Car Aircon

T

The_Unbeliever

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Hi

Probably a stupid question from my side - but then again, the stupidest question is one who doesn't get asked... :o :D

Does a car's aircon have a thermostat, and can it be adjusted if it do have one?

Where do you usually adjust it?

If the aircon's not cooling properly, what is the usual causes (apart from being re-gassed)? The aircon in question is as old as the car itself - car is a 1996 model Toyota Corolla.

My suspicion is that the entire system needs an overhaul...

Regards

Libs
 
My experience (very limited as it is) is that a dirty filter can cause the aircon performance to dwindle.... and usually one of the easier things to sort out.
 
the aircon has on or off. The temperature gets controlled manually by putting the switch on or off, its not a heater that can warm a bit or one or two bars.

Most times its just gas leaking, and PLEASE don't go and have it filled by the guys on the side of the road because in a few months you will have to have it filled again due to a leak in the system.

What is the symptoms you are having?
 
LancelotSA said:
My experience (very limited as it is) is that a dirty filter can cause the aircon performance to dwindle.... and usually one of the easier things to sort out.
Click to expand...

Where is the filter usually located?

Peder said:
the aircon has on or off. The temperature gets controlled manually by putting the switch on or off, its not a heater that can warm a bit or one or two bars.

Most times its just gas leaking, and PLEASE don't go and have it filled by the guys on the side of the road because in a few months you will have to have it filled again due to a leak in the system.

What is the symptoms you are having?
Click to expand...

Thanks. Was just curious to know as fridges and freezers have thermostats. :)

Symptoms is that it blows cool air on a hot day, not cold air... sometimes it takes a while for it to start blowing cool...
 
like lancelot says it might be a clogged filter, its just a mission to fix it...

The thermostats just switch it on and off to keep the temperature constant you only get thermostats in the newer cars who have climate control.
 
does the revs go higher if you switch on the aircon as in does it need more power to drive the car while the aircon is on?
 
Peder said:
does the revs go higher if you switch on the aircon as in does it need more power to drive the car while the aircon is on?
Click to expand...

I can feel it drawing power from the engine when the aircon is on.

Idling speed remains unaffected if I switch it on or off.
 
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there is definately gas(i'm 90% sure), because otherwise it would not be drawing power.

seems the filters are dirty, i just don't know how to get to them. Look on the net.
 
There is a thermostat attached to most cars AC evaporators which switches the electromagnetic clutch on the AC compressor to avoid frosting up the evap - the cabin temperature controls modulate the hot and cold air to maintain the set point.
 
Verrry interesting (the maintenance site).

Also, refrigerants can decompose at high temperatures (near gas heaters or open flame), which may result in hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosgene (a fatal nerve gas).
Click to expand...

Sounds cool, but it is not fun...

Seems I'll have to take it in to one of the many aircon centres and ask for a service. Hope it needs a good service (and clean filter) to work properly again.

We don't have money at this stage, but I will find out what it cost.

Any recommendations?
 
Peder said:
there is definately gas(i'm 90% sure), because otherwise it would not be drawing power.

seems the filters are dirty, i just don't know how to get to them. Look on the net.
Click to expand...

The filters will be withing the system, so to replace it, you'll have to de-gas and depressurize the system.

There's also the risk of injury involved - not fun. So I'll rather take it in and let the "experts" replace the filter(s).
 
i would say JMMH Motors, in the City, can't remember their number now. But he is in the phonebook and reasonably priced.

Jan Marais Motor Holdings
Address:
jetsetprk potgieterst
pretoria

Main:
012 3231590
 
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Peder said:
i would say JMMH Motors, in the City, can't remember their number now. But he is in the phonebook and reasonably priced.

Jan Marais Motor Holdings
Address:
jetsetprk potgieterst
pretoria

Main:
012 3231590
Click to expand...

Kewls - will give the chappie a call Monday and hear what's their prices.

Thanks!

An engine service I can do, but an aircon... that's something totally different...
 
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