Hi there,

I took a look through previous threads using the search function, but couldn't find anything relevant. Apologies if something similar has been posted previously.

I have an issue with my aircon in that it doesn't switch on. I press the switch on, and nothing. It doesn't light up to signify that it's engaged, and the pump doesn't kick on. I haven't gotten behind it with a test light yet as I haven't had time, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what it might be. A busted fuse or relay, perhaps?

The service sticker says the aircon was last serviced in December '09. Would it be time for a top up? I'm not sure how often the aircon was used prior to my vehicles ownership.

Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated, as I'm stumped!

Simple answer - the system has a high/low pressure switch. It simply won't turn on if pressure in the system is too low. Needs looking at by someone with the knowledge and tools to sort it.

get the air con system serviced. When my air con compressor died in my TE. i took it to an air con specialist who said generally you should get the air con serviced once a year.

Every year is pretty excessive given aircon systems can run for 10 years or more without issues (and only basic checks).

get the air con system serviced. When my air con compressor died in my TE. i took it to an air con specialist who said generally you should get the air con serviced once a year.

Once every 3 years, and 6 months after a major repair is what i recommend to customers. We also like to do a follow up 2 weeks after a major repair.

There's nothing to service on an air conditioning system. No oil change, no oil filter, no dipstick. lol
Like a domestic system or one in a refrigerator, use it and if it doesn't perform, get it looked at.

There's nothing to service on an air conditioning system. No oil change, no oil filter, no dipstick. lol
Like a domestic system or one in a refrigerator, use it and if it doesn't perform, get it looked at.

except a fridge doesnt have a front seal on the compressor, doesnt bounce down the road, have components pelted with dirt and debris, and most importantly is working all the time.
and while our cars dont have pollen filters, they are rapidly becoming mainstream.... even corollas have them. (and most cut price service centers dont care to replace them... or clean them for that matter)

due to the nature of their design and application, automotive a/c systems lose between 3 - 8% of their charge every year, and r134a only needs to lose about 25% of its charge to stop working efficiently.
low gas charge will lead to compressor failure, fans not working will cause the pressures to go sky high damaging seals and internal components, a seized tx valve will cause compressor failure.
i should point out that a failed compressor will usually contaminate the system requiring flushing, drier replacement, and possibly tx valve, evaporator, and/or condenser (on most modern cars).

so having the system serviced periodically is in ones best interest. $100-200 every 3 years is a lot better than $1000 in 5 years.
but its up to the owner to decide how they care for their car.

It is probably low gas in the system, but first check that the cabin internal fan is operating on all speeds. If the resistor is stuffed, you won't get A/C on anything except max speed.

By all means get your A/C system checked periodically. No harm in it.
Whether that protects you against catastrophic failure down the road is a debatable point.
As to low pressure causing failure of components - that's what the high/low pressure switch is for. The system simply won't run when pressure drops below a certain level, which protects the system.

I'll get it checked out ASAP- thanks for the advice, gang.

Was just a little curious as in previous cars I've owned, the switch still lights up when engaged, and the pump starts to run (I can always feel the extra load on the combination belt), but in this instance pressing the switch does absolutely zip.

Will report back when I'm told what the problem is.

-Leon.