The AC doesn’t cool my cabin, even though the compressor click is heard.
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Hi all,
Let me share my little predicament before it becomes a major pain and hopefully get some help on this. I will additionally share my own research and the reason for this thread.
My vehicle: Nissan Terrano 110 PS (manufactured 2014)
Issue: My AC has been acting up lately (1+ years), issue is that during the first or second start (after a week of no usage) the AC doesn’t cool even though the compressor click is heard. The funny part is if I stop the AC for some time (~10 mins) and then switch it on again it works fine and cools perfectly.
What I have done until now:
- Took it to ASC sadly the issue was not reproducible as it comes up during the first start mostly.
- I took it to a good AC shop (google reviews) and showed them the issue. They blindly recommended changing the compressor saying it has gone bad. I was not convinced hence left.
- Took it to another AC shop, they had a look issue that was not reproducible again but they topped up the gas and AC filter.
- Getting pissed with this issue, I researched on my own what could be the root cause (as this issue doesn’t show any engine lights).
Was able to find some useful youtube links – 1 & 2.
I have a feeling that my issue could be due to the same eCV valve (AC compressor electronic control solenoid valve) hence wanted to explore the same. Now, this is where I am stuck.
How you can help:
- I went to ASC they were not ready to share the part number for this solenoid valve. But we’re willing to source it if I give in advance. Would fellow BHPians be able to identify this part number and links if any? (wasn’t able to find it on Boodmo)
- Cost of this part. (ASC were mentioning a cost of approx Rs.4K)
- If you feel that I am going down the wrong rabbit hole do let me know anything else I should check. (I don’t think it is relay as it works fine after my workaround mentioned above)
Pic attached for reference (not of Terrano/Duster)
I do not blindly trust ASC/FNG if they say directly to replace compressor etc, the root cause could be elsewhere.
Thanks in advance.
Here’s what BHPian vishy76 had to say on the matter:
If Boodmo is to be believed, the Duster/Terrano come with a Sanden SD7V16 compressor. This compressor doesn’t seem to have a pressure control valve at all to the best of my knowledge and research. It’s actuated using a simple electromagnetic clutch.
You can see the only connector here going to the clutch magnet. There’s no valve here.
I would start by checking the clutch mechanism again and visually see if the compressor is getting engaged when the ac button is hit. The compressor should stop freewheeling on the pulley alone and the entire shaft should be engaged. If this is happening, you should move to check the high side and low side pressures. That will give you a fair idea of what is wrong with the system.
Here’s what BHPian Tgo had to say on the matter:
I had a compressor replaced on my Duster too. You can go through this post.
The compressor they gave me back after many months, which I believe was the same one on my car, was Calsonic Kansei, not Sanden. The eCV valve you mention is not or is not a serviceable part of this compressor. It is either built-in (mechanically controlled) or is not present in this model.
Usually, the electromagnetic clutch is the suspect, but in my case, the clutch was operating.
If you feel the compressor gets clicked in and also runs, there is proper high and low-pressure build-up in the circuit, correct oil and gas in the circuit, try the expansion valve which is on the evaporator (inside the dash). That is a serviceable/replaceable part that could go faulty. Sometimes it is built into the evaporator core.
They’re either bluffing or want you to believe that they are helping you out and eventually want you to believe them to go for a compressor replacement.
OR
They are referring to the expansion valve only and assuming you are using different terminology for it.
Keyword: Need a part number to rectify my Nissan Terrano AC problem