Air Conditioner in 2002 Mini Cooper S
Orig. Posting Date | User Name | Edit Date |
Aug 21, 2017 10:47AM | kenatminimania | |
Aug 21, 2017 07:27AM | UCDNebulous | |
Aug 16, 2017 03:19PM | kenatminimania | |
Aug 16, 2017 03:05PM | kenatminimania | |
Aug 16, 2017 02:31PM | UCDNebulous | |
Aug 16, 2017 02:24PM | thewerewolf | |
Aug 16, 2017 02:01PM | UCDNebulous | Edited: Aug 16, 2017 02:05PM |
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Last post: May 23, 2023 Member since:Dec 29, 2004
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Just an update on my AC issue. I went ahead and checked the OBD-II codes and got no codes of interest. I also used high/low pressure gauges to check the high and low pressures, both of them seemed relativly normal (if anything high because the compressor isn't coming on).
Finally I used a multi-meter in the socket for the AC relay and found that there was no continuity, which means the coil is shot. I have gone ahead and placed an order for a new coil which cost me around $80 on Amazon. I will install when I next have a chance to (should be the weekend of the 2nd) and let you guys know the results.
Cheers,
Chris
Ken
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Last post: Aug 21, 2017 Member since:Aug 10, 2017
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Just an update on my AC issue. I went ahead and checked the OBD-II codes and got no codes of interest. I also used high/low pressure gauges to check the high and low pressures, both of them seemed relativly normal (if anything high because the compressor isn't coming on).
Finally I used a multi-meter in the socket for the AC relay and found that there was no continuity, which means the coil is shot. I have gone ahead and placed an order for a new coil which cost me around $80 on Amazon. I will install when I next have a chance to (should be the weekend of the 2nd) and let you guys know the results.
Cheers,
Chris
Total posts: 2271
Last post: May 23, 2023 Member since:Dec 29, 2004
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kens (at) minimania.com
Total posts: 2271
Last post: May 23, 2023 Member since:Dec 29, 2004
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Cars in Garage: 1
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Hello All,
Tis the season for Mini maintenance, and I've been trying to solve this issue for a little while. My mini is a 2002 Mini Cooper S hatch with less than 50k miles on it. I purchased it almost 8 years ago used from a collector who had been keeping up on routine maintenance but still needed a battery and air filter replacement.
A week or so ago the A/C in my car stopped working somewhat suddenly, at the time I was bothered, but knew that there could be a variety of reasons for this to happen. The first thing I checked was to see if the compressor is actually turning on. Without taking the car apart I am able to see that the compressor clutch isn't turning. I'm hesitant given the mileage on the car to assume that the compressor or compressor coil is shot. To ensure what the cause of this is, I have gone ahead and checked the following:
1) AC Fuse (Engine Compartment) 30A, looks and is not blown.
2) AC Fuse (Cabin Compartment) 5A, looks and is not blown.
3) AC Relay (Engine Compartment). When the AC is turned on in the car when idling, the click from the relay is clear and crisp, although it sound sound worn down. I bought a new relay for this and put it in. Much louder click, so I give this a passing grade.
4) r134a level. I took the low pressure cap off the AC system and connected my gauge. The pressure reading immediately went up into the red. I turned on the car and the pressure stayed the same in the system.
5) r134a test, to ensure the system wasn't staying off due to over-pressurization, I had a mechanic legally remove some of the r134a from the system. (EPA etc). This brought it down to the correct 'operating' pressure, but still the compressor clutch would not turn on.
I know steps 4 and 5 both rely on the compressor actually being on, because without the compressor turning on the pressure reading is not accurate or even correct. However this was the best I could try without the compressor turning on.
From here, if my lurking has served me well, I know that the possibilities are as follows:
1) Compressor itself is shot, $600 replacement + my time and effort to replace and a recharge.
2) Compressor clutch is shot. Can't buy this on it's own, and would need to replace the whole compressor.
3) Compressor coil is shot. $95(?). This is (apparently) a common problem on early new Minis. Would still require me to get the system drained, replace the coil, test it, and recharge.
4) One of the multiple sensors are telling the compressor that a different external situation is happening, and thus telling the compressor not to turn on. I don't know exactly how these sensors are wired to know if the relay would even activate if any of the sensors are tripped or not. Speaking of which, could someone knowledgeable on the subject tell me all the possible sensors that would be preventing the AC Compressor from turning on? I only know of the refrigerant sensor and the pressure in the system sensor.
5) If there are other things I haven't tested but should please let me know! I'd like to take every opportunity I can to learn more about my car.
From what I've said, where do you guys recommend I go next? I work daily and need the car to get to and from work, so leaving the car in pieces for more than a weekend isn't an option I'm excited to consider. If I need to replace the compressor I would be able to finish it over a weekend once the parts arrive.
The only somewhat straightforward test to do is check the OBD2 readings and error codes and try to deduce something from those. However with the Mini most standard OBD2 devices can't read the codes. I have one that for sure can at another property, but cannot access it until this weekend.
I have the time, ability, and money to replace the entire compressor, but I would really rather not.
Thanks in advance for all your help, and I will be happy to provide more information, answer questions, and take pictures if needed.
Regards,
Chris
Mr. thewerewolf is mis-informed since this forum is shared on both the classic and new MINI sites.
Ken
Total posts: 6
Last post: Aug 21, 2017 Member since:Aug 10, 2017
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Why aren't new minis considered 'real' minis? I don't mean the countryman and whatever, just standard minis.
Feels arbitrary to send people away for having a different model of mini.
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Total posts: 6
Last post: Aug 21, 2017 Member since:Aug 10, 2017
|
Cars in Garage: 0
Photos: 0 WorkBench Posts: 0 |
Hello All,
Tis the season for Mini maintenance, and I've been trying to solve this issue for a little while. My mini is a 2002 Mini Cooper S hatch with less than 50k miles on it. I purchased it almost 8 years ago used from a collector who had been keeping up on routine maintenance but still needed a battery and air filter replacement.
A week or so ago the A/C in my car stopped working somewhat suddenly, at the time I was bothered, but knew that there could be a variety of reasons for this to happen. The first thing I checked was to see if the compressor is actually turning on. Without taking the car apart I am able to see that the compressor clutch isn't turning. I'm hesitant given the mileage on the car to assume that the compressor or compressor coil is shot. To ensure what the cause of this is, I have gone ahead and checked the following:
1) AC Fuse (Engine Compartment) 30A, looks and is not blown.
2) AC Fuse (Cabin Compartment) 5A, looks and is not blown.
3) AC Relay (Engine Compartment). When the AC is turned on in the car when idling, the click from the relay is clear and crisp, although it sound sound worn down. I bought a new relay for this and put it in. Much louder click, so I give this a passing grade.
4) r134a level. I took the low pressure cap off the AC system and connected my gauge. The pressure reading immediately went up into the red. I turned on the car and the pressure stayed the same in the system.
5) r134a test, to ensure the system wasn't staying off due to over-pressurization, I had a mechanic legally remove some of the r134a from the system. (EPA etc). This brought it down to the correct 'operating' pressure, but still the compressor clutch would not turn on.
I know steps 4 and 5 both rely on the compressor actually being on, because without the compressor turning on the pressure reading is not accurate or even correct. However this was the best I could try without the compressor turning on.
From here, if my lurking has served me well, I know that the possibilities are as follows:
1) Compressor itself is shot, $600 replacement + my time and effort to replace and a recharge.
2) Compressor clutch is shot. Can't buy this on it's own, and would need to replace the whole compressor.
3) Compressor coil is shot. $95(?). This is (apparently) a common problem on early new Minis. Would still require me to get the system drained, replace the coil, test it, and recharge.
4) One of the multiple sensors are telling the compressor that a different external situation is happening, and thus telling the compressor not to turn on. I don't know exactly how these sensors are wired to know if the relay would even activate if any of the sensors are tripped or not. Speaking of which, could someone knowledgeable on the subject tell me all the possible sensors that would be preventing the AC Compressor from turning on? I only know of the refrigerant sensor and the pressure in the system sensor.
5) If there are other things I haven't tested but should please let me know! I'd like to take every opportunity I can to learn more about my car.
From what I've said, where do you guys recommend I go next? I work daily and need the car to get to and from work, so leaving the car in pieces for more than a weekend isn't an option I'm excited to consider. If I need to replace the compressor I would be able to finish it over a weekend once the parts arrive.
The only somewhat straightforward test to do is check the OBD2 readings and error codes and try to deduce something from those. However with the Mini most standard OBD2 devices can't read the codes. I have one that for sure can at another property, but cannot access it until this weekend.
I have the time, ability, and money to replace the entire compressor, but I would really rather not.
Thanks in advance for all your help, and I will be happy to provide more information, answer questions, and take pictures if needed.
Regards,
Chris