I just bought an X-Type last weekend, and after I drove it off the lot, I found a problem with the AC. There are similar posts describing what I am experiencin, but I'm not seeing a resolution in the threads. So, I'll carry this thing all they way through to a solution.

When the car is started, I get very strong AC until about five minutes after the car warms up. Then the AC shuts off, and I get warm sticky air from the vents. Give it about five minutes and it comes back on... for about five minutes then it shuts off again... and I don't get it back until I restart the car. Then I get five minutes with it very cold, and then nothing....

I do not suspect the compressor or the coolant since it is getting quite cold.
I have replaced relay #6 under the hood, and this did not correct the problem.

Next up "That brass looking" fan relay.

 

bump.... I have no idea on this... can anyone else help with it?

 

Hi Lindy8_man,
I take it you have already had the AC system checked/serviced ?
(Evacuated the compressor, recharged the oil & regassed)

If that is the case.... does the compressor (clutch) remain ON during the times you mention?

?

 

Lindy8: Does the A/C work well at highway speeds, and struggle to blow cold air only when idling and driving slowly?

If 'yes', the problem could be radiator fans not pulling sufficient air through the condenser, located just in front of the radiator. The condenser is where the A/C system expels the heat it extracts from the passenger compartment. At idle and slow speeds, the condenser needs the radiator fans to generate a cooling breeze. At highway speeds, the wind alone is sufficient to cool the condenser.

Thermo describes how to check the radiator fans in this thread:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...unning-127473/

 

Oh, thanks for the replies!

So I have only had the car now for 8 days. I have not taken it in to get serviced as you described. I wanted to try the fixes described in the forums before I drop $100+ on a full AC service.

The AC is strong!!! on both highway and side streets and idle. I didn't notice the problem at all sitting at idle in the dealership.

The fixes I found in the threads suggested the "Brass looking" fan switch as a possible culpret, and then the interior temp sensor. I bought a copy of the Haynes manual 8 days ago, and it has still not arrived!!! Anyway, do you guys recommend the Service first before the other fixes?

I wish the previous posts had carried the thread all the way to the solution...

 

If you ar comfortable nder the bonnet, purchase an inexpensive a/c gauge

from your local auto parts store

It will come with instructions and specifications

It should have adapters for both the high and low pressure fittings

You may also want to purchase at least one can of 134a just in case you

need it

Read the instructions carefully and follow them

No shortcuts!

Get your car to GOOD a/c shop

Appx $550.00 for a compresser $750.00 w/condensor

It may be just a seal or fitting leaking

Sorry but you will have to be sedated before you are told the price of an

evaporator replacement Ha Ha

Hope this helps

 

Ok,


Bit the bullet today and took the car in for AC Service. They said the coolent was low. And they believe the electromagnets in the compressor's clutch are shorting out when they get hot, and disengaging the clutch. They said there was no problem with the power supply to the clutch.


Drove the car from there to work, and there was no change in the performance. Got about five minutes down the street and the AC was gone. Then came back on about 10 minutes later for maybe 2 minutes. Their explanation sounds plausible to me. However, the bill to replace was $1046!


$199 remove and replace compressor - probably reasonable
$784 New Compressor


This seems wrong to me. When I can find a replacement compressor on Europartsdirect.com for much less. I however do not feel equipped to make the replacement myself... OR SHOULD I? Here are the prices for compressors:
Ford Scroll Compressor Assy
Manufacturer: UNIVERSAL AIR CONDITIONER, INC.
$185.74


Reman Compressor
Manufacturer: FOUR SEASONS
$269.35


New Compressor
Manufacturer: FOUR SEASONS
$370


New A/C Compressor
Manufacturer: GLOBAL PARTS
$257



My Haynes Manual has still not arrived [SNARL]

 

I took mt motorcarto my reliable a/c shop.

I knew that he compresser was bad as i was making LOUD self destruct

sounds with no cold at all.

Est $718 for comp and acummulater gas labor ect.

The acummulater is inside the rt. fender.

Labor was a large part of the bill.

Fair enough.

Another $375 for condenser but did not need it

Cold as it should be.

Ron

 

Hi lindy8_man,
In 2011, I had a leaking AC/Compressor (Oil)... my local A/C specialist
quoted me similar for new Compressor ($7-800)
But remember, when you replace a compressor, you will invariable need other associated bits and pieces (receiver dryer etc) or risk premature failure of new Compressor.

I did my homework and found the company below; (USA)

AC Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator and More A/C Parts at Wholesale Prices - Discount AC Parts

They have Special Kit deals especially for the X-type - and it all turns up in the one carton.

This company got a Kit over to me (Australia) within 5-days, then all I needed to do was find a competent local A/C Techician - to remove the faulty Compressor then Install the supplied kit of Components.

That was three years ago now.... and my A/C has remained as cool as the day it was installed.

So, check the above company out - you will not be disappointed.

Good Luck

 

Well, I drove it a while longer waiting to save $ and the winters are temperate. waited until late spring to address it.

Took it in to have a second opinion. The second shop confirmed the compressor needed to be replaced. He explained the clutch had too much gap and the electromagnets would just quit over time. He said this was caused by wear on the clutch from repeated cycling... meaning there was a leak, and it was not addressed. Checked around to see if anyone would just replace the clutch. They all said, "NOBODY does that anymore..." sigh,

Replaced the compressor, and the AC ran cold!

 

Lcgi: old post, but I just had to say THANK YOU for that website! Searching just now I found a kit for my '05 X-type with compressor (with clutch), drier, expansion device, oil, and O-rings for $203 shipped! Holy cow that's cheap, so thanks again!