hows the best way to check a car id like to buys' a/c is working properly? went to look at one car and the dealer just turned the fan on full and said'see how cold it is?' but it could just have been cold 'cus of the speed the fan was on!
steve
take a thermometer with you, the air coming out should be about 10 degrees or so below ambient temperature.
mrcheerful
As the a/c is turned on, you should hear the tickover change slightly. Also with the bonnet open, you should hear a distinct click every few seconds from the a/c compressor each time it's clutch is engaged, and the system 'cycles'. All of the above assuming the temperature is high enough for the a/c to work. At temperatures near freezing it won't switch on anyway. Mike.
That'd be about -9 today then...
Aircon systems have an internal thermostat, normally set to around 2 degrees.
The best way to test it in winter is to turn the aircon off, set the heater max temp and recirc. Sit in the car until it gets really hot and steamy. Then turn the aircon on (still with recirc and max temp) and see how quickly the mist clears.
Cheers,
Colin.
The UK autumn/winter/spring is an excellent time for dealers to sell cars with fauty air con because it's going to be very difficult to give them a proper test. Dealers are unlikely to allow it, but the best way could be to connect up a manifold gauge set to see if the system is running at expected pressures, i.e. to see if it's got at least some refrigerant. Don't be fobbed-off with the comment that "it just needs a recharge", when what they really mean is that the system is faulty, they don't really know or admit exactly what's wrong, and it could cost £1000's (literally) to put right.
Regards George
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.