P38A Aircon Condenser

Hi guys,

Just been to kwikfit for a regass and it's safe to say the top of the condenser is pretty much non existent.
Now, there is only one fault showing on nanocom which is heated front screen so I'm hoping nothing else is wrong with it.
Now, I'm off to Czech in it on Sunday so I'd like to fit a new condenser tomorrow.

Is it a big job? RAVE says to take the front bumper off but I've heard horror stories of rusted bolts then not being able to get it back on properly. Can you get the condenser out without taking the bumper off.

Other question, Nanocom doesn't seem to want to talk to the Cruise control ECU. Where is the ECU? I'm wondering if it's just a bad connection on the multiplug?

Cheers in advance

Never done that job but front bumpers are not usually as bad as the rear,what engine do you have? if petrol check the vacume pipes to the cruise control unit, they crack and cause a failure.

Right, on the cruise, I'm now talking to it, I hadn't switched the master switch on. D'oh!!
All looks ok, apart from the brake pedal switch is showing as pressed all the time so I think it's a duff switch or badly adjusted. I'll have a look tomorrow.
Just not sure what to do about the Aircon, it'd be nice to have on the journey but I'm pushed for time. If it's a "max 2 hours" job, I'll have a go, but if there can be a myriad of problems, I'll do it when I get there.
By the way, it's a thor 4.0

No need to remove front bumper to replace a condenser. Just slam panel and grille. You need a long 3/8" extension through the bumper vents to get the bottom fasteners though.

Wazzajnr said:

Right, on the cruise, I'm now talking to it, I hadn't switched the master switch on. D'oh!!
All looks ok, apart from the brake pedal switch is showing as pressed all the time so I think it's a duff switch or badly adjusted. I'll have a look tomorrow.
Just not sure what to do about the Aircon, it'd be nice to have on the journey but I'm pushed for time. If it's a "max 2 hours" job, I'll have a go, but if there can be a myriad of problems, I'll do it when I get there.
By the way, it's a thor 4.0

Click to expand...

Nanocom only does Hella cruise control on petrol models 1999 and on.

Thanks wammers, IN RAVE, it shows taking off the bumper for the petrol, but on the diesel not taking off the bumper.
Anyway, Cruise control read and no faults, but it shows brake pedal pressed all the time so I'm guessing the switch is faulty.

Wazzajnr said:

Thanks wammers, IN RAVE, it shows taking off the bumper for the petrol, but on the diesel not taking off the bumper.
Anyway, Cruise control read and no faults, but it shows brake pedal pressed all the time so I'm guessing the switch is faulty.

Click to expand...

Only done the diesel so don't know about petrol can't see it being a lot different, it's the same bumper on both as far as i am aware.

As wammers says it's the same on the petrol so you don't need to remove the bumper.

On youtube .P38 ,Guy changes condenser with bumper on . Iv got the same prob ,but cant find a condenser listed for a 2000 dse ,well not yet .

dubbleRR said:

On youtube .P38 ,Guy changes condenser with bumper on . Iv got the same prob ,but cant find a condenser listed for a 2000 dse ,well not yet .

Click to expand...

Later condensers were smaller and cost a bloody fortune if that's the one you need. Euro car parts used to list them..

Thanks . Wammers.

dubbleRR said:

Thanks . Wammers.

Click to expand...

Just looked don't list them now. Maybe somewhere like Autokool may have them.

Would a pre 2000 fit wi a bodge.Might see if i can get A re core never seen it done but it wont hurt to ask the rad repair guys .

I'm going to try it without taking the bumper off and I'll let you know.
One other thing, on nanocom, my rear right never seems to achieve its target height. I know the bag needs changing which I'm going to attempt today but the bag isn't leaking and goes to any height, but just stops about 10 points from target. It looks and drives fine but just wondering why it doesn't keep the valve open until it gets to the target height?

OK, No problem to do it without removing bumper. Don't know why rave says you should??
Getting it re-gassed tomorrow so lets hope there's no other leaks!!!!
One of the fans seems really stiff so I think I might need new fans. I'll see if it will work with just one connected for now!!!!

Wazzajnr said:

OK, No problem to do it without removing bumper. Don't know why rave says you should??
Getting it re-gassed tomorrow so lets hope there's no other leaks!!!!
One of the fans seems really stiff so I think I might need new fans. I'll see if it will work with just one connected for now!!!!

Click to expand...

Listen to uncle Tony you know it makes sense.

wammers said:

Listen to uncle Tony you know it makes sense.

Click to expand...

Oooo, last time I heard you say that i was sitting on your knee.

Cheers wammers. Pure font of knowledge!!

dubbleRR said:

Would a pre 2000 fit wi a bodge.Might see if i can get A re core never seen it done but it wont hurt to ask the rad repair guys .

Click to expand...

Think someone on here got one modded to fit. One of the girls down south i think.

tomcat59alan said:

Oooo, last time I heard you say that i was sitting on your knee.

Click to expand...

Cheeky git.