C8 Air Conditioning Not Working

[rfhspares]

I have a 2004 2.2hdi c8. The air conditioning pump doesn't seem to kick in when I turn it on and set to 14degrees (coldest) . Air con pipes dont get cold and i dont hear the pump engage. I wonder if its because the outside air temp is lower that 14 degrees and the car knows this and so air con not needed and doesn't engage? Or is there a fuse or relay. All blowers and heater functions work.

[paul.h]

The air con on most cars does not work if the outside air temp is below about 5°C. If it is not working above that then it is likely the amount of refrigerant is low and it needs to be regassed. Our C5 had to be done at about 7 years old.

[rfhspares]

Think you may be right about the gas. I thought the pump would still run even if the gas was low but someone told me if the gas pressure is too low or too high the pump won't kick in to protect the pump. Will get the gas checked in next few weeks I think.

[paul.h]

If the air con is not run for a long time the seals can dry out since the lubricating oil is not circulated and then result in having to replace the compressor. A regas is about £50 from a dealer and involves vacing out the old gas, weighing it, checking for any leaks and if there are no leaks, then putting the right amount of gas back - there may be a label under the bonnet somewhere which gives the refrigerant type and the amount but will be around 600 grams.

 

There are pressure switches which stop the compressor on low and high pressure.

[rfhspares]

Solved, it was low on gas as suggested. Thanks