Hello. I have a 2007 Mini S, the AC just quit. There was no degradation in the cold, it decided it wanted to go kaput. Are there some good resources to help trouble shoot AC system with having to shell out a lot of cash? Many thanks.

-Ben

 

Does it still blow air? Do you here the AC compressor clutches engaging?

 

The fan still blows air. I could not hear the AC compressor clutch engaging. I turn the AC on listening for that charging then mechanical engagement noise, I however did not hear it.

 

Hello. I have since purchased a Bentley maintenance manual for my mini. I am still having AC issues. I am trying to troubleshoot everything electrical before I start pulling components off. According to the book the K19 AC compressor relay is behind the right kick panel, I have read other threads where it is in the engine compartment but I think those are 1st generation mini coopers. I pulled off the kicker panel and there is only the fuse box, not any K index relays. Does anyone know where the K19 relay is , or can point me in the right direction?

Many thanks

 

There is another fuse panel in the engine compartment just like in the 1st gen.

 

The relay was on the same circuit card that all the fuses were. It has a cover on it, and the relay is soldered into the board. All the fuses in the engine compartment are good. That lets me to believe it could be a pressure sensor? A control unit error or a compressor error.

 

At this age, the refrigerant has most likely leaked to the point where the pressure switch is keeping the clutch from engaging. Go to a good AC shop. Do NOT DIY!

DOC

 

Hello Doc. Thank you for the suggestion. That was the first thing I did,( I should have mentioned that probably) take it to an AC shop where they evacuated the system, then recharged it.

 

And did you also neglect to mention it worked for a little while after recharging, then stopped? (I assume if it did not work when you paid for the recharge, you would have brought it right back to the AC shop.) Hopefully, they included dye with the recharge so now you can find the leak(s) with a UV light.

DOC

 

Doc, No. The system did not work after the recharge. When the system failed, the refrigerant maintained a charge, and has stayed charged since the service. I think the problem is AC compressor clutch.

I am currently reading up on ways to service/test the clutch with out having to replace the whole compressor.