Drove to work the other day and ac worked great, drove home and ac blew hot air. Checked and found that the compressor does not spin if ac is on or off. I have a 04 mcs. Any suggestions on a cheap fix or does this mean the compressor needs to be replaced? Thanx

 

Also did a fuse check under the dash and in the engine compartment and they all seem fine.

 

Had the same problem, make sure your low speed fans work.

My low speed, fan and compressor were bad.

 

I had a failure of the clutch in the compressor ...

required a new compressor - sorry

 

Where are the low speed fans located?

 

Behind the radiator. i don't think the lack of the low speed can cause the A/C clutch to go bad but it does lower efficiency and can lead to complete compressor failure due to higher pressures.

The low speed should come on whenever the A/C is on. If the clutch does not come on it could mean that the Freon is way too low but in most of the cases reported here it is the clutch which cannot be sourced without the entire compressor. For me that was a $1200 repair.

But if the low speed fan is out you should have that repaired at the same time while your Mini is in Service Mode.

Rich

 

Are you talking about the radiator fan? If so I know that that has been making a ticking noise for some time but pretty sure its still going.

 

Ah, ignore the last message. So the 1 radiator fan (i think theres only 1) has different speeds? Im not to sure it comes on with the ac and being that the ac compressor is not coming on at all now I wouldnt be able to determine that right?

 

Yes.

Nope. It should come on if the A/C is working or not when you turn the A/C on. But if you leave it idle for 5 minutes it should come on as well. It is quiet unlike the high-speed so you actually have to look to see if it is spinning.

IMO it is a bad design although it was upgraded in 2004 to be a bit better.

Rich

 

Most times, the clutch fails after the car has some mileage on it anyways, so most places just replace the whole compressor. But, some cars like Subaru, you can buy a new magnetic clutch from the dealer....unfortunately we are not so lucky.

Our club mechanic has a source for a suitable aftermarket one at about half the price....So far no duds. I'll ask and send ya a PM.

 

I have a bad A/C compressor. I know the dealership wants $1800 to replace; what's a more realistic price?

 

It cost me $1200 at a quality independent here in NJ.

Rich

 

Wow, I found a compressor between the prices of $160 used to $250-$300 refurbished. I will check the relay but prob need the compressor.

 

I got a re-man for around 300$ and aftermarket fan assembly (mine was toast) for around 200.

I did the repair myself though, but I think the labor time is something like 5 or 6 hours.