Air conditioning system failure
Symptoms
A/C doesn't blow cold, blows warm on one side, or doesn't work at all. Compressor clutch won't engage.
Cause
The XJ-S A/C system is complex and uses components that are now 30-50 years old. Compressors wear, condensers leak, evaporators corrode, and the control module fails. The system uses R12 refrigerant (early cars) which requires conversion to R134a.
Fix
Diagnosis first, could be as simple as a relay or as expensive as a new compressor and condenser.
A full A/C overhaul with R134a conversion runs $2,000-5,000 AUD.
In Australian conditions, functional A/C is essential, not optional.
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