Hi folks… First time poster here!

I’m having an issue with my A/C blowing warm. I’ve been over all of the related threads here but I could use a bit of help to be sure I’m on the right track…

Car type: Mini Cooper 2002 (non-s)

Issue: A/C blowing warm air; gets cooler but not cold at higher speed

System review:

• Low side line is at 120 psi while running with AC on full blast
• No flashing AC light on the dash (solid green)
• Fuses and relays checked both by the driver side and in the engine compartment (both relays for the compressor and the cooling fan click and have been swapped)
• When idle and AC on – the engine cooling fan is not running at low speed
• Compressor is not running with AC on
• Engine cooling fan will kick in and run at high speed for short periods of time
• Power steering fan does engage and spin normal when the high speed engine cooling fan is running but otherwise is not spinning (believe this to be normal)

Other odd things… I had a battery issue about 6 weeks ago… every morning the battery would be dead, would recharge and test ok. Finally replaced the battery and the issue is now gone. The AC was working both prior to and after the battery replacement.

For the AC issue, I’ve ordered a replacement engine cooling fan and I’ll be replacing the part in the driveway. Figured the $67 bucks for the fan was better than a dealer quote for $800.

Dealer has reviewed the issue and feels that I have (had) and low side pressure issue (was at 100 psi) and also have a failed fan, and a failed compressor. They believe the compressor is also bad b/c the clutch on does not engage right now. Seems odd to me that every single expensive AC part would fail at the same time. But my question is if the real issue is a low speed cooling fan should I expect the clutch to be engaging right now? Have I missing anything simple to test/replace?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

Yes, the clutch would engage even with a bad low speed fan. Only reason that would be shut off is if the High side pressure(which is monitored by the pressure switch) was in excess, like if neither fan speed cut on. Since there is decent static system pressure, First thing to do is to check for voltage at the compressor clutch....if you have 12v and no compressor clutch engagement regardless of fan operation, your compressor clutch is faulty and needs replacement. Fan still needs to be fixed to have constant airflow across the condensor in the event that there stop and go traffic. Check the compressor first and go from there.

 

My 2004 Mini developed a similar problem. However, the air conditioner blows good and cold until once in a while it intermittently blows very warm air for about :20 seconds, then back to cold. The dealer shouts "compressor," man! I hope not. Where should I start with diagnostics? I've never worked on a/c before.

 

Hello lydont01. I am having a similar problem with my A/C. I recently posted a thread asking for advice or if anyone has had the same problem. I will send you any responses I receive.

 

I have an odor problem upon initial start-up of AC. Goes away in about 2-3 minutes. Cabin filter is probably due for a change, but I'd be surprised if that is the problem. Anyone had an issue with a clogged condensate drain line before? Hate to tear the whole system apart as it's otherwise working fine. Ideas?