Troubleshooting AC issues on a 3.2 | FerrariChat

Troubleshooting AC issues on a 3.2

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by 2cam, Jun 21, 2019.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. 2cam

    2cam Formula Junior

    Aug 28, 2014
    742
    Austin, Texas
    Full Name:
    MikeS
    #1 2cam, Jun 21, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2019
    Greetings Team Mondial!

    I'm reaching out for a bit of direction on my 3.2. I recently had a service completed to replace the belts and tensioners and have an oil leak repaired. That was completed successfully. Unfortunately, the exercise also created a couple of new issues. One of which is a non-functioning AC system. The AC system had worked great prior to taking it to the shop and it stopped cooling about two weeks after returning (the compressor was removed in the process of changing the belts/tensioners).

    I assume that it's probably a freon (R12) leak, but before purchasing a leak detector and the equipment needed to repair the system, I wanted to see what other items should be considered that might keep the AC clutch from engaging. The AC fuse appears to be fine, but I haven't changed it out to ensure that isn't the issue, but will this weekend. What other electrical items should be checked?

    As a FYI, I did do a search and have read through many of the AC threads on the Mondial subforum as well as a number on the 308/328 and haven't seen anything that specifically speaks to a list of troubleshooting steps.

    Thanks for the guidance!

    2cam
     
  2. mike32

    mike32 F1 Veteran

    May 13, 2016
    5,829
    Isle of man- uk
    It is not normal practice to actually remove the AC compressor, just release it and move it to one side on the flexy hoses.
    The AC compressor clutch has a wire connected to it, check you have 12 volts to it by disconnecting from the clutch, with engine running and AC switches on, you should have 12 volts.
    Assuming the clutch is getting power, locate the filter drier in the front compartment with the spare wheel. You will 2 wires going to a pressure switch on top of the drier, i cannot recall which way it works so either join the 2 wires together or remove 1 to break the circuit. This is the low pressure switch on the gas side, if you have lost the gas this will stop the comp clutch engaging.
    If by shorting or disconnecting the wires, the clutch engages then you have lost gas. This is the usual problem.
    You can check the comp clutch action by feeding 12 volts directly to the clutch with engine off- wire direct from battery positive
     
    2cam and MvT like this.
  3. 2cam

    2cam Formula Junior

    Aug 28, 2014
    742
    Austin, Texas
    Full Name:
    MikeS
    Thanks Mike! That's great info. I'll take a look at these today.

    Any other suggestions from the team?

    Thanks!

    2cam
     
  4. mike32

    mike32 F1 Veteran

    May 13, 2016
    5,829
    Isle of man- uk
    Assuming you get it working, you will find 2 gas connections to the compressor, one of these will be hot when the compressor is working, other will be cool.
    The filter/ drier in the front compartment will be about 5 degree C above outside air temp. If you feel any difference between the inlet and outlet pipe temperature, then the filter is getting dirty. You will feel a chilling of the outlet line to the expan valve and evaporator. This is the liquid freon expanding over the dirty filter- got to be in a bad state to see this.
     
  5. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
    Full Name:
    Tijn
    I guess if the hoses were taken off then they forgot to put in new o-rings and it needs good cleaning. If that is the case it is a simple fix. Just ask if they took off the hoses and if the replace the o-rings of the hoses. If not, that is mostlikely the leak. Simple fix of 2 dollars and some work.
     
  6. mike32

    mike32 F1 Veteran

    May 13, 2016
    5,829
    Isle of man- uk
    In that case they must have re gassed the system ?
     
  7. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
    Full Name:
    Tijn
    #7 MvT, Jun 25, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
    Yup, and they should use R437a if R12 was still in it. Or use something that was filled already. Legislation reguires to change the sticker on the AC pump what has been put in for the last (I think 2) decade(s).

    When they didn't take off the hoses, there must be a crack in either of these hoses on the pump. It's old rubber and when you bend it enough or to much they can crack.
     
  8. mike32

    mike32 F1 Veteran

    May 13, 2016
    5,829
    Isle of man- uk
    Problem is in the states they are still using f12 yet it is banned in Europe. If you use the newer refrigerants you have to change the hoses as the oem is not suitable for the new gas and they leak
     
  9. 2cam

    2cam Formula Junior

    Aug 28, 2014
    742
    Austin, Texas
    Full Name:
    MikeS
    Yes, the specialist removed the compressor to complete the belt service and refilled the system with R12 once the work was complete. The problem is that one of the fittings on the compressor housing was stripped in the process. The tech stated that it was already stripped. However, the AC cooled great for the 8 months that I had the car prior to dropping it off for the service (even on the way to the shop). The tech tightened the fitting down before returning the car and stated that it seemed to be holding a vacuum. However, the system stopped cooling within 2-3 weeks. I'm sure that the stripped fitting is probably the issue. However, I wanted to eliminate any potential electrical issues before assuming that it was the fitting and pulling the compressor from the car.

    Thanks for the thoughtful replies so far!

    2cam
     
  10. mike32

    mike32 F1 Veteran

    May 13, 2016
    5,829
    Isle of man- uk
    If you find the pressure switch in the front and short the wires u will know if u have lost the gas
    Next time just leave the hoses on and move the compressor to one side on the hoses
     

Share This Page