A/C performance test

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2021 MINI Cooper, 2020 MINI Cooper, 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, and 2017 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Observe the following conditions prior to the A/C performance test:

Connect diagnostic system. Check of the fault memory (no faults in the fault memory).
Attach a thermometer with separate display element to the head restraint. Lay display element outwards out of passenger compartment.
Perform the test in a suitable workshop area with an ambient temperature above 18° C.
Vehicle temperature should be approximately the same as the ambient temperature in the workshop.
Engine must be operating temperature (does not apply for electric vehicles).
ECO PRO mode must not be switched on.

Heat passenger compartment:

"A/C button" is not activated during the heating process
Close all side windows and doors
Set recirculated-air mode.
Select air distribution mode for footwell and defrosting.
On vehicles with CID: In A/C menu (CID) in air distribution index: select 100 % footwell for driver and front passenger and 100 % defrosting for driver (this applies here to driver and front passenger)
Maximum temperature setting
Maximum blower speed
Start engine (does not apply for electric vehicles)

Cool down passenger compartment:

Switch on air conditioning compressor with "A/C button" at a vehicle interior temperature of 45°C (measured at the head restraint).

On vehicles with MAX-AC button:

Activation of MAX-AC (= maximum cooling power)

On vehicles without MAX-AC button:

Set maximum cooling power by means of following steps:

Setting low temperature value
Blower setting maximum
Stratification maximum cold (4 blue bars)
Only ventilation open
Close remaining flaps (air outlet only from center fresh air grille, left and right)

After 5 min, measure both ventilation temperatures with a thermometer at the same time (center, left and right fresh air grille). The measured temperature must be ≤ 16°C and the difference between right and left may not be greater than 2°C.

If one or both temperature specifications is not reached drain off heating and air conditioning system. Refer to: SUCTION, EVACUATING AND FILLING AIR CONDITIONING (R134A) or SUCTION, EVACUATING AND FILLING HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (R134A) or SUCTIONING, EVACUATING AND FILLING HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (R1234YF) . Measure the amount of refrigerant drawn off and compare with the NOMINAL FILL AMOUNT .

Check whether refrigerant loss is present:

If there is a permissible loss of refrigerant. Refer to: SUCTION, EVACUATING AND FILLING AIR CONDITIONING (R134A) or SUCTION, EVACUATING AND FILLING HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (R134A) or SUCTIONING, EVACUATING AND FILLING HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (R1234YF) or fill the refrigerant circuit with the NOMINAL FILL AMOUNT .
If there is an impermissible loss of refrigerant. Refer to: SUCTION, EVACUATING AND FILLING AIR CONDITIONING (R134A) or SUCTION, EVACUATING AND FILLING HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (R134A) or SUCTIONING, EVACUATING AND FILLING HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (R1234YF) and check the refrigerant circuit for TIGHTNESS . After rectifying the leak, fill the refrigerant circuit with the NOMINAL FILL AMOUNT .
If there is no refrigerant loss, continue troubleshooting using the pressure measurement (only possible for vehicles with unregulated air conditioning compressor up to series E46/E53).