405 Aircon question

[The Becketts]

I have just got the aircon working in my daughter's 1989 405. But, I note that if the A/C switch is depressed, when the ignition is switched to the accessory postion, the compressor clutch is energised. This seems wrong.

Unfortunately, the A/C system isn't covered at all in the Haynes manual no. 1559 that I have (petrol 1989-97).

I'd appreciate it if someone else with this model 405 could tell me if their car also activates the compressor clutch as above

All the best

Ron

 

[Bzn.]

I'd appreciate it if someone else with this model 405 could tell me if their car also activates the compressor clutch as above

I'd like to check this out for you on my '95 405, but I don't know how I can tell if the compressor clutch is engaged when the engine isn't running. If you can tell me what to look for, I'll do a check for you.

regards,

Bzn.
Pays-Bas

 

[The Becketts]

Hi Bzn,

The clutch can be heard to engage when theA/C button is pressed while the ignition switch is in accessories position.

Alternatively, you can actually see that the gap between the compressor and the outer plate has closed.

It doesn't make sense for the clutch to engage except when the engine is running.

Ron

 

[G.T]

Hello,

It doesn't make sense for the clutch to engage except when the engine is running.

Sure it doesn't make sense, but as almost all systems are off when starting

 

[The Becketts]

No, what I mean is, when the ignition switch is moved to the first (accessory) position where one would expect only ancillaries, e.g., radio, electric windows, interior fan etc, to operate, the compressor clutch engages. This really shouldn't happen until the engine is running.

The trouble is that the Haynes manual is absolutely useless when it comes to electrical problems and the lack of diagrams doesn't help. I've found there is a Peugeot\Citroen mechanic in a neighbouring town so I'll have to go to see him. The nearest dealer is about 35km away. Peugeots are not a common vehicle in this country - although since buying one, we are now seeing more of them.

I may have to source a genuine 405 workshop manual.

Regards,

Ron

The compressor clutch draws a fair bit of current and will discharge the battery