I just had my garage do an "AC evacuation and recharge" They said the system is full, blowers are working, it is "cold to the firewall" and there are no leaks. As this is not a mini expert, they do not know where to point me from here. I live in the country and closest dealer is 1hr away.

I have seen on other models that there are relays that may be the cause, but can not find them on my car. I checked the fuses under the hood and all seem fine. Is anyone familiar with this issue? Can you help me find the culprit?

 

I'm not sure what the question is! I assume the A/C is considered inadequate. Well, in my experience it's certainly not the greatest, but.........

Nothing at all works, hot or cold, until the fan is on at least the first speed - I generally use #2 with the A/C - #3 seems too fast.
On my car, the positions on the rotary selector are 'off' the markings just a little, try adjusting yours.
The heater core is always hot in a MINI; the controls direct air through (hot) or around (cold) it. There have been reports of the vanes or flaps not closing all the way, resulting in a mix of hot & cold. Check that the linkages are all intact.
Does the 're-circulate' position make any difference?
Check the cabin filter - it clogs easily.

I find it's all a bit wimpy in traffic - on the highway at a steady speed it's pretty good.
​​​​​​​Just my thoughts.

 

MVPeters, The question is: does anyone has thoughts on my AC situation? The AC worked last year really well after a recharge. This year it has not worked, even after an evacuation and recharge.

I will check to see if re-circ makes a difference and that the cabin filter is clean. Honestly, I did not know that there was one. So, that may be the issue.

How would I check the linkages you mentioned above?

 

When you say 'not worked', can you hear/feel the compressor kick in?
If you can, there's enough R134a to at least get things going - if you can't, maybe a $15 recharge can would refresh the charge, or check the fuse!
I think you can feel a linkage problem - if any of the controls are sloppy or stiff, more research is needed. You can sort of get to some of the connections under the dash. There are other threads on this.
On my R53 the cabin filter is under the glove box - I'm not sure on an R56.

 

Other suggestions anyone? Its staying hot in PA.