Air Conditioning Stopped Working after weird noises

[gordo37]

Hi All, Long time no posting.

Noticed over the past few weeks that sometime when I turned on my car there was sometimes a squealing noise from under the bonnet and the idle RPM's would drop to about 400rpm then after a few seconds the squealing would stop then the revs would come up... When this happened the air con would not be cold until I turned off the AC via the button and then turned it back on again..

However this afternoon the squealing noise happened and then stopped and then for a few seconds after I could hear a whistling air type noise... Since then my air con will not get cold..

My car is due for it's 117000km service in 600km so will the issue looked at but just wondering if anyone has come across this issue???

FYI... Car is a 2010 Lancer VRX with 116400km

Cheers,
Brandon

[burfadel]

Possibly the compressor is stuffed? It sounds like it was seizing, which is why the engine revs dropped significantly (drag), and it finally gave way and you lost the gas.

When did you last get the AC serviced? Also, when you got it done was it refilled with the correct gas? There are several 'new' gases that are used, and they don't do the AC any good due to poor lubrication etc. Also, some of them are flammable

[gordo37]

Possibly the compressor is stuffed? It sounds like it was seizing, which is why the engine revs dropped significantly (drag), and it finally gave way and you lost the gas.

When did you last get the AC serviced? Also, when you got it done was it refilled with the correct gas? There are several 'new' gases that are used, and they don't do the AC any good due to poor lubrication etc. Also, some of them are flammable

hey burfadel,
Thanks for the prompt response
Never had it serviced during the life of the car as it has always worked fine.

[lancerdarryl]

As Burfadel said the compressor sounds like it has seized.Have a aircon specialist check it out.

[ReeceCozaa]

Are you servicing through mitsubishi? If so they should pick up on it and tell you about it as soon as they detect it, I’d notify them of it before servicing anyways

[gordo37]

Thanks guys, yes I get it serviced through Mitsubishi... Tho the dealership i got it serviced at last time left a bit to be desired with how well they knew there job, they told me I needed new brake-pads when they had been replaced the service before... when I had a mate double check them for me they were still good as new... So kinda not surprised they didn't pick up the issues with my air-con

[burfadel]

Repco places that do AC do a great job, and properly. If the compressor is seized, genuine is super expensive, and many places won't like fitting a second hand one. The compressor in the Lancer is pretty reliable though, so a decent second hand one should be okay. There's possibly multiple incompatible variations though, so make sure you get the right replacement part.

[gordo37]

Repco places that do AC do a great job, and properly. If the compressor is seized, genuine is super expensive, and many places won't like fitting a second hand one. The compressor in the Lancer is pretty reliable though, so a decent second hand one should be okay. There's possibly multiple incompatible variations though, so make sure you get the right replacement part.

Yes haven taken it to Bartons Wynnum here in Brisbane as it needs a service, they want $600 for the 135k service and another $150 to work out the issue with the aircon before they fix it.

Guess my car is getting to that age where stuff starts to go wrong and costs money... Touch Wood... Never had any other issues with my car

[lancerdarryl]

$150 to diagnose a very obvious fault !. It should take about 30 seconds to see what's gone wrong. Take it somewhere else.

[burfadel]

Quick look, $600 is way too much for the 135k service. Also the $150 is excessive, especially to diagnose what you already know. Just think of what they'll charge for the repair!

[gordo37]

Yes they want $2500 plus labour to fix the broken compressor.
I kinda told the service lady that she has to be f***ken joking if she thought I was going to pay that much.

BTW the service ended up been $520 complete with the diagnosis of my air-conditioning.

I will be taking it elsewhere with the aircon no way in hell are they going to charge me that much

[burfadel]

Realistically probably should have been around $350. In any case, compressors are expensive new, second hand may be an option but risky, and again there's likely more than one system used. Have you checked the compressor model number?

Be careful that they do it properly with lubricant and the proper correct gas (NOT alternative cases).

[bumblebee]

Im betting the compressor went boom cos of the lack of maintenance done to the air conditioning .
People think that when they take their car in to be "serviced" at regular intervals that the air conditioning gets done at at same time.
Sadly this is far from reality.
After a while there is a thick sludge that builds up and will eventually destroy the compressor as shown in this thread. The warning signs were there of impending failure.
The air conditioning needs to be serviced about every two years. Keep on top of your air conditioning services and not only do you get the benefit of a very cool interior in summer , but less fuel used when driving and avoid a hefty bill when the compressor eventually grenade itself.
When getting the air conditioning service done get the receiver dryer replacement done. They are under $100 .

[Lancer1993]

About 5-6 years ago the compressor in my CC coupe started to die. The new price is over $500, but found a used one on eBay for like $50. Got a workshop to install and gas it up and worked fine until I sold the car.

With some advice on here I'll be looking at getting my AC serviced in a few months as the next service. Been told it should be about $300, which might be money worth spending.

[bumblebee]

Only worth getting it serviced if you want to save some $ down the track , otherwise , just ignore it till it stops working