Thread: Aircon woes

Have you checked that it is the clutch not staying enagaged?

If that's the case:
1. How's the compressor clutch air gap? That seems to be the common cause of the clutch dropping out when hot.
2. Does your RR have the extra clutch relay fitted?

Hi Scouse

Please tell me more about the compressor clutch air gap as I haven't heard of it before.

How would I check for the additional relay ?

Signed
Clueless !

Originally Posted by adm333

Please tell me more about the compressor clutch air gap as I haven't heard of it before.

Have a read here under "Compressor Clutch Failure":
Range Rover P38/4.0/4.6 Common Problems and Fixes

Basically the clutch wears & the gap grows. The magnet isn't strong enough to bridge the bigger gap so the clutch drops out.

Chances are that the shim has been removed already but it's only a 30sec job to check. If it has been removed & the gap is still too big, then you can machine (or grind as I did) the centre boss down.

LR have a mod to the harness too to make sure that voltage drop isn't the cause. It's not exactly cheap but it does help.

More info on the air gap here too (with piccies):
http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/7-r...ac-pulley.html

Cheers Scouse

I take it you can see it all once you remove this black metal cover ?

Do you have to remove the drive belts or anything major ?

Scouse

OK, I think I might have the extra wiring loom and relay.

However, can you confirm which relay should be used.

On my fuse box it has a green outline for relay 10 indicating it should be one of the green realys, but in fact there is a yellow one in there.

I have a spare green one, but I thought I would check to see which one is correct first.

Cheers
Dave

Alright, I found the technical bulletin on my RAVE CD and can confirm that I have the additional wiring loom modification.

However, I notice 2 points that may be rendering it inoperable.

1. It states that a 10 amp fuse should be in slot F40 in the engine bay fuse box - there is none there now.

2. Studying the circuit diagram for the relay shows a 5 point relay, which is a green one. I seem to have a 4 point yellow relay.

So I figure if I fix those two things I might be closer to a cooler ride.

Alternatively, look for a big smoke cloud on the horizon above Carina ....

Signed
Clueless, now dangerously armed with partial information

Our P38a isn't here ATM but I'm sure the belt doesn't need to come off. The nut secures to front clutch plate to the shaft so as long as it undoes OK, the plate should come off easily. If the nut is very tight, then you'll have to lock the plate to stop it turning somehow (I wouldn't recommend big multigrips but they worked for me).

The car is back tonight so I can have a look which relay & fuse goes where but I'm sure Ron will have the info today..........won't you Ron....