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        General >> Problems >> CC woes :-(
        
(Message started by: Scorpio_Mike on Apr 29th, 2010, 4:01pm)
Title: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Apr 29th, 2010, 4:01pm
Got an issue with my CC.

Compressor packed up a couple of weeks ago and it was replaced with a new one by local garage - de-gassing / re-gassing was done by an A/C specialist just around the corner from them.

Before the compressor packed up the A/C was nice and cold - after the compressor was replaced the A/C is coldish for a while and then goes warm - cold phase not as cold as before and certainly not as cold as it should be.

Car has been back to the garage & A/C specialist today and has the gas taken out, receiver/dryer replaced and re-gassed but is no better.

I've gone through the CC reset a few times but that doesn't seem to improve things.

I'm a bit stumped now so anyone out there in Scorpio Land got any ideas ?
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by tonyboy on Apr 29th, 2010, 5:15pm
Here's something on CC..... here you might find something that makes sense..  http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/aircon2.htm
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Kenboy on Apr 29th, 2010, 6:41pm
Hi Mike had the same problem as you, and after many tests and exchange parts the fault was finally traced to the satc PCB, the problem occurs with dry solder joints and are difficult to pinpoint I managed to source a used one and all is now ok, taking out and replacing the pcb is not to difficult, probably about an hours work.

Good Luck  Ken
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by heliphil58 on Apr 29th, 2010, 6:54pm
Hi i have the same symtons although mine is air con not cc had compressor changed and dryer. works for a few minutes then runs warm then works when it feels lke it drives me mad especially in the winter when you want to demist
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Apr 29th, 2010, 6:59pm

on 04/29/10 at 18:41:19, Kenboy wrote:
Hi Mike had the same problem as you, and after many tests and exchange parts the fault was finally traced to the satc PCB, the problem occurs with dry solder joints and are difficult to pinpoint I managed to source a used one and all is now ok, taking out and replacing the pcb is not to difficult, probably about an hours work.

Good Luck  Ken


Do you mean the control panel in the dash ?
Think I have a spare kicking around !
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Kenboy on Apr 30th, 2010, 6:18am
Yes Mike, thats the one
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Simmo on Apr 30th, 2010, 6:31am

on 04/29/10 at 18:59:45, Scorpio_Mike wrote:
Do you mean the control panel in the dash ?
Think I have a spare kicking around !

Now there's a suprise!!. ;)
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Kenboy on Apr 30th, 2010, 6:34am
Hi Mike let me explain a little more remove the heater control panel you will notice a ribbon connector that comes from the panel to the SATC unit, it is this unit that houses the PCB, my advice to you is to examine the PCB on the  replacement for evidence of faulty solder joints as it took me two exchange (Used) units before problem was solved, these units are knocking on in years and are subject to a lot of heat damage causin dry solder joint problems (Cracking).


Good Luck
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Apr 30th, 2010, 8:50am

on 04/30/10 at 06:34:56, Kenboy wrote:
Hi Mike let me explain a little more remove the heater control panel you will notice a ribbon connector that comes from the panel to the SATC unit, it is this unit that houses the PCB, my advice to you is to examine the PCB on the  replacement for evidence of faulty solder joints as it took me two exchange (Used) units before problem was solved, these units are knocking on in years and are subject to a lot of heat damage causin dry solder joint problems (Cracking).


Good Luck


I'll have another rummage in the shed :-)
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Simmo on Apr 30th, 2010, 9:19am
First problem.....find 'The Shed'......:)
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by tlundkvi on Apr 30th, 2010, 9:51am

on 04/30/10 at 09:19:41, Simmo wrote:
First problem.....find 'The Shed'......:)


Or for some "remember which car" (sorry :D)
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Apr 30th, 2010, 1:22pm

on 04/30/10 at 09:19:41, Simmo wrote:
First problem.....find 'The Shed'......:)


No problem finding the shed, just getting in there :-)
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Jun 29th, 2010, 5:16pm
Finally got round to replacing the control panel with a brand new one I scored off ebay for a tenner...and things are still no better, possibly worse :-(

At best it blows 'coolish' air and at its worst is more like a blast furnace.

It was all working fine until the compressor seized up...compressor replaced..and now it's not.

Think I may take it to another A/C place for a 2nd opinion.
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Tompion on Jun 29th, 2010, 6:33pm
Does one of the pipes on the compressor get cold?

Possibly a faulty expansion valve:
http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/aircon2.htm
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by gozz on Jun 29th, 2010, 10:40pm
Mike.
It's not freezing up on the evaporator due to a duff de-ice switch is it ?
                                         GOZZ.
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Jun 30th, 2010, 2:48pm
Seems to be completely random - yesterday did a 10 mile trip and it just blew hot air - in fact turning the A/C off gave cooler air ! Same trip this morning 'cool-ish' air all the way ???
Seems odd that it should start doing this after the compressor was replaced.
Going to take it to Kwik Fit this afternoon to see if they can sort it - can't make it any worse surely.

Update : Went to Kwik Fit - unable to do anything as their machine is broken. Went to Halfords which is almost next door to see if they have any of those DIY top-up cans - none left !  
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Jun 30th, 2010, 7:35pm
Had a look in the garage and dug out the pressure gauge which came with the last DIY top-up kit I bought - put it on the low pressure pipe connection ( near the passenger side suspension strut top mount ) and it went straight into the red - it did this last year as well even when the system was low on gas - mobile A/C service person said it was just residual pressure and nothing to worry about ??? I then started the engine up and again checked the pressure - still in the red. Summat not right here :-(
This must be the correct low pressure side connection as the gauge connection will not fit on the receiver / drier port - wrong size.
Summary :
Compressor clutch can be seen to engage.
No signs of green dye staining at any of the joints.
Pipes near the receiver / drier are coldish as is the condenser radiator.  
LP pipe temp does not change even after about 10 mins of running.
Checked electrical connection OK to the receiver / drier - pressure switch ?

Any suggestions ???
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by gozz on Jun 30th, 2010, 10:33pm
Mike.
I think Kenboy was referring to the satc box behind the control panel from which the ribbon connector protrudes.
Further to my previous post re the de-ice switch,if it blows a good blast from the vents that will not be the problem,as an iced up evaporator almost stops the flow of air.
It almost seems that the compressor isn't moving the gas,if it's turning and the low pressure pipe isn't cold,or as Tompion said could it be a faulty expansion valve ? Scorpio _man was testing systems at Harewood,would he have any further thoughts ?
                                GOZZ.
                         
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Jul 1st, 2010, 11:52am
GOZZ,

I am thinking the expansion valve may be the culprit - apparently it is common for them to get blocked after compressor seizure - I'll have a look in the shed for a spare one :-)
Obviously I will have to find an A/C company to de-gas the system to get it replaced.
Tried a couple of local mobile A/C firms and they are all booked up till next week. Grrr...
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by gozz on Jul 1st, 2010, 10:27pm
Blimey Mike,not another foray into THE SHED ;D do what the dodgy scrappies do,let the gas go up to the ozone layer ;)
                                                 GOZZ.
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by scorpio_man on Jul 2nd, 2010, 5:59am

on 06/30/10 at 22:33:44, gozz wrote:
Mike.
I think Kenboy was referring to the satc box behind the control panel from which the ribbon connector protrudes.
Further to my previous post re the de-ice switch,if it blows a good blast from the vents that will not be the problem,as an iced up evaporator almost stops the flow of air.
It almost seems that the compressor isn't moving the gas,if it's turning and the low pressure pipe isn't cold,or as Tompion said could it be a faulty expansion valve ? Scorpio _man was testing systems at Harewood,would he have any further thoughts ?
                                GOZZ.
                         


hi there

i was going to suggest the expansion valve, but tompion bet me to it. it can sometimes be released by a long (+30mins) of deep vacuum from a 'proper' a/c tech.

hth
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Jul 2nd, 2010, 8:11am
Somewhere in 'the shed' is a brand new expansion valve - another ebay bargain - 99p :-)

All I have to do is find it.
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Cosray on Jul 2nd, 2010, 8:43am
Had exactly the same symptoms with my Renault Scenic.

A/C pump started to make noises when running, was replaced in October by a certified refurbished one, € 800 job with warranty.

No cold, windows moisting up, warm air blowing instead of cold...

Been to the Renaultrepairshop many times for days on end who replaced various parts, tested electrics similar to Scorpio's SATC but to no avail. No faultcodes either.

As it was getting wintertime by now my attention was wearing off but still I had my warrantyclaim.

So in March another * expert * came 'round and found... that the refurbished pump was not pumping at all, though the clutch was functional... who'd thought of that!

All the time I'd been telling the techies that both my pipes were warm, at least not cold... you'd assume that was a clear signal, no?

HTH
Ray
Title: Re: CC woes :-(
Post by Tompion on Jul 2nd, 2010, 8:48am

on 07/02/10 at 05:59:15, scorpio_man wrote:
it can sometimes be released by a long (+30mins) of deep vacuum from a 'proper' a/c tech.

hth

I was going to suggest that ;D
(only 'cause I remember you posting it before - as was the case with the valve).


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