Condenser cooling fans (Air conditioning)

Condenser cooling fans

The condenser cooling fans operate automatically whenever the air conditioning system is switched on, providing the system pressure is correct.

The cooling fans are controlled by the ECM, thermostatic switch and trinary pressure switch. If engine coolant temperature and air conditioning system pressure are normal then the cooling fans operate at low speed.

If the engine coolant temperature reaches 112°C or the air conditioning refrigerant pressure exceeds 19 bar then the cooling fans will operate at high speed.

Blower control

The blower can be operated at any one of five speeds by rotating the blower switch to the required position. When the blower is switched off the air conditioning system will not operate.

The fresh air/recirculation flap has two positions and is operated by sliding the knob in the centre console. In the recirculation position, air is drawn into the heater from the vehicle by closing the exterior air inlet and opening the interior inlet. In the fresh air position, air is drawn into the heater from outside the vehicle by opening the exterior air inlet and closing the interior inlet.

Heater distribution and blend unit control

Blower unit air flow, having passed through the evaporator passes into the heater blend unit to be heated, if required. It is then directed into the vehicle interior in accordance with the flap positions, which are designated by the air distribution control on the fascia panel. A heater flap controls the amount of air flowing through the heater matrix. This flap is moved by the temperature control.

A cable connected to the bleed flap linkage moves the coolant valve, allowing engine coolant to flow through the heater matrix back to the engine when the control is moved towards the hot position. The temperature of the heated air flow into the vehicle interior is controlled by the blend flap.

The distribution control moves the flaps which control the direction of the air flow into the interior of the vehicle.