Hi guys,

My a/c isn't pushing out cold air. What can I do to check if it's working or not before booking it in a garage?

Thanks

Probably needs regassing. Mine needs it and it isn't expensive.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

Double post

i had mine regassed recently. i've never used it in my car before this and recently i used it but didnt think it made a huge difference...might not have set it up correctly.

It works better if you have the full climate control, if it just has the 'AC' button it isn't as good in my experience

It works better if you have the full climate control, if it just has the 'AC' button it isn't as good in my experience

Surely the mechanical AC components are the same in both non-climate control and climate control cars, just that the controls are better?

Or am I wrong?

Climate control adjusts to any given air temperature within the available range iirc - A/C just emits colder refrigerated air ?

When you press the AC button, does the compressor kick in on the engine? Should hear the engine note change or you can see it happen if you look at the pulleys.

If it kicks in the system is working fine, just getting low on gas.

If it doesn't kick in that means either there is not enough gas for the system to work safely OR there is a problem somewhere else in the system. In this case you will need garage equipment to test. Most places should pressure test the system for leaks before re-filling with gas - if there is a leak you won't usually have to pay anything for that service. Then obviously you need to find and rectify the leak if that is the case.

I used my AC (non climate) for the first time in hot weather yesterday and wasn't overly impressed tbh, I've had 10+ year old cars with colder AC! However the system is working and it does come out 'chilly' so I'm not sure if mines low on gas or if they are all just this bad lol. Will probably have the gas level checked and if necessary topped up at the garage when I get new tyres.

When you press the AC button, does the compressor kick in on the engine? Should hear the engine note change or you can see it happen if you look at the pulleys.

If it kicks in the system is working fine, just getting low on gas.

If it doesn't kick in that means either there is not enough gas for the system to work safely OR there is a problem somewhere else in the system. In this case you will need garage equipment to test. Most places should pressure test the system for leaks before re-filling with gas - if there is a leak you won't usually have to pay anything for that service. Then obviously you need to find and rectify the leak if that is the case.

I used my AC (non climate) for the first time in hot weather yesterday and wasn't overly impressed tbh, I've had 10+ year old cars with colder AC! However the system is working and it does come out 'chilly' so I'm not sure if mines low on gas or if they are all just this bad lol. Will probably have the gas level checked and if necessary topped up at the garage when I get new tyres.

I remember reading somewhere (perhaps on an Australian forum), that the Mk2 Focus has underwhelming A/C, and it performs somewhat poorly in Australian conditions (excessive heat) compared to most other cars. Not surprising given that it was designed and built in Europe.

The A/C on mine is also far from perfect, so I would take a guess that its not just you. But still might be worth having it checked as you said.

I live in Suffolk, not really an Australian climate! :D

That's a bit disappointing though, will let you all know if a top up does help at all, won't be for a month or so though.

Surely the mechanical AC components are the same in both non-climate control and climate control cars, just that the controls are better?

Or am I wrong?

I assume it is same mechanicals, I have been in many a car with full climate and it has been hands down better than the poxy button version

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP