Hi all,

As the weather warms up here in Spain the need for efficient AC is a must. I’ve already spent two summers at near death temperatures in the P38, with an AC system shot to hell.

When driving my new-to-me 2012 TDV8 Westminster home from the UK I thought the cold AC wasn’t quite crisp enough for my liking. A couple of weeks later I had the refrigerant replaced by my local guy. He advised it wasn’t really low though. After that it did seem to perform a lot better and delivered that icy-cold air I love.

Then, last night on the way to IkEA on a 45-min run the air con was on and set to its coldest setting (as we were driving into the evening sun and it was toasty) the air temp suddenly rose and stayed that way for quite sometime. We fiddled around with the controls and eventually it did blow cold again, but only intermittently during the journey home. Only delivering blasts of proper cold air conditioned air every now and then.

Today on a run out it didn’t seem to cool the air at all, then miraculously it did but then seemed to ‘pulsate’ the air and make ‘surging’ noises through the vents, but really no cooling effect.

Any ideas? I’ve read on the forum that the RCV is a common failure. But could it be as it works sometimes? Or perhaps the ambient air temp sensor?

Frankly, I’ve no idea - any pointers greatly appreciated.

-Tom.

RCV ? .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Refrigerant Control Valve.

Compressor is the Clutchless Variable Displacement type so you don’t here it click on and off or see the revs change when you turn it on and off. The RCV is on the side of the comp and commonly fails, so I’ve read in here. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

Yeah, it’s that valve. Mine takes a while to blow cold sometimes....

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Obvious things first, but check the control wheel on the centre vents is set to blue... There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

Totally agree, northernmonkeyjones, I did that 😁

Even took the book inside for a proper read, learnt nothing new.

I’m guessing it’s time for a new compressor, which is not the end of the world - but I don’t fancy doing my self. And want to get to done soon, ASAP.

Would an OBD2 tool uncover the fault? 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

Unlikely, my obd tool tells me nothing most of the time..... There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

Does your AC shop check everything works before gassing? Here in the UK they have to as its illegal to fill an untested system as it could leak into the environment!

So, did the AC shop check the fans were working (on the radiator/condenser) the pump was working efficiently? etc etc