458 - A/C compressor not coming on | FerrariChat

458 A/C compressor not coming on

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by FerrariCognoscenti, May 13, 2022.

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  1. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    My A/C is blowing hot. Brought it to the dealer to diagnose and have the system recharged. They recharged it and told me the system is still blowing warm and the compressor is not coming on. They speculated it was an issue with a “pressure switch” needing replacement which is apparently common but they could not say for sure without another $1500 in labor to continue diagnosing the problem and tearing the car apart.

    Has anyone had this issue before where the compressor does not come on? Any recommendations?

    Thank you
     
  2. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    Anyone know?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  3. kryten2001

    kryten2001 Formula 3

    If they reckon there's gas in the system, then (if) there's a pressure sensor/switch then yes that would be the next place to look. I'm not an expert with the 458 but I know earlier cars won't allow their compressors to turn on unless it senses pressure in the system.

    If it's not that then it may be electronic or a wire may simply have fallen off somewhere.

    I presume you can't hear a "click" when you turn the A/C on?
     
  4. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    Correct, I can’t hear a click when I turn the A/C on.

    I found this for the pressure switch in the workshop manual:

    Image Unavailable, Please Login


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  5. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
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  6. kryten2001

    kryten2001 Formula 3

    I’d find another dealer or independent mechanic and go there… you’ll need a gas recharge anyway.
     
    docf likes this.
  7. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    Feb 16, 2012
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    Chris
    It doesn't look the same because you looked up the wrong part.
    This is more along the lines of what you will need:
    https://www.ricambiamerica.com/80552400-pressure-transdu.html
    https://www.scuderiacarparts.com/part-finder/ferrari/458/oe/22/2542/48672?h=38610 (Part# 21)

    As others said, you will need a shop to do it anyway, because you have to recharge the refrigerant. I would also replace the dryer. I like to replace it any time the A/C system is opened up. It's #1 in the diagram, and it's only another 40 bucks
     
    INRange likes this.
  8. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
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    Can I use this to recharge the refrigerant myself?

    https://www.amazon.com/XtremepowerUS-Vacuum-Refrigeration-Manifold-Gauge/dp/B00SZ4QFW0/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=1U75Y4SPOF472&keywords=air+condition+discharge+car+auto&qid=1652809989&sprefix=air+condition+doscharge+car+auto%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-7
     
  9. Shorn355

    Shorn355 F1 Veteran
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    Jan 13, 2011
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    @FerrariCognoscenti - I continue to watch with interest, admiration and respect your fearless DIY approach to Ferrari ownership- Kudos :cool::cool:
     
  10. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
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    thank you sir.
     
  11. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    I would say that you absolutely could! AS LONG AS you have the knowledge to do it correctly.
    I had a leaky line on my 2000 Xterra. I replaced it myself, and used a cheaper set of gauges (probably from Harbor Freight), along with a really cheap Vaccuum pump (it wasn't even a true pump, it created a negative pressure by hooking up my compressor air hose to it (Berulies principle). I replaced the a/c line, the drier, then added oil that was lost. I vacuumed it for about an hour, then charged the system. It worked flawlessly for at least another 4 years (I sold the car so I don't know how much longer it worked after that).

    So the short answer is YES, as long as you vacuum it properly, and charge it to the correct amount.
     
    Rexcat458 likes this.
  12. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
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    I completely lack the knowledge to do it correctly, but can easily acquire the knowledge on YouTube and will have a 60% chance of success ha.

    I ordered the pressure transducer/switch from eBay since it is out of stock 4+ weeks everywhere. Ricambi said they can’t even get it and Scuderia auto parts said it is 4+ weeks out.
     
  13. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    I agree, It's not rocket science. As long as you educate yourself, and understand how it works, you should be fine. Of course, you need to check the shop manual for specifications as well.
     
  14. MANDALAY

    MANDALAY F1 World Champ
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    I put together a whole car engine body etc ALL of it. However i went to a local A/C repair guy to recharge it. Some things IMO are better left to those that do it day in and day out.
     
  15. Yellowgallardo1

    Yellowgallardo1 Karting

    Sep 19, 2018
    143
    Full Name:
    marcus
    I used a 70 dollar ac pro with the gauge. worked great ac blowing colder than ever
     
  16. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
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    Ordered an AC discharge and recharge vacuum pump, gauges, refrigerant, and got a used pressure switch off eBay since it’s out of stock everywhere. Will install the pressure switch on Sunday and recharge the system. Let’s see how it goes.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  17. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    I would also recommend that you replace the dryer if you could. Technically, you are supposed to replace it every time the system is cracked open.
     
  18. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
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    Gentlemen,

    I replaced the pressure switch, the dryer, and recharged the refrigerant and the A/C is still blowing hot.

    I’m at a loss and not sure what to do…any suggestions?
     
  19. Eds458

    Eds458 Karting

    Jan 24, 2020
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    Northern California
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    Edward Lagunte
    I would start from the basics 1st. Check all fuses and relays related to the a/c system


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  20. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

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    Just checked all fuses, everything is intact.
     
  21. MANDALAY

    MANDALAY F1 World Champ
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    Does the engine rev about 500 rpm higher when you turn the air con on ?
     
  22. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
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    Yes sir, the RPMs increase a bit when I turn the A/C on.

    Fuses are good, refrigerant is new, I replaced the pressure switch, and the RPMs increase when the A/C is on…but it is still blowing hot. I am at a total loss on what to do or check next?
     
  23. Ash Patel

    Ash Patel Formula Junior

    Dec 12, 2015
    548
    Stockholm, Sweden
    I had kind of the same issue on my second 458 in 2019 when on a hot summer day in Sweden it all of the sudden stopped blowing cold air.

    After having it on even though it blowed hot air for around 700 km, when parked on idle it started to smell like someone was barbequing.

    Unfortunately I found out that my AC-compressor started to burn (seems to be located just in front of the engine as you can see the smoke from my video) and I poured water in the engine-bay to prevent the whole car burning down.

    Ferrari changed the ac-compressor shortly thereafter and it was good to go, but it was pretty expensive from what I can recall.

    My advise, if you really want to drive the car right now --> DO NOT PUT THE AC ON :)

    In my book it also says, use AC with moderation, lol only Ferrari can get away with such b*'¨**** :)

    Here is the video when it started to burn:
    https://youtube.com/shorts/x7F3VlhF1sM?feature=share
     
  24. Ash Patel

    Ash Patel Formula Junior

    Dec 12, 2015
    548
    Stockholm, Sweden
    I had kind of the same issue on my second 458 in 2019 when on a hot summer day in Sweden it all of the sudden stopped blowing cold air.

    After having it on even though it blowed hot air for around 700 km, when parked on idle it started to smell like someone was barbequing.

    Unfortunately I found out that my AC-compressor started to burn (seems to be located just in front of the engine as you can see the smoke from my video) and I poured water in the engine-bay to prevent the whole car burning down.

    Ferrari changed the ac-compressor shortly thereafter and it was good to go, but it was pretty expensive from what I can recall.

    My advise, if you really want to drive the car right now --> DO NOT PUT THE AC ON :)

    In my book it also says, use AC with moderation, lol only Ferrari can get away with such b*'¨**** :)

    Here is a link to my video if the attached file does not work.
    https://youtube.com/shorts/x7F3VlhF1sM?feature=share
     

    Attached Files:

  25. MANDALAY

    MANDALAY F1 World Champ
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    May 23, 2013
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    Well if the revs go up its obviously getting a signal. The other part of the HAVOC system is the heating. There could always be the chance that when the air is turned on its not closing the valves on the heater core.

    Generally speaking there is an electronic control box for that. Usually under the dash.

    I mention this because when I was building my MR2 getting the A/C to work was a PITA. It was finally determined that because of different wiring to the original engine this electronic box wasnt getting the signal.

    IMO best people to see is a very experienced A/C auto mechanic. Thats who diagnosed my MR2 and fixed it . Toyota had no idea.

    Edit

    I should also point out every part of the engine was new. So I was 100% the compressor was ok as it was new.
    Also a very experienced A/C auto mechanic can easily see if its your compressor. They generally have an electrical clutch to engage so even though the revs will go up maybe it doesn't work
     

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