Over the weekend I had my 1998 Zxi out on a trip. After covering around 80 miles I stopped to check the front tyres and noticed that there was ticking sound comming from the A/C compressor, similar to pressure being vented/pulsed at a fast rate thru a relief valve, giving the impression of a ticking sound. I just checked it again today and the problem still exists, with the "ticking" sound appearing around 20-30 seconds after the compressor is turned on. It definately isnt a mechanical sound of tappets, as it stops as soon as the A/C is turned off.
When the A/C is set to cold, it doesnt appear to be chilling the air as it used too, and reading some of the other threads on the topic, directed me to check the sightglass on the drier, which appears to have a constant stream of bubbles perculating thru the refrigerant.
The car hasnt done many miles in the last 4 years ~ 13-14k only, and is now sitting at 41k OTC, but because of the low milage and the fact that the car can sometimes sit for weeks on end in the garage and not be used, can I safely assume that the refridgerant level is low and has depressured and I need to get it regassed ? Would this explain the ticking sound from the compressor ?
Any constructive explaination would be most welcome, before I approach an authorized dealer. I would like to be an informed combatant, before dealing with any of the main service outlets
Thanks In Advance
EDITED - Just spoken to a Mechanic at the main Mazda dealer in Aberdeen, and he recons its low on gas and the recharge is the answer. Apparently they are doing a special offer on regassing jobs too at the moment, and the usual price of £99 is reduced to £68 inc VAT. This also includes, Vaccume Purge, Regas, Drop Test (Pressure Test) and UV leak trace in the price, and they recon it will take 1 1/2 - 2 hrs to do. Not bad I thought.
Any comments or things I can check before booking the car in would be still welcome.
Regards