Aircon question P38

Hi.

I have recently brought a 2000 P38 4.0SE. When I got it, I was told is have an A/C fault and might need a new condensor. Having been running it now for a week or so this is the problem. -

When I turn the A/C on, the compressor clutch doesn't 'click' in. The belts are turning it ok whether A/C is on or off and there is no fault light (book) on the display. Any ideas?

hi m8,if youve no fault registering id say no refrigerant in system.

Thanks for quick reply... If thats the case, could the condensor be leaking then? and how do I go about checking for leaks?

P38s are prone for the condensor, the Holy Bible is what i call it, as it ends up costing a packet when it comes on. The symbol does not warn of every aircon fault, just a few. Mine got charged 5 years ago and never used,but it has never faulted, even with the symbol ON, your aircon MAY still work.

try checking the voltage at the clutch! you may not have enough. should have at least 11volt and no bigger than .8mm gap in the clutch as well (between bit that turns and bit that dont)
give the clutch assembly a knock with a screwdriver handle of something when its running and if it engages its prob down to lack of voltage.
theres a loom available from l/rovers to overcome this problem, i did it to mine then adjusted the gap!

I would imagine the clutch is energised via a relay which could be sticking.

The clutch on the air con compressor won't operate if theres no gas in the system,it is operated by a pressure switch in the pipe which in turn switches the cooling fans on when it reaches a certain temp to cool the condensor.If theres gas in the system and the clutch doesn't operate there could be a faulty pressure switch or clutch on the compressor.

Thanks for all the info... I now have a someone coming to re-gas it on Tuesday. Hopefully this will fix the problem, or show me where the leak(s) is!!!

Elton

What i do with cars that have no gas in the system is gas it with nitrogen 1st.You can run the system and check the clutch operates with this gas in and its cheaper to have a nitrogen pressure test than a full re gas plus you can check for any major leaks.

Compressed air does it as well funnily enough

Hi all..

Had the aircon man round today and it's definatley the condensor leaking. He's going to supply and fit new condensor, clean and re-gas system for £190. This sounds good to me....

One question... Do I need to get the receiver/dryer changed at the same time, and how much are these and best place to buy??

Many thanks

Elton

hi m8,no if there are no leaks from the unit dont change it,when the guy comes to do your car he should vaccum the system down when hes fitted your new condensor,this should remove any water in the system.

Thought it might of been the condensor, they go in the top corner. You may find a non genuine item more reliable, but depends where land rover got them from, they tend to go for cheapness and squeeze every ounze of deal they can from the manufacturer. Don't change anything else if it is not faulty, no need too, like i said, the symbol (holy bible) doesn't tell you of low pressure in the system

Hi again...

Had new condenser fitted and re-gassed and also fitted new pollen filters. The A/C now works really well. Thanks all for the advice.

Elton

For £190 you did very well mine was more like £900 from the dealer stealer so well done.

no the question of air con is it off with the light on or off with the light off.

Big problem with compressed air is that it introduces water into the system which is a killer. Better to go with the nitrogen and see if there is a pressure drop plus it's cheaper than 134A

rob evans said:

no the question of air con is it off with the light on or off with the light off.

Click to expand...

Light on-----Air Con off

Light off---Air Con on

Thats for the P38, for the L322, it's the other way round.
You will hear the compressor click in when you switch it on.

thank you i have a p38 and didnt no if light was off for air con on or other way round.

you would of thought land rover would of always done it the conventional way, switch on, light on, but no. I would love to meet these people at Land rover who come out with such ideas. I had one some years ago, fit heating elements in the front side windows, instead of the dam steering wheel, saves you scraping the window to look in the mirrors. Now that they have read this, some clever dick at Land rover will say "what a good idea"