406oc.co.uk

I'm new so Hi everyone!

I've just bought an S-reg (1998) 406 1.9 LX TD estate with 88K miles. Great car overall, very happy with it. I bought it as a workhorse to help with DIY (got lots planned this year) and for carting my two dogs around.

There are a few little niggles which I wanted some guidance on. I've had a good search around the forum and possible answers are listed with each query.

- There is a clutch judder in first and reverse. I thought just a new clutch but from searching it sounds like it might be the lower engine mount or earth strap? Is this likely or is this only on the 2.1 TD?

- I have a weird noise behind the glove box which sounds like a CD changer changing disc. This, from searching, appears to be the aircon recirc motor on which the teeth have probably worn through. Is this likely to be correct? If so it sounds like just unplugging it is the best option as replacing it with the dashboard in is a challenge to say the least!

- Whilst I was behind the glove box looking for the above sound I noticed that one aircon pipe was very hot, is this normal? I'm not too familiar with the workings of an aircon system.

Thanks in advance!

PeteCG

Doesn't sound too bad to me fella. The recirc air flap motor is a common fault and I think most just unplug the thing (make sure it stays on full fresh air though).

Clutch may need replacing as it's not done many miles it's probably seen a lot of stop-start driving which is heavy on the clutch. It could be the engine mount but not allways (see what others say) also the clutch cable can get stiff which doesn't help so you might try changing the cable first (you would ideally do this with the clutch job anyway so it won't be a waste).

One of the a/c pipes is the High Pressure line (HP) this is the smaller diameter pipe and contains refrigerant as a high pressure liquid (hot/warm). The other larger pipe is the LP line which contains very cold refrigerant gas. The car's interior evaporator (or air conditioner heater matrix if you like) is the place where the HP and LP sides meet and exchange pressures and change state.

PeteCG wrote:I have a weird noise behind the glove box which sounds like a CD changer changing disc. This, from searching, appears to be the aircon recirc motor on which the teeth have probably worn through. Is this likely to be correct? If so it sounds like just unplugging it is the best option as replacing it with the dashboard in is a challenge to say the least!

Is it just when you turn the ignition on? If so ignore it - it's normal.

There's two airflow-altering mechanisms under the dash - one is the vent selector (easy enough to test) and the other the recirc flap. To test it, open the bonnet and remove the cover on top of the passenger side of the bulkhead - between the bulkhead and the wiper arm held on by a couple of visible clips. Take the pollen filter out and you should either see the blower motor or the recirc flap depending on what it's set to. It moves slowly so you can reach inside to push the recirc button and watch it move

Thanks guys.

Great so a hot air con pipe is normal, phew!

Yes, the noise is only apparent with the ignition on (and also with the engine running), but never with the ignition and engine off. I noticed the noise changes (a bit louder and 'grindier' - for want of an actual word) with the recirc button pressed so I'm guessing this is the common recirc motor issue. I'll check this at the weekend and if it is, unplug it and ensure it's in outside air mode. I guess you set the mode by pushing the flap to where you want it from under the bonnet (via the pollen filter area)?

Clutch wise, any rough prices for a new cable and new clutch (I'd probably do them separately to see which it is)? Also, is this earth strap thing likely? I found that from here (6th fault down).

PeteCG wrote: I'll check this at the weekend and if it is, unplug it and ensure it's in outside air mode. I guess you set the mode by pushing the flap to where you want it from under the bonnet (via the pollen filter area)?

No you set recirc/outside by pressing the recirc button. That activates the motor which moves the flap - you shouldn't try to move the flap by hand in case you break the plastic mechanism. With the flap off however you can see if the flap is moving ok or not

Ah ok, thanks!