Timing Belt and Air-Con

[terry_mccann]

now THAT IS a great idea.....I will check that....is it on the (UK-Cars) driver side? I think so, yes? The times where the AC is working are getting really few and far between since yesterday afternoon, only managed to get it working once today. but WHEN it is working it cools perfectly, so definitely no leak in my book.....

[terry_mccann]

Me again....

Are you sure that this pressure sensor can be reached through the wheelarch? because in my pdf-files I have found that one has to remove the front bumper and then you find this:



Isn't that the sensor you are talking about?

[cactusbob]

No I meant the compressor could be reached through the wheel arch.

[terry_mccann]

will give it a try tomorrow....

[cactusbob]

Whatever you do, don't remove that pressure sensor otherwise all the refrigerant will come out

[terry_mccann]

don't worry, I wont....but my pdf manual says:



Translation: On dismantling the pressure sensor an automatic closing valve will activate so that no refrigerant will get out....

[cactusbob]

Result

[terry_mccann]

no result as yet....

have just had a look from above onto the sensor with a flashlight and found it to look quite new. the explanation is a simple one: On march 12 I had the car in for changing the condenser because one of the connections had rotted away....and on checking the bill 5 minutes ago for that I found one position "pressure sensor 3K.SA 19 Part number 7701205751"

So it has already been changed and thus I think it is quite probable that the sensor is ok. I will check the contacts anyway, but I reckon it has more to do with the magnetic switch of the compressor...which leads me to my next question: where is that switch located? ok, somewhere near the compressor, but where exactly? top ? bottom? is it accessable when I put the car on ramps and remove the underfloor protection board?

[cactusbob]

Not entirely sure on the Megane without looking, but on the Scenic with the same engine the wiring plug for the compressor is right by the drive belt towards the top. The whole assembly is a pain to get to without removing the bumper, crossmember and intercooler.

[terry_mccann]

well, in that case its a proper dealer-job....but I will have a look later on anyway. in my german meganeboard words are that there is a green wire running to the top of the compressor and plugged in there and which should be reachable. I will see....if not I will take the car in for a check in the next days.... Hopefully they won't charge me an arm and a leg for that....but chances are they don't as I didn't pay the last filling as well. Guess they don't feel too good about not getting an AC to work properly after 4 visits...

and cross fingers that the whole compressor isn't broken, but I dont think so because WHEN it cools it cools really well....

[terry_mccann]

well, no real news after me removing the lower engine cover and checking...

pressure sensor looks brand new and plug is fitted tightly, so I don't think its faulty.
as for the compressor, I managed to see it from below, but I couldnt get my hand to the top where the wire is assumed to be.

this afternoon I made two trips: on the first, the AC went off and worked fine. when I stopped at a shop for five minutes, I turned off the AC. On returning and turning on the AC again, it made "click", the compressor switched on and within a second it went "click" again and from then until home, the AC did not work anymore.

an hour later I again made a drive and now AC did not kick in when starting the car, but after 2 minutes of driving I suddenly felt that the air became cold and it worked.

So I think it all points to a faulty magnetic coupling and thus (presumably) I expect that the compressor will have to be changed as I am sure this magnetic coupling will not be available on its own.

what do you think?

[cactusbob]

It's difficult to say without checking the components. Could again be a dodgy pressure sensor. Guess a trip to an expert is in order unfortunately

[terry_mccann]

yes, well, I also think so....but ok, as far as I know the compressor is not that expensive, words are that it costs 500 euros, with half of that and all labour fees are being covered by my used car warranty....and if the pressure sensor is damaged again it is also covered by normal warranty because it was replaced 3 minths ago...

next week will show....hopefully I get an appoint there quickly....

today the AC again ran like a dream.....nice and cool all day....

[fitshase]

Auto electrician checked everything and said it was not electrical (phew!).

They then got an air-con guy in who tested it and said there was no gas in it so the compressor does not kick in. He re-gassed the system and all is working fine.

Just need to get the radio sorted out now. Been to the Renault garage with the code from the book which doesn't work. They checked the chassis number and then gave me a new code which didn't work. They then took the radio out and got the numbers from the side and came back with another different code which then didn't work!

They've now took all of the details and are going to contact Renault for a solution.

[terry_mccann]

regassing did work for me, but only for some weeks....

and now, after having the condensor and pressure sensor replaced, I am still not sure whether it is really ok....seems like IF the system cools it doesnt cool as strong as it did two weeks ago....and also it doesnt always kick in.....

so I am still fighting there....

(to be continued)