I bought the car and repaired problems it had not I am dealing with the A/C. When I first tested the pressures, it came up with the PSI at 100 PSI-LP/50 PSI-HP. I vacuumed off the system and went to recharge with much the same result. I started to get a little bit of debris coming back through when I vacuumed off. Little black particles. I didn't see much oil at all coming out. I am concerned about the expansion valve being the problem. I am getting no cooling but I did test all of the doors and sensors with a Launch V431 +4.0. I wanted to get some opinions because I do work on a lot of different types of vehicles but mini Cooper has not been one that I have spent much time with. Any feedback is greatly appreciated from anyone that might be able to help me out.

 

Have you seen the LP and HP swap often discussed for other cars in your research?
I'm having a similar issue in my BMW currently but since it's my summer car, I drive with all windows down anyhow and forgo the A/C (plus A/C somehow gives me headaches)

 

If by debris you mean metal then it will have come from the high compression side of the compressor. Are you getting the low pressure switch to come on and run the compressor? If so the high side should reduce to around 30-45 psi and high to 175+/- (varies with ambient temperature). Another cause is a clogged evaporator core. It can have a valve stuck open. If the compressor is not cycling then you need to test the relay. If it isn't there then likely it is going to be your compressor. BTW are your needles moving for psi? If not then you probably don't have a working compressor.

As a sidenote, I fixed an ac compressor about a week ago that had broken away from its tie. The wires had come in contact with the belt and worn through. I cut and spliced back together and everything was working again. Just a thought to check the wiring all the way up.