V50 weird climate control behaviour

[Jarndyce]

Picked up an 08 V50 around a week ago and really delighted.
However, when climate control is on, either in auto or manual mode, it blows cool air into the car for around 10-15mins, and then the fan backs right off and cannot be turned back up - even if you crank the fan up to full speed.
Turn the air con off, and it blows air again.
Turn the air con back on, and it will revert to normal for about 15mins, and the whole cycle starts again.

Is this the clutch gap issue I've read about?

It's under warranty so do I ask for a new compressor?

Any advice greatly received! Thanks.

[XcOM]

if it's under warranty I would just go back and get them to check rather than you saying to them what needs doing, that way if they do something which wasn't required you can't be held responsible, the air con on these cars can be a bit flimsy at times, theres the gap issue, it's also known that the compressor is a bit weak and the condenser is prone to damage/rot.

My condenser is rotten but it still holds pressure so I am going to leave it a little while and get it replaced, I've been quoted £199 all in for supply and fixed rate for fitting.

[Jarndyce]

Thank you XcOM.
Good advice.
I wanted to check this was an actual fault and not my inability to operate the ECC.

In the threads, various people talk about the compressor and condenser.
Are these terms for the same unit?

[Sasha94]

My car has just started doing this, though it'll only hold the fan speed for a minute or so then drop off. The air is still blowing cold though so I'm stumped. Jarndyce, did you find out what it was on your car? Anyone?

Thanks

[mf70]

I've never had this off, but I wonder if there's some fan motor control circuitry that is going bad. A compressor problem would result in blowing hot air, not in having the fan stop.

DiCE / VIDA may give some insight. You may also find something in a visual inspection of the fan control on the fan motor.

[Sasha94]

Dunno, I have a funny feeling the fibre optic panel isn't in the best of health as it is often a little disobedient these days. Will keep a look out on what it could be.

When I turn the A/C off manually it starts blowing hard again, turn A/C back on and all is good for a minute or so then the fan drops off again but the air is still cold, switch A/C off again and repeat the cycle.

Although mechanically perfect, I would appreciate it if the car didn't throw up these niggles; I have better things to spend my hard earned on!

[Jarndyce]

Mine is going in to be repaired (under warranty) next week.
I'll let you know the outcome.

Must admit that the symptoms appear to match the electromagnetic clutch issue exactly, be we'll see.
I don't really want it shimmed or adjusted, as apparently it's often a sign that the compressor's on its way out.

[Sasha94]

That's great, would love to hear what it is, might give an insight into what's up with my car

[warlord0]

A very familiar story I had to have a condensor fitted in my 58 plate V50 last week. Only had the car 2 weeks. All in with fittings and regas it came to £240. Just need the seller to pay up now as agreed.

Talk to the seller first and get them to authorise you fixing it, unless they are local to you. Most A/C places will pressure test the system before attempting to regas and then give you the prognosis.

If it's the compressor/clutch then gas should be present so they'll know if it's a mechanical failure or a leak pretty quickly.

[Welton]

Just in case it helps:

In Auto mode the fan speed will drop by itself as the requested cabin temperature is achieved (or nearly achieved) this is for your own comfort.

If the central face vents are pointing skywards they will blow cold air onto the cabin temp sensor in the overhead console and fool the system...slowing the fan speed.

The sunlight intensity sensor at the bottom of the windscreen is quite sensitive to shade...slowing the fan again.

The CC knows if the front windows are open...slowing the fan.