Warning: The air conditioning system is under high pressure. Do not disconnect fittings or remove system components until the system has been drained, which should only be done by a specialist. Wear protective goggles when adding refrigerant or disconnecting fittings in the air conditioning system.
1. To ensure maximum efficiency of your air conditioning system, the following checks should be performed regularly.
- a) Check the condition of the compressor drive belt. If it is worn or damaged, replace it (see Chapter 1).
- b) Check the drive belt tension and adjust if necessary (see Chapter 1).
- c) Check the system hoses. Look for cracks, bulges and wear. Check for oil bubbles and leaks near the hoses and fittings. If there is damage, wear or leaks, replace the hoses.
- d) Inspect the condenser plates and remove any foreign objects such as leaves and insects. Use compressed air to clean the condenser.
- d) Check that the system is filled correctly.
2. It is recommended to run the system for about ten minutes at least once a month. This is especially important in winter, as prolonged non-use of the system leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the hoses and subsequent leaks.
3. Due to the complexity of the air conditioning system and the need for special equipment, troubleshooting internal faults is not covered in this manual. This chapter only describes simple unit replacement procedures.
4. The most common cause of poor air conditioning performance is insufficient refrigerant. If cooling efficiency noticeably decreases, you can quickly check the refrigerant level by performing one of the following tests.
5. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
6. Set the air conditioner temperature control to the coldest setting and the blower to the highest setting. Open the doors (to prevent the air conditioning system from looping as the cabin cools).
7. When the compressor is on, the clutch will make a characteristic click and the central part of the clutch will rotate - look through the viewing glass of the receiver/dryer (see section 14). If the coolant looks foamy, the level is low. Have the system refilled at a specialist workshop. Due to environmental protection laws, 400 g containers are no longer sold to the public. Large capacity coolant is quite expensive, but if you can get it (and a set of boost gauges), use the instructions in the Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning Handbook.