My '96's AC ran ice cold up until this summer (I think so - I don't use it much). Now it's hardly cool at best. Is this an indication of one of those "remove the engine to get at the compressor" repairs I've heard of, or can the coolant be recharged? Can I check before bringing it to the local Jag dealer? I've worked on cars but would rather first "do no harm". Any advice would be appreciated. I read a recent forum entry about wires being disconnected in Calif., but I don't think this is the case. Thanks,

Marshall Moretta
'96 XJS 4.0 Convertible

Submitted by marshall@moret… on Sat, 07/01/2006 - 10:21

Marshall Moretta
'96 XJS 4.0 Convertible

Don, thanks for your AC tips. I will be sure to check that the outlets are working properly after trying a recharge.
Sorry to hear you sold your XLS and hope it's not your last!
Marshall

Submitted by marshall@moret… on Sat, 07/01/2006 - 10:16

Marshall Moretta
'96 XJS 4.0 Convertible

Jim, thanks for your suggestions, which I will follow. And wherever I take it, I'll let you know the outcome.
Marshall

Submitted by dcamburn@nc.rr.com on Sat, 07/01/2006 - 10:01

I had the same problem with my 1996 XJS and the fix was two fold. The first part was recharging the system, as Jim indicated in this response.

The second part of the problem was more problematic. The drivers side fan motor was bad so even if the AC blew cold it would only have 1/2 the air volume required. Once that was fixed, we learned that the swith that opens and closes the various vents was not opening the upper vents. A quick swap of the part from another XJS fixed that problem. Bottom line: make sure that air is blowing out of all the vents and that the switching system is fully functional. While I just sold the XJS this week, the climate system was working perfectly.

1993 XJR-S

Submitted by jmcwells@hotmail.com on Sat, 07/01/2006 - 08:24

Marshall,

The AC can easily be re-charged. Take it to a reputable AC shop and ask them to recharge and check for leaks. Mine has the same problem and although they did not find any leaks when they charged it, they said bring it back after it's been running for awhile and they will check it again. They put dye in the system. Hopefully it's not the evaporator. That's behind the dash and a club memeber here paid about 1500.00 to get that fixed. Mine ran fine last year after the dealer I bought it from had it re-charged. I knew he was probably scaming me but wanted to get on the road and did purchase an extended warranty for it. This year, I had a shop that does primarily AC work recharge and that was a month ago and it's been fine. If it needs an evaporator, I may do that myself. The Music City Club newsletter has a great article on how to do it with an XJ.

If you take it to a dealer, I'd appreciate it if you let me know what the problem was for yor car. I'd like to know what i might be facing. jmcwellsathotmail.com

Jim