Not Cool!

[mooreyfiveo]

Does anyone else have issues with their AC not coping?

It was only mid 30s yesterday (despite centre display tryign to indicating low 40s) and I had AC pumping full bore. It cooled things down but was running non stop for about 2hours of driving, just to be comfortable, not cold.

My PC has the factory privacy glass, plus legal tint.

[littleriver]

Does anyone else have issues with their AC not coping?

It was only mid 30s yesterday (despite centre display tryign to indicating low 40s) and I had AC pumping full bore. It cooled things down but was running non stop for about 2hours of driving, just to be comfortable, not cold.

My PC has the factory privacy glass, plus legal tint.

when was you pullon cabin filter last changed ?
(drop glove box - pushing in edges ... then a couple of screws to pull out & inspect...) - I have caught out the service department a couple of times, charging for it but not replacing it is to be replaced every 12 months as per service manual 2012 models onwards

.....

[old Jack]

Pollen filter can be cleaned by washing in warm mild soapy water, rinse and then dry in the sun. I do mine every 4 months and tell MM Service departments not to touch it.

cheers, OJ,

[900canoes]

For a quick confirmation of the filter, try removing the filter before washing it and then take it for a run without the filter installed.

1. Do you have the recycle air selected as well?
2. Is your PC a dark colour?

[barney351]

Sorry to hear about your cooling issues mate, as the others have said,check your pollen filter, its does get very dirty if you have been anywhere near dust,
i noticed you have after market bash plates, these generally don't have the same molded shape as the factory ones, and thus allow some of the cool air to escape through gaps instead of being forced through the radiator, OJ has a post on a great fix for this,
there is also a plastic trim under the radiator that some people remove as it gets in the way of the after market bash plates, if you have removed it, i would put it back on and re position it so that it angles forward and forces the air into the radiator, you want as much of the air that is entering through the front of the car to go through the radiator, but not be able to escape back into the front of the radiator via gaps.

I also had bad cooling issues in my Challenger, in that whenever the outside temp was about 35degs or above, my air con would shut down and blow uncooled air, this would then lead to the transmission going into self protect mode and locking in 2nd gear, i am also in Melbourne, and found the most times when i had the issues, was when sitting in slow moving peak hour traffic, whenever i would drop into a dealer to mention this, they would point to all the (generally)Tritons out front and tell me i am not the only one.

I noticed in another post that you use Statewide4x4, mention the issues to them and get them to check that your fans are working correctly, also, have you had your motor checked for the overheating issues that there was a recall for a couple of years ago?

If you plan on keeping the car, could a snorkel help to catch cooler air into the motor? perhaps some of the guys who have installed snorkels could mention if they feel it has made their car feel as though it is running cooler/

hope you get it sorted mate!

PS -as 900canoes mentioned, is it a dark colour? mine was ironbark in color with the black leather, and i definitely feel that this made the car a lot hotter

[PeePee]

I haven't experienced any issues with the a/c, I have a snorkel ARB bar and bash plates and haven't given it a thought to be honest. I would be speaking with the service mob and get them to check it, and keep banging on about it till they fix it.

[old Jack]

Bullbar fitted if so what type?

What temperature is the engine coolant running at?

Have you even driven through dirty water deeper than 300mm?

cheers, OJ.

[coughy]

do you have climate control???
or standard air knob???
and do you have a thermo fan installed on the condensor??

my pb xls has climate and the thermo fan
now the thermo fan is controled by the interier sensor which is in the dash at your left knee height so thermo only turns on when the sensor says it is hot in the car and activates the fan

im now looking in to a resistor mod to fool it so it is on all the time...

[mooreyfiveo]

Thanks guys, lots of things to look at and questions above to answer. Hope I cover them all.

Colour = Silver
Bullbar = Ironman
Aircon = usually run on recirc, have climate control knob
Pollen filter = good tip, I'll check
Bash guards = installed myself without removing any other shrouds, guards etc
Traffic = mix of Freeway and suburbs, got caught in jams a couple of times
Water = no water crossings, seen a lot of dust though
Overheat Recall = was checked at last service - so they tell me
Coolant temp =
Tyres = 265/70/17 I assume dont help, working engine a little harder.

I'm almost due for 45thou service, so I'll check filter before and after!
Have always had concerns about aircon from new, lowest temp setting on dial just doesn't seem to blow as cold as a lot of other vehicles.

Heading to Murray River for a week camping at end of Jan, that'll test it!

[Spoonman]

I've noticed a slight issue with mine over the last few hot days but the issue isn't the temperature of the air con, it's that the fan just doesn't seem to be blowing much air out. When I hold my hand right up to the vent there is nice cold air coming out (at all vents) but with fan at full speed I can barely feel it on my face or body. Some sort of blockage would be the logical response to this but the air movement is consistent at all vents and changes accordingly with the fan speed dial. Perhaps the fan is a bit small for the vehicle? It does cool the car down eventually but takes a long time.

A factor to consider is the position of the sun. I've noticed when the sun is in front of me the windscreen is like a magnifying glass and really heats the inside of the car, way more than any other car I've owned. If the sun is behind me, nowhere near as much of an issue.

[900canoes]

it's that the fan just doesn't seem to be blowing much air out.

That is a symptom of a clogged pollen filter.

[Spoonman]

That is a symptom of a clogged pollen filter.

Thanks for the tip - just pulled mine out and full of bugs, dirt etc. How much is a replacement filter, and can you buy aftermarket filters or OEM only? EDIT Disregard, there are a heap of threads about it already. Should have searched first! I know Old Jack mentioned they can be washed but I think this one is past the point of no return.

Also, I assume driving around for a day or two without a cabin filter isn't an issue? Maybe just keep it on recirculate?

[littleriver]

Thanks for the tip - just pulled mine out and full of bugs, dirt etc. How much is a replacement filter, and can you buy aftermarket filters or OEM only? EDIT Disregard, there are a heap of threads about it already. Should have searched first! I know Old Jack mentioned they can be washed but I think this one is past the point of no return.

Also, I assume driving around for a day or two without a cabin filter isn't an issue? Maybe just keep it on recirculate?

this one seems reasonably priced with good feedback as seller

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cabin-Air-Filter-Fit-2012-MITSUBISHI-CHALLENGER-PB-Turbo-Diesel-4-2-5L-4D56-/191437571103?hash=item2c9291841f:g:mvgAAOSwc0FUoYfR

..

[cookie9]

thanks for the tips on washing the filter. I did mine today, was very dirty with lots of loose crud also! Just sent the missus out in 35 degree heat to test it out

[littleriver]

i have a sneaky suspicion that the service centres aren't changing the pollen filters ...
is in - A Schedule Service in service and warranty booklet (Replace air purifier) listed every 12 month / 15,000km service ...