03 Cooper S here with 73K.

Air was working great yesterday and as I go for a drive today I notice that the air is not getting cold. So I bring it to my buddies shop and he puts a gauge on the AC system to see if it needs freon (spelling). That's good, but he tells me the ac compressor is not turning on. We check fuses and inside by the drivers side clutch pedal there is a 5amp fuse that is blown so we replace it. Nothing.

I am pissed b/c if the ac compressor is toast it's going to cost $$$$$ to fix it. Well I have an appointment with Princeton Mini a week from tomorrow so I guess we will see what happens.

 

.

 

I have a used compressor for sale if you end up needing one.

 

Which fuse was blown? Did it blow immediately after turning the A/C back on?

 

Thanks for the offer I might have to take you up on it depending on how much it's going to cost me. But I would like to put a brand new one it so I won't have to worry about it for a while.


I have to check on which fuse. And no it did not blow after turning the AC on again.

 

Why do automobile A/C compressors fail anyway? I always wanted to know.

 

My compressor went out last august...just got it fixed in May.
I have no idea why it went out, and no one i talked to knew why either.
But, it sure is nice to have it fixed now!

 

I read somewhere that one reason why A/C compressors fail is lack of use. Lots of mechanics I've heard and spoke with recommend that the A/C be started once a week for 10-20 minutes because the cooling agent (freon or modern day equivilant) used helps to lubricate the lines/compressor. If it is not used for an extended period of time, the lubrication disappears and increases wear on the A/C components. Not using the A/C all winter and then firing it up in spring/summer will increase the wear & potential for failure.

 

Well let's see what happened to me today :(

AC Compressor parts and labor = around $1,200

Needed a major service = $750

Few odds and ends = $50

Total with tax = $2,138

Thankyou for bending me over Morristown Mini

On a side note the car runs great now.

 

Compressor on the 02 died a few weeks ago as well. One day it worked, next day it didn't. Not due to non-use...I live in florida!

Don't feel TOO bent over....that cost is in line with what it cost me at the dealer. On the bright side, having the dealer do the work should be providing you a 2 year warranty on the compressor......

And don't think this is unique to MINI

Dodge Caravan - compressor at 3 years
Audi - compressor at 6 months..TWICE..at least it was warranty!
Honda - compressor at 4 years ...

sigh

 

Cross discussion on A/C failures here: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3938248

 

Thanks, that's actually reassuring. Other then my lower control arm bushings showing signs of wear everything else is in excellent mechanical order. The service manager and tech even complimented me on the condition of my mini which made me feel good.

I felt bad for her since she had minor surgery today so I got her 5 windows tinted to give her a little gift