air con not working

[stevemc]

i have a d9 hdi110,1999, my air con does not work,if i turn it on the compressor does not get any power to it ,i have checked all the fuses,please help

[eoin27]

There is no gas in the compressor. you need to get it refilled and possibly get a leak fixed

[Welly]

Yes at 10 years old you're well overdue a new condenser (if not even due a second one).

The compressor will not be enabled because the climate's ecu will be telling it not to run because of low gas pressure. Actually you could fiddle with the gas pressure sensor wire connector to left of the condensor just in case it's a bad connection (I think Puggy on here had this).

Note: don't fiddle with the compressor or any wiring with the engine running or the ignition on for safety's sake.

[eoin27]

Is a new compressor really necessary even for a ten year old car? I think the gas leaks when the A/C isn't being used regularly. Personally i would like to know if it is a leak or the compressor that is on the outs. What are the tell-tale signs of each?

[puggy]

look all over the pipes and condensor for green stains also take the connector
out of the top of the pressure switch on the condensor and look inside for green
stains around the contacts, when the compressor goes it rattles its tits off , apparently
it relies on the lubricant that is introduced with the gas , if its allowed to stand dry
for any length of time the seals perish .

[Welly]

Is a new compressor really necessary even for a ten year old car? I think the gas leaks when the A/C isn't being used regularly. Personally i would like to know if it is a leak or the compressor that is on the outs. What are the tell-tale signs of each?

I said Condenser eoin - please pay attention!

The 'compressors' on the 406 seem pretty hardy old things (apart from puggy's ).

[eoin27]

excuse me. i meant condensor. same comment applies

[Welly]

The trouble the D9 has is that it's fitted with a plastic fan cowling and shroud thing in front which is great BUT it traps leaves and stuff behind it at the bottom and rots the aluminium

There's also a nice trough section on the chassis rail across under the condenser where stuff can sit (worth cleaning all this area out!).

The D8 does not have this plastic shroud so the condenser lasts longer. To be fair there's not many cars around who's condensers last longer than 7 or 8 years (they may still work but will be peppered with tiny leak spots under UV inspection).

Sitting right up front getting sprayed with road salt/grime and the odd stone hitting it at 60mph etc takes it's toll......