Hello folks

[Doggy]

After 4 yrs with a Citreon Xsara HDi 90 estate, I wanted some long distance comfort & elbow room so bought my first 406 last week, 2002 Hdi 136 Exec estate, after months of searching for a decent example with cruise control.

I'm very pleased with it, but think the air con doesn't work & I'm hoping somebody will take pity on me and advise......

After checking posts on this site and reading the handbook, (desperate measure), I'm really confused.

Is the damn thing supposed to turn on if you presse the A/C button, or do you have to set the climate control to Auto & set temp to minimum? Does it depend on outside temp? I've tried every combination I can think of without success & so believe it's faulty. Any practical suggestions appreciated, thanks.

[teamster1975]

Welcome dogslife!
A common problem with the aircon is corrosion around the pipes and the condensor; do you here the compressor kick in when you turn on the aircon?

[Doggy]

Thanks for the suggeston - I've had a good look around the condenser etc. but found nothing obviously amiss. I can see all the pipes / hoses between compressor, condenser and where they go through the bulkhead to the evaporator & all looks well. There's a little discolouration where the pipe from the compressor joins the condenser, but I think this is water / road dirt rather than corrosion. All the other pipes are shiny.
The back end of the compressor is oily, but so is the engine in this area, from the starter motor downwards.
There is no click or other suggestion of anything working when you turn it on - no signs of increased electrical load or additional load on the engine.

[DaiRees]

Welcome fella

[mjb]

Dammit I hate this forum sometimes. Just wrote a nice long reply to this :/


1. Isn't the Citroen just as roomy and more comfortable than the 406?

2. Operation of 406 D8 climate control (probably the same on D9s - someone confirm?):

a) Auto is full automatic. The climate control turns a/c and recirc on and off, and varies the fan speed to keep the car at the desired temperature.

b) The a/c, recirc and fan speed buttons are over-rides to auto mode. Press one and the climate control will not control it until you press 'auto' again

c) a/c is disabled if the blower fan isn't on (fan at minimum setting) or if the engine isn't running (as it's driven from the alternator belt)

Press ac/eco with the bonnet and window open, and you should hear the compressor clutch solenoid kick in. You should be able to see it in action if you've got a 2nd pair of hands to operate the button

[Doggy]

1. Isn't the Citroen just as roomy and more comfortable than the 406?

No - it's nearly a 306. Economical, quick, nimble but a long journey, (e.g. last years hols 900 miles each way with 4 adults& 2 dogs), for enthusiasts only.

Thanks for the air con info - I'll try it tomorrow

Tried listening for the compressor clutch operation - definetly not working. Searched Haynes - vitually no mention of air con. I understand from other posts there are hi & low pressure switches - can anyone tell me where to find them & whether they should be open or closed with compressor off?