A/C Dead

[Hagar46]

Anyone have their a/c stop producing cold air? Everything seems in order with mine but the compressor clutch is not engaging/disengaging like it's supposed to. Suggestions and/or what was your fix? Other than $1,500 for a new compressor at Baron.

[davester]

Might be worth a look---
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?Make=Mini&_ ... 86.c0.m282

[Minidave]

The is a pressure switch in the system, if the freon gets low it will not engage the compressor - you might just need to add freon.....

[Hagar46]

Had a repair shop evacuate and recharge the system so it should not be low on freon. However, they did it at no cost since this did not fix the problem and I'm not confident they knew anthying about MINI's. They told me to go to Baron.

[LiLReD1]

I was told by dealer that when they put in the new timing chain for the famous "diesel rattle" last winter, they had accidently bent an A/C line that rubbed against my half-shaft than eventually rubbed a whole in it, and drained all the fluid in the A/C system. I'm not sure if it's the same kinda setup for the R53... kinda doubt it... but just something to watch out for.

[MiniGeoff]

Anyone have their a/c stop producing cold air? Everything seems in order with mine but the compressor clutch is not engaging/disengaging like it's supposed to. Suggestions and/or what was your fix? Other than $1,500 for a new compressor at Baron.

I've had that happen, twice as of yesterday in fact.

Whatever you do, don't take it to Baron to fix it. They wanted that same $1500 from me for it, and I had it done AND a new radiator installed elsewhere for $1100 parts and labor. I think that KC Autosport told me (thought I didn't have them do the work) that they'd replace a compressor for about $400 plus the price of the compressor, which they said I could buy and bring to them to install, and I found salvaged, used, compressors online with a 90 day warranty for about $350 shipped.

I hope mine isn't a dead compressor again, since I just did this like 13 months ago, but I'm starting to think it is...

[Hagar46]

I've found a remanufactured a/c compressor replacement kit (includes the drier) with a one year warranty on-line for $230. Now the decision is whether I want to attempt to do the work myself or not. Maybe at a Garage Day?

[Minidave]

It's pretty much a bolt off/on deal....so I think it's do-able on a garage day, not much harder than changing a fan - you will have to remove the radiator and A/C condensor to get to it IIRC. I'd have to look at it first tho, since this is a Justa it might be easier than I'm thinking.

Also, you need to go someplace and have the freon removed, then once the install is done you need to go back and have it evacuated and the freon re-installed. I wonder if it's worth the extra hassle to save the install labor?

Your call, but you know we're willing to help if you decide to DIY. We also now have a club member with a lift!