Air Con Fans not kicking in from start

[ljc19630]

Hi Guys,
Been having some issues (which seem commonplace) with my A/C. Initially, the A/C wouldn't kick in for around 8-10 mins from starting the car from cold. I did some research and also checked VCDS. This said that there was an intermittent fault with the V113 Recirc Flap motor. Pulled out the glove box and checked the motor and yep, it was sticking, so have changed this and thats now sorted. I have also changed the Compressor Solinoid Valve to an RKX part, as reading lots of good reports on these. AC seems fine now, However, today I started the car up from cold, Turned on AC, opened the bonnet and the fans were not running. Left the car for at least 30 mins running and still not kicked in? C I have also purchased an A/C pressure switch which i'll fit tomorrow, albeit VCDS isn't advising any issues? can anyone assist me with what this issue could be, or how I can diagnose using VCDS?

Cheers
Louie

[FJB]

AC wont run if the outside temperature is 3 degrees or below.

[ljc19630]

AC wont run if the outside temperature is 3 degrees or below.

It was definitely higher than 3 degrees. This morning at around 10am was around 7 degrees - Could the Ambient Air Temp Sensor be faulty and if so would VCDS show this up?

[FJB]

with a scan tool with engine running and ac on go to air conditioning / live data / group 001, this should give you a compressor status code, whether its on or off or too cold. If it says on with pressure ok it is likely to be the compressor or control valve. You wont get a fault code for broken compressor or valve, only for low pressure.

[ljc19630]

Thanks buddy. I’ll have a play in the morning as off on leave all week


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ljc19630]

Have tried as you explained. Not sure if I’m in the correct setting but pic below is what’s showing??




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FJB]

Here are the codes:

0 - Compressor on
2 - Off, Blower Fault
3 - Off, Pressure Low
5 - Off, Engine Start Not Detected
6 - Off, Control Panel Switch Econ Mode
7 - Off, Control Panel Switched Off
8 - Off, Outside Temperature Below 3 Degrees
10 - Compressor Supply Voltage Low
11 - Coolant Temperature High
12 - Turned Off by ECM
13 - Off, Compressor Voltage High
14 - Evaporator Temperature Too Low
15 - Coding incorrect
16 - Activating Signal Fault
17 - Faulty Pressure Sensor Signal

[ljc19630]

Got them and also showing the measuring blocks for group 1,2,3 below. Looking ok????



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FJB]

It looks like your compressor is turned on. When you turn it on and off does the engine load change?

[ljc19630]

Yep - revs drop when off and rise when on. Fans are now running as just did a full self test. Is there a way to test just the fans?Confused.com



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FJB]

I think you may have a problem with the control valve, the gauze on the control valve get blocked with debris, very common if your entire system is not flushed and condenser replaced after a compressor failure. It is easy to clean and bench test the control valve, but you will need get the refrigerant recovered and re gassed afterwards to check it.

[ljc19630]

Where and what is that control valve? I’ve already changed the compressor solinoid, and have purchased a new ac pressure switch and ambient temp sensor. They were cheap enough so will fit these anyway, but intrigued as to the sensor your referring too? I’ve had a new condenser rad fitted when R-Tech did my ko4 conversion, and also re gassed. I’m up there on Saturday so will ask them to check out, but let me know what sensor you on about too

Oh and thanks for all ya help bud


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FJB]

The control valve is the solenoid you replaced, it has a gauze filter on it, and if there has been a previous compressor failure then it can get clogged.

[ljc19630]

Ah I see. Well AFAIK it’s the original compressor on the car, so if that’s the case wold this still be relevant? I fitted an RKX solenoid as heard good reports on these from various peeps that have fitted.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FJB]

It may not be the problem, and if its recent and is good quality is unlikely to have failed. If all else fails test it on the bench to make sure.