AC/Heater problems

[Bowlerwell]

My car has a history of a rattly AC clutch.

A couple of days ago, I noticed that It was taking AGES for warm air to come through. It used to get warm even before my water temperature was at 50*C. NOw it's still cold at 60, 70, 80, 90*C.

The light behing my AC switch no longer illuminates, I fear it is not engaging. Once i'm moving and up to temperature (90*C), I get warm air, but it takes a LONG time.

Please help me.
Any ideas folks?

[dan_b]

The light behind the AC switch stops illuminating in cold weather - this is normal: when ambient air temperature falls below the level at which the AC can cool the air any further for the car - ie therefore in very cold weather, the AC actually disables itself.

I suspect the reason it's taking you longer to notice warm air is also because the outside air is colder and the car is taking longer to dump excess heat in to the heating system. Again I think this is probably normal. I would go and check your water levels though and make sure you've got enough winter anti-freeze in there?

[Bowlerwell]

Thanks Dan.

[GlynRS2]

The light behind the AC switch stops illuminating in cold weather - this is normal: when ambient air temperature falls below the level at which the AC can cool the air any further for the car - ie therefore in very cold weather, the AC actually disables itself.

Thanks for that top tip Dan.
I noticed this yesterday when I went to use the AC to aid demisting the screen. Thought that might be the case, but also had a fear of something expensive had gone wrong. Feel much relieved now.

[Sidspud]

Anything below 5°C and air-con will not work

[dan_b]

There you go, got an exact temperature now too!