1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: AC compressor working sometimes.

  1. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #2 Dave.0, Jun 7, 2017
    You may need your AC recharged.
     
  2. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    #3 Redbeard, Jun 7, 2017
    Given the description that sounds like a bad compressor clutch. My guess is that it needs a new compressor unless someone is rebuilding compressor clutches then try that.

    Where in Vegas do you live? I lived there 1999-2010.
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #4 MCS02, Jun 7, 2017
    My Mini did that a long time ago. It was the electric magnet that engaged the AC clutch. I just changed the magnet and clutch and it has been fine sense. But do check that you have the correct pressure first.
     
  4. 2003Mini S

    2003Mini S Member

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    #5 2003Mini S, Jun 7, 2017
    Is there a way to test the clutch?clutch magnet to see if it works properly?

    I added Freon and it seems to be where it needs to be.
     
  5. 2003Mini S

    2003Mini S Member

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    #6 2003Mini S, Jun 7, 2017
    How would you test to see if it is the compressor clutch?

    right now I live by Craig and Jones on horse property, I was in Summerlin before but hated the HOA bullcrap...lol
     
  6. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    #7 Redbeard, Jun 7, 2017
    Start the car with the AC off. Switch it on full blast/max cold (or have someone do that for you) and see of the clutch engages right-away and stays on. If either answer is no, bad compressor clutch (magnet stated earlier by MCS02).

    I lived in Hedertucky near College and Boulder Hwy for a while and Last place I was close to Eastern and Silverado Ranch. Quick access to Cars and Coffee. :Thumbsup:

    I'm also a 2x UNLV grad with a BS and MBA.
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #8 MCS02, Jun 7, 2017
    What Redbeard said. This was a quick search on eBay. You may want to try some of our sponsors, they may sale them too and they support us.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-A-C-Compressor-Clutch-Kit-Pulley-Bearing-Coil-Plate-For-Mini-Cooper-02-08-New-/252532089389?hash=item3acc15e22d:g:xfIAAOSwawpXsv~o&vxp=mtr

    If you are getting power to the clutch and it is not engaging it is bad. You can also check it by unplugging the wire that goes to it and put a test light on it. But be careful there is a lot of spinning stuff down there.
     
  8. 2003Mini S

    2003Mini S Member

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    #9 2003Mini S, Jun 7, 2017
    Wow....congratulation on all the great achievements..
    Slumberland was a headache, I got too many toys and definitely not good with following rules and regulations.

    I tapped very lightly on the compressor and it comes on....works for a while and then it goes off and if I tap on it few times it goes right back on.

    Is it the magnet? do you need any special tool for removing magnet assembly?

    thankss
     
  9. Dave.0

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    #10 Dave.0, Jun 8, 2017
    See MCS02 post :

    What Redbeard said. This was a quick search on eBay. You may want to try some of our sponsors, they may sale them too and they support us.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-A-C-Compr...pXsv~o&vxp=mtr

    If you are getting power to the clutch and it is not engaging it is bad. You can also check it by unplugging the wire that goes
     
  10. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #11 MCS02, Jun 8, 2017
    No special tools except maybe the belt tensioner tool, to remove the belt. When you do it you should go ahead and change the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley. You don't have to drain the system or take the AC compressor off the car. take the AC pulley off and the magnet is held on by a large snap ring. Make sure you buy the proper belt for the SC pulley you have installed.
     
  11. 2003Mini S

    2003Mini S Member

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    #12 2003Mini S, Jun 8, 2017
    :Thumbsup:
    I don't know if it is good or bad but I had to change the supercharger around 7000 miles ago, so belt and all related parts are pretty new.

    I appreciate everyone's help for diagnosing the problem.
     
  12. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #13 DneprDave, Jun 8, 2017
    Maybe you can rig a little hammer on a string that you pull to start the air conditioning.:D
     
  13. 2003Mini S

    2003Mini S Member

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    #14 2003Mini S, Jun 8, 2017

    You read my mind! lol:donut1: