Aircon Problem

[Goots]

Hi everyone.

I have a 300tdi just so you know and can help me.

So, after getting stuck in a big muddy bog my A/C has broken, initially some mist stuff started blowing out of the vents for a few hours which went away and after a few days it just died.

Me and some mechanic mates have had a look around on it and the compressor's clutch isn't engaging, the plug thats on the left hand side of the A/C compressor doesn't get any power to it, on the occasions we have checked it.

I've looked at all the relevent fuses I can find and a blown one.

The main question is, where is the A/C relay? If there is one.
Also if anyones had something similar happen or has any ideas let me know.

Thanks!

Cheers,

Goots

[finallyrangie]

just a quick thing to note, the compressor will not engage if there is no gas in the system, think its a safety cut out thing, so you may have lost your gas so it won't engage, not sure if there is an easy/cheap way to check it.

good luck tracking it down

[Spel1]

A/C relay is in the right footwell behind the right side plastic cover.

[theborderdog]

I've also found (the hard way of course) that your aircon gets power from one of the temp sensors in the termostat housing

[Goots]

Thanks everyone, might be worth mentioning that we gave the clutch it a bit of a push on its way with a stick. This got it started but it cut out again after about 15 minutes.

Thanks for your help.

[PhilipA]

If it is like my RRC and I think it is, it will have a high pressure switch and low pressure switch on the receiver dryer, or a combination Hi/low switch.

Bridge the switches and I bet it will start.
You really then need an aircon specialist to see what the problem is that caused the gas to go then no go.
Regards Philip A

[Kev the Fridgy]

In the event you have lost the gas charge, the HP/LP safeties prevent operation when the gas charge is too low or of the system runs at too higher discharge pressure, be careful bridging out the safeties, if there is no refrigerant and you run it for too long it will run into a vacuum and draw in air and moisture causing more grief than you already have.

If the system runs too higher discharge due to say a blocked condenser, you stand the risk of a hose bursting, best bet is to bridge them and check operation with out engine running, your mechanic mates should be able to sort this, if this proves a safety control has operated get an Auto AC mechanic to look at it