4th Aug 2014, 21:56
Hi all, the problem with the air con in these things is the clutch on the compressor. It's an easy fix if you're handy with a spanner!
1. Buy a new air con clutch on eBay ($75).
2. Take the belt off & the 3 bolts that hold the compressor on the bracket.
3. Remove the air filter box & the cold intake behind the radiator. DO NOT undo the hoses; you'll be able to twist the compressor upwards so you can work on the front of it.
4. Undo the bolt in the centre of the clutch; it usually breaks so you'll need to drill it all the way out.
5. Prise off the top part of the clutch with a stubby flat head (don't lose the 2 or three little spacer washers).
6. The pulley & the clutch are held in with circlips; remove these & put it back together with the new clutch.
7. Use a long stainless rivet to replace the broken bolt.
8. Put it back together & your air con will be as good as new for $75!
29th May 2014, 16:32
I have an auto 2001 XC Barina with 195000 km.
It had the stalling, rough running and hard to start symptoms over the past few years. As always, every time a sensor, EGR or ignition coil, fuel filter, crank sensor etc was replaced, there would be an improvement, but the symptoms always returned shortly afterwards.
I eventually took the injectors out and found them badly carboned up on the tips. Took them to a local specialist for checking/cleaning, and after I refitted them the problem has finally gone (WooHoo!).
Still a great little car when everything works.