Air conditioning/climate control

I seem to have a problem with the temperature inside the car - with the temp set at 20 degrees on a fairly hot day, I am getting fairly warm air coming from the ventilator grills rather than the expected cold to cool the car. I am not aware that there has ever been any service work on the climate control system, although the car has had all the required services - the car is nearly 9 years old now but has only done 25000 miles. Any ideas as to the possible causes and likely cost to remedy ? - the car is due its service in a months time. Chris

Most likely there is a leak, and the system has lost its refrigerant. Corroded condensers would be my first guess, as it is extremely common for them to go. Try opening the rear lid and start the engine. Switch the air conditioning on and off. You should hear a 'click' and a change of tickover speed as the magnetic clutch on the compressor engages. If you don't get this, then the pressure is too low, due to loss of gas. There is a pressure switch which prevents the pump from running if there is no gas pressure.

Thanks Richard - spot on as usua. I have now had a good read of page 111 of your book and have decided to get some grills fitted at the same time as the job is done to try and prevent the problem from re-appearing. I was just unfortunate to be out in the car on the one fine day this summer ! Chris

Chris, I've done the DIY grille mod and happy to help if you want. I'll show you my handywork at Beamish. the intakes are so big on the C4S and turbo the problem with leaves and other debris is exacerbated.

Everything sorted now - thanks for the advice guys. Replaced condensers at the same time as the service was done and re-gassed the system - also got the grilles done while the front end was off with the help of my obliging Indy - used a somewhat novel approach and instead of buying the metal grilles from Halfords, I used lightweight heatproof silicon ones ( £1.99 each from Aldi ) which are much easier to cut to size and more pliable - they look great ! Inspection welcome at Beamish on 9th September. Chris

Hi Would it be possible to get photos & as much info as possible? Email [email removed] Many thanks in advance jonathan

E-mail sent, Jonathan. Chris

I'd like to see pics of the Aldi heat grills too pls. Talking about Aldi. I tried some red wine which was recommended by a wine shop. It's called Toro Loco and cost £3.59. It won silver in the less than £30 category. Cheers

Wine tips too, Thanks I will try. I bought some taps and dies from Aldi once and there the best Ive ever had!.

This sounds like a similar problem I'm currently experiencing and is next on my list of to do. Mines booked in for a pressure test and re-gas next week so fingers crossed I'll find out where its leaking as looking through the docs the rads were changed not that long ago although I know it could be them again due to stones. thanks Richard.

Another sore point is the jacking points. Unfortunately many lines get crushed when Garages or owners jack there cars on the off side and crush the lines. A real git to repair.

Just had a new condenser fitted £500 +vat, its never cheap is it?

That sounds expensive - my indy charged £240 plus vat for parts ( both A/C condensers) plus labour. Chris

Chris, I am interested in the material from Aldi but missed the post about viewing a Beamish - I was in the Yorkshire convoy to the very enjoyable day. Not sure what the material is, so would be grateful for more info - don't have a Adli close to home. Do you know if its a regular stocking item there? Paul.

Hi Paul Email sent to you. Chris

Chris, Thanks for the e-mail re grills. Could you please send the pic to the same: [email removed] I'll have a look at Aldi whenever I pass one. Thanks, Paul.

If anybody is interested, the 'cooking mesh' I used is on sale at Aldi from this Thursday 4th Oct at £1.99 a sheet. Chris

this is arguably better than the mesh I used, I guess its easier to cut and fix. Good spot Chris