Ac issue not working?

2016 MINI COOPER
134,000 MILES • TURBO • MANUAL
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BHAMDOC1
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Bought it with ac not working. I see compressor running. Fan was not. Tried to add freon did not take it. Found out that when i release freon from the valve its mostly air. And when i did release a bit the fan cane on and air was so cold for few. Then it was hot again.released all air out and compressor stopped added freon fan would come on but at a specific limit i guess but still no cold air. I suspect a weak compressor.
May 22, 2026 at 5:03 PM
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STRAILER
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Thanks for the videos, they helped, It looks like the compressor is bad, the low side pressure is okay but the high side is low, I would change out the expansion valve as well. Make sure you vacuum the system down before recharging it, go over this video to help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqdrBVb0sY

Please go over this guide and get back to me.

May 23, 2026 at 5:25 PM
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BHAMDOC1
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Where is the expansion valve on this one?
May 23, 2026 at 6:21 PM
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STRAILER
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It is behind the power distribution box. Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.
May 24, 2026 at 2:30 AM
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BHAMDOC1
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Thanks. Does that involve any work from under the dash?
May 24, 2026 at 2:50 AM
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STRAILER
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Nope, you are good, just remove the power distribution box, disconnect the battery first though.
May 24, 2026 at 2:56 AM