Cdi 110 vito aircon problem

[studio]

Hello, my 2002 cdi110 vito aircon works fine for 10 mins, then after some clicking of relays sound coming from the dashboard, no more cold air. When I stopped the engine and restart it, the aircon would work fine for 10mins and the problem will be back till the next restart.

thank you for any advice

suzanne treston

 

[mikestrivens]

Could need regassing. If the pressure is too low the aircon will disengage to protect the components. Kwikfit do a £40 refill. there is no charge if they can't make an improvement. This is a cheap way of finding out whether you have a leak in the system and need to explore further.

 

[studio]

Mike, thanks for your advice.

What is the normal lifespan of an aircon compressor?

Assuming if there is no leak, how often is regassing required?

regards, suzanne

 

[mikestrivens]

Mike, thanks for your advice.

What is the normal lifespan of an aircon compressor?

Assuming if there is no leak, how often is regassing required?

regards, suzanne

The $64,000 questions.

I have never had to replace a compressor - so at least 15 years but that assumes the aircon is on permanently. You will see other threads here discussing about turning aircon off to save fuel. This is a bad idea for several reasons:
1. the system needs to be flowing to keep the rubber seals lubricated. If you turn the aircon off (EC light lit) then this stops and the system can deteriorate.
2. The fuel economies are neglible. The cost of replacing aircon parts are far far more than any fuel economies, making it a false saving.

My first Merc, the 280TE, had gone for 10 years before regassing, but by then the aircon had pretty much stopped producing cold air. I got it regassed and it was like being back in a fridge. I think 10 years is unusual and some people reckon every year or so top it up. Clearly if there is a leak then topping up will be pointless and now illegal until leak fixed.

I suggest going to Kwikfit as they have a £40 refill facility and if there is a leak there is no charge, either monetary or aircon wise. If their is no leak then it has just cost you £40, pretty much a bargain for aircon systems.

Once you/they have identifed a leak is present, if that is the case, then go to an auto aircon specialist, I found one in Yellow pages, and get them to charge the system with nitrogen and dye to locate the leak. Some use hydrogen and a sniffer device but the effect is the same. If it is a leak hopefully it will be relatively simple and cheapish like the condenser (£280 from MB + about 3 hours labour). I say condenser because this is the radiator at teh front of the car and is prone to damage from flying stones and other road crud build up. If you are opening the system up it is well worth replacing the receiver/dryer (£89 from MB) at the same time as the desiccant gradually loses its capacity to dry the air.

If you are very unlucky it could be the evaporator. This is another radiator like panel (think of the inside of your fridge) built into the dash board. It is something like a 25 hour job to replace hence big money. Many turn their aircon off (EC light on) a few minutes before turning engine off to allow evaporator to dry out thus preventing rot setting in.

I hope I have answered some of your questions.

 

[studio]

Mike, you have been helpful, thats real help worth 64grand! I sure hope a £40 refill can solve my problem, regards su