magister Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 POBC. Went to view a 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.25litre (10K miles) as a possible first car for daughter 1. On tick over with air con on, the air con pump was cycling on and off every 20 seconds or so. Is this usual / expected / anything to worry about?? Thanks PaulB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Richard Price Posted September 7, 2014 Area Representative Share Posted September 7, 2014 Paul, that sound like it may be dropping out on low refrigerant pressure. (the suction pressure drops when the compressor is running, but when the compressor is not running the pressures equalise again. There is likely to be a pressure sensor or switch which drops the compressor out if the pressure drops too low) If it had a drastic gas leak, it would not work at all, so topping up the refrigerant may fix that. Car air con should be used all year round so that the shaft seals remain lubricated, and so, gas tight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magister Posted September 7, 2014 Author Share Posted September 7, 2014 Could the low mileage (3k per year) have contributed to the low refrigerant pressure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Richard Price Posted September 7, 2014 Area Representative Share Posted September 7, 2014 Quoting magister: Could the low mileage (3k per year) have contributed to the low refrigerant pressure? Yes. It's likely that that lack of use would cause the compressor shaft seals to dry out, and allow the refrigerant gas to leak very slightly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magister Posted September 7, 2014 Author Share Posted September 7, 2014 Thanks for this Richard. Would increased use restore the function of the seals or once dry is that it? Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Richard Price Posted September 8, 2014 Area Representative Share Posted September 8, 2014 Quoting magister: Would increased use restore the function of the seals or once dry is that it? Yes, more frequent use would help to maintain the integrity of the shaft seal. It's not uncommon to use a kit like this one here to add oil to the system to help repair the seals, or one like this here to add refrigerant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Payne Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 Any idea how often the aircon need using to maintain the seals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magister Posted September 8, 2014 Author Share Posted September 8, 2014 Rang a local Ford garage - service dept said they should do this. I'm not convinced though. Has anyone else got the 62bhp model? Does yours do this? PaulB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 It needs gas- but it would have a leak- it's gone somewhere!! Get a garage to check it over & if they don't find a leak put some dye in & run it for a bit. Does it blow really cold then just cool then cold again?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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