Hi all, I'm new to the forum and to Mini Coopers in general. I have a 2003 S with an odd problem. My AC blows freezing cold as long as the ambient outside temperature is below 85 degrees. Once it gets to be 85 outside, the AC blows ambient temperature air. When the outside temp drops back below 85, I have ice cold AC again. The problem doesn't seem to be related to engine temperature as the AC will be inoperative even on a cold start if the ambient temp is above 85. I've checked that the cooling fan is working properly (high and low speed) and have checked the condenser for obstructions/debris all to no avail. I'm out of ideas and would appreciate some sage wisdom.

 

go and have the system pressure checked. When I first got my 06 MCS 2 years ago this Saturday, I had a similar problem. I took it to my mechanic and he checked the system and then flushed and refilled with freon. Been working great since! Best $100 I ever spend on an A/C system.

Just a thought.

 

does your MINI have the automatic a/c?

IME the automatic systems can get very cornfused if the outside temperature probe gets messed up. Mine recently broke off and the system thought it was -40 degrees outside so kept turning the heat on full blast every time I started the car!!!!

I don't know how to test one but here's a new one

http://new.minimania.com/part/NMX861...9-60-Cooper--S

easy to replace once you find it . . .

 

+1
If a system has been repeatedly "topped off" with the consumer r134a+oil , it is likely overfilled with oil....lack of cooling capacity, especially at higher temps is associated with a system with too much oil and not enough r134a....simply put the mini system is tiny...holdIng just about a pound of refrigerant..... So if the system has been filled a few times without sucking the oil out....you might have a few ounces of r134a less than needed, but STILL HAVE GOOD PSI....

 

Wow, good points all around. I guess I'll start with a flush and fill then move on to the temp probe if that doesn't do the trick. Thanks!