for it?

Many Thanks for any help,

Ken

 

[ib]

The air conditioning clutch does not engage when the AC is switched on.

I took it to a garage that does a free check and they told me "The air
conditioning clutch does not engage when the AC is switched on" (I had
already figure that out) and that therefore that the problem was not
that it needed a re-gas. They did not seem to have much idea beyond
that. Can't really complain, as they did not charge me.

I have since got the impression, from reading the newsgroup etc, that
there might be some kind of cut out switch to prevent the current being
applied to engage the clutch, if the gas is low. Is this correct?

I have not been able to locate the switch (The engine bay is a bit
tight to say the least on the 2.2). Could anyone give me a clue where
to look for it?

Many Thanks for any help,

Ken

Yes, there is a low / high pressure switch which will prevent the compressor
from switching on unless the pressures are correct.
The most likely cause of compressors not cutting in is lack of gas, so I
don't think the garage knew much about this.

I'd recommend you get the pressure checked, if it's ok, look for an
electrical fault, if not, get a leak check / regas.

You could try to locate and bypass the pressure switch for test at your
risk, but you've got a fault somewhere that needs fixing, and it's difficult
to fix ac without the correct tools and knowledge.

I don't know where the switch is on your car without looking, but if you
follow the pipes from the compressor you should find it.


www.poolecool.co.uk

 

[kenm]

"ib" many thanks for your suggestions.

I have now managed to locate the switch (to the left (looking from the
font) of the small AC radiator in front of of the main radiator if
anyone else has the same prob).
There were three contacts on it, but it was impossible to get a
multimeter onto them without going to great lengths to dismantle the
surrounding parts.

The theory that the gas is low sounds likely. I will take it to a
different AC place that hopefully has more idea what they are doing (I
would give you a go at www.poolecool.co.uk if I was anywhere near, but
unfortunately I am not

Anyone got any recommendations for AC re-gassing in or near Milton
Keynes, (or even Northampton or Cambridge as I travel there
frequently)?

Thanks,

Ken

 

[me140]

Have you actually checked to see if the compressor clutch has gone? No
point in paying out for a regas if the clutch has failed.
Just unplug the 2 pin plug on the compressor - start the engine - turn ac
on - see if you have got a live and earth. If yes the clutch has gone. If no
it probably has no gas in it. Then you have to start wondering where it has
gone. If you haven't used it for ages then it may be natural loss through
the seals shrinking but if you have been using it and it stopped working it
will more than likely have a leak. Check over the condenser ( rad type thing
on the front ). Look for oil type staining - pay particular attention to the
join on the bottom right where the pipe comes in.

 

[kenm]

"me140", thanks for your help.

There is no voltage on the connector that connects on to the compressor
with the engine running and AC switch on. The AC had no been used all
winter (I now know it should have been switched on occasionally). I
will have a look for staining tomorrow, and if there are no obvious
leaks, take it for a re-gas later in the week.

Thanks Again,

Ken

 

[ib]

"ib" many thanks for your suggestions.

I have now managed to locate the switch (to the left (looking from the
font) of the small AC radiator in front of of the main radiator if
anyone else has the same prob).
There were three contacts on it, but it was impossible to get a
multimeter onto them without going to great lengths to dismantle the
surrounding parts.

The theory that the gas is low sounds likely. I will take it to a
different AC place that hopefully has more idea what they are doing (I
would give you a go at www.poolecool.co.uk if I was anywhere near, but
unfortunately I am not

Anyone got any recommendations for AC re-gassing in or near Milton
Keynes, (or even Northampton or Cambridge as I travel there
frequently)?

Thanks,

Ken

Just phone some local garages or google it or yellow pages, etc. You should
find someone who will do a good job for less than £50




www.poolecool.co.uk