AE101 Air conditioner fault

[ill-minded]

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd ask around here first before I rang around to get an auto-electrician to look at the housemate's car.

In a nutshell, the car was recently purchased (maybe 3 months ago) and it's had this issue since she picked it up. What happens is that when the air conditioning switch is activated, the compressor will kick in and cool the air for anywhere between 3-10 minutes before cutting out and just recirculating air for the next 30+ minutes. I realise that A/C units cut in and out as part of normal operation, but it seems to cut out prematurely before the cabin space is even cooled and then ceases to start back up again until some time later, where it might only run for another few minutes.

I'm not really too crash hot at diagnosing electrical faults (which I believe it to be), so I was hoping someone might be able to help me pinpoint any potential causes. I don't think that the system needs regassing, as it does actually cool in the few minutes that it does do anything, but I'm not ruling it out completely just yet. I was thinking it might be a thermostat or something playing up.

Any thoughts?

[Hiro]

Dying compressor? Could be that the compressor itself is overheating and cutting out.

I've got the wiring diagrams for the 101 air-con system if you need to check anything electrical, if it's gas/compressor related though your best bet is to take it to a specialist

[matty12]

have had a few issues with tx valves on those sticking.When the cabin temp gets down the tx valves starts to close up and then sticks there.

Also the a/c amplifier can be faulty too.

[The Witzl]

could just be low gas pressure as well.
I would recommend getting an auto-sparkie to diagnose, and then do the repairs yourself

[TERRA Operative]

There are mobile aircon guys who can come to you to regas and repair. I use Keepin' cool and they seem really good so far. Call them on 0410 125 095.

I'm using them now to repair some pipes then regas the aircon in the Sera.

[TERRA Operative]

double post.

[ill-minded]

Thanks guys. Sounds like it might just be easier to call around.

Terra - Thanks for the number. I'll give them a try.