Repair Air Conditioner not working?

KEL TAYLOR

MEMBER
2002 RENAULT MEGANE
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
165,000 MILES

A/c not working. When starting the engine an under-dash noise starts then cuts out. This happens on all startups. This is second hand Renault car, is it possible to repair the A/C unit? Was planning to renew A/C fluid prior to checking compressor and other servicing. If parts are available for this model A/C i'd be interested in obtaining a quote. Any information that is available would certainly be appreciated. Thank you, Kel

2 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Hello Kel,

The noise you are hearing will be a blend door actuator that needs to be replaced, can you pinpoint the source of the noise? If you use your hand, you should be able to feel the actuator that is causing the problem. If the front A/C is cold, then the system does not need to be recharged. Can you please upload a short video of the noise so that way I can tell for sure what's going on? Also, I will hand this over to our Euro expert, he should respond in the next day or two.

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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 11:38 AM

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

First do the AC controls have rotary knobs to control the temperature and air flow? Or do you have an electronic control panel? See image 1+2 below.
If you have the rotary control knobs then the activation for the heat distribution is done via cables, no electronic actuators would be involved.
I would suggest first having the level of the refrigerant checked before any other repairs are carried out.
If the refrigerant in the A/C system is low, then the compressor will not engage.
Low refrigerant can be caused by a leak in the A/C system.

See a good article:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Cheers, Boris

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