Air Con has stopped working

Hi

I turned the aircon on my 2000 e46 323Ci today and although the dash indicator lights, the air coming from the vents doesn't feel cold. It worked last summer. I can see a small dip in revs at idle the instant the button is pressed, these revs then normalise so that would suggest the compressor is working. I am assuming therefore that the aircon needs regassing. Is this a fair assumption? How often do I need to do this? Is there a way of telling if this is really the problem?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers Rich

Reply to
Richard Spare
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Have you used the air-con system regularly?

I'd take it to an air-con specialist (not a BMW Stealer!) and get a leak test (think this is what its called) performed - this will show if it just a re-gas that's needed, or more expensive remedial work.

Most air-con systems need to be switched on even during winter to keep all the compressor seals lubricated.

Jason Russell

Reply to
Dotcom Computers

"Dotcom Computers" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@pipex.net...

Jason is right

Seems as if you did not use the aircon at all, for quite some time. The manual suggests using it at least once a month, to prevent the seals from drying out and leaking your gas out. During a regas they will put some "oil" in the system as well. This should lube the seals and your problem should be fixed.

MW

Reply to
MW de Jager

My wife's LS400 is almost 14 years old. The AC is used none at all each winter. The AC has never been serviced and still cools great. Had similar experiences with a Mazda 626, a Ford F150, over 10 years each and a Yukon XL for 5 years.

If not using the AC during the winter months causes the refrigerant to be lost on a car this old, there is something very wrong with the AC system or its design.

Reply to
GRL

My dad used to own an 1984 Toyata Cressida - the handbook stated that the air-com system needed to used at least once a month to keep the seals lubricated.

YMMV, but I'd say prevention is better than a cure for air-con ills.

Reply to
Dotcom Computers

My dad used to own an 1984 Toyata Cressida - the handbook stated that the air-com system needed to used at least once a month to keep the seals lubricated.

YMMV, but I'd say prevention is better than a cure for air-con ills.

Reply to
Dotcom Computers

I've got an older car that runs the compressor when you select 'defrost'. I'd say this is to make sure it gets used in the winter at some time - although it would depend on how hard your winters are.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

So in summary, what you guys are saying is that I screwed my aircon because I didn't read the manual and run the compressor periodically. I screw up the assembly of flat pack furniture for the same reason.

Thanks for your help. Richard

Reply to
Richard Spare

Wimp. It's far more fun to assemble furniture without a manual. Drawers which tip the contents onto the floor when pulled out are fun.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

You actually *buy* flat pack furniture? Jeez, that stuff's for real cheapskates.

Reply to
Dean Dark

LOL - too true Dave, too true

Reply to
Dotcom Computers

the revs will dip due to the current being drawn on the air con unit it does it on my 316 cheers darren

Reply to
darren williams via CarKB.com

Except when it happens to your better half! Then the ensuing bollocking isn't so funny..lol

Reply to
Richard Spare

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