Round 'Thingy'! On the dashboard!

[missfixit70]

Seperate matrices front & rear, one "refridgeration" system connected to both. No ducting connected between front & rear, air flow & control is completely separate.

[Ron Miel]

Seperate matrices front & rear, one "refridgeration" system connected to both. No ducting connected between front & rear, air flow & control is completely separate.

Hi Kirsty, and thanks. So where are the aircon seals we have to keep lubricated by regular aircon operation - presumably in the front mounted fridge unit only(?) Cheers, D

[missfixit70]

Yup, on the a/c unit itself under the pasenger seat, it's just pipework to the rest, always a good idea to run the rear occasionally though, just to stop it getting musty & make sure it all works ok & the fan, flaps & control mechanism doesn't sieze up. Long time since I've had to think too hard about a/c fridge systems, there was a description on here a few weeks ago by someone I seem to remember.
Found it - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... it=air+con

[Diplomat]

I guess it was me who "progressed" the discussion from round thingies to aircon pumps!

Points taken. I will run in now and then - when I'm going down a hill and remember about it.

If it slows the tickover does that mean I am using less fuel? There's a thought.

I just read on an allied thread that the pump is coupled by a magnetic clutch, so that probably isolates any load almost as much as removing the belt would.

Resale value doesn't come into it with me. I run vehicles until they are scrap or auction fodder, once I know that they are not bad news. In the long run this is usually cost effective and recommended by thrifty living pundits.

[missfixit70]

I guess it was me who "progressed" the discussion from round thingies to aircon pumps!

Points taken. I will run in now and then - when I'm going down a hill and remember about it.

If it slows the tickover does that mean I am using less fuel? There's a thought.

I just read on an allied thread that the pump is coupled by a magnetic clutch, so that probably isolates any load almost as much as removing the belt would.

Resale value doesn't come into it with me. I run vehicles until they are scrap or auction fodder, once I know that they are not bad news. In the long run this is usually cost effective and recommended by thrifty living pundits.

I like an optimist It slows (or tries to) the tickover because it's putting more load on the engine, hence the need for a bit of electrickery & vacuum wizardy to bring up the revs slightly when it kicks in, so you will be using more (slightly)

[Ron Miel]

Yup, on the a/c unit itself under the pasenger seat, it's just pipework to the rest, always a good idea to run the rear occasionally though, just to stop it getting musty & make sure it all works ok & the fan, flaps & control mechanism doesn't sieze up. Long time since I've had to think too hard about a/c fridge systems, there was a description on here a few weeks ago by someone I seem to remember.
Found it - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... it=air+con

Thanks Kirsty, long time or not, I was sure you would know the answer(s). Great explanation in the linked post. Forgot that thread - had read early posts, then stoppped following it. Anyway, bookmarked now in case needed for future ref. Hope you're well. D

[helen&tony]

Hi
If you mean that round woppityhoojit on the drivers side dash just under the front glass, I believe it's a photosensor for some Bongos which have a controller for the headlights...a sort of "after dark" parking light, as some folks have had problems with lights. I don't think the device is used on most Bongos, it's just there ready, like the wiring for accessories in all Bongos...just pop out the blank, add a switch, and bolt some fogs on...It saves a lot of time completely installing a system to order...In most cases , with the parking device, the electronics aren't there.
Cheers
Helen

[M 80NGD]

Hi
If you mean that round woppityhoojit on the drivers side dash just under the front glass, I believe it's a photosensor for some Bongos which have a controller for the headlights...a sort of "after dark" parking light, as some folks have had problems with lights. I don't think the device is used on most Bongos, it's just there ready, like the wiring for accessories in all Bongos...just pop out the blank, add a switch, and bolt some fogs on...It saves a lot of time completely installing a system to order...In most cases , with the parking device, the electronics aren't there.
Cheers
Helen

Thanks Helen,a 'Woppityhojit',is so much better than a 'Thingy'!!

[missfixit70]

Hi
If you mean that round woppityhoojit on the drivers side dash just under the front glass, I believe it's a photosensor for some Bongos which have a controller for the headlights...a sort of "after dark" parking light, as some folks have had problems with lights. I don't think the device is used on most Bongos, it's just there ready, like the wiring for accessories in all Bongos...just pop out the blank, add a switch, and bolt some fogs on...It saves a lot of time completely installing a system to order...In most cases , with the parking device, the electronics aren't there.
Cheers
Helen

If you look in the handbook Helen it tells you it's for the Climate control I guess it may have been adapted by some to operate auto headlights.

[helen&tony]

Hi Kirsty
My mistake, then, ..it looks like a photosensor, so I presumed that was it...I wonder where the sensor for those lights is then?...I can't say I've come across it..but my back is bad nowadays, and I can't get into these places....Do they make aftermarket grease-points for backs
Cheers
Helen

[Ron Miel]

Hi
If you mean that round woppityhoojit on the drivers side dash just under the front glass, I believe it's a photosensor for some Bongos which have a controller for the headlights...a sort of "after dark" parking light, as some folks have had problems with lights. I don't think the device is used on most Bongos, it's just there ready, like the wiring for accessories in all Bongos...just pop out the blank, add a switch, and bolt some fogs on...It saves a lot of time completely installing a system to order...In most cases , with the parking device, the electronics aren't there.
Cheers
Helen

Hi Helen
The handbook, P.126, says it's an aircon sunlight sensor. I've had (still have) a similar sensor doing the same job on other cars too.. Cheers, David

[missfixit70]

Not quite sure what it actually does to improve the aircon I must admit, surely a temp sensor is enough info?

[Ron Miel]

My guess was that it monitors sun strength and applies aircon when occupants upper bodies could be receiving a lot of direct radiant heat, not convected into shaded areas of the cabin - including where the standard thermostat is located. Perhaps it directs aircon just into face level and/or screen vents, regardless of the "mode" setting?

[missfixit70]

I haven't noticed it changing the mode setting, but I guess it must be a factor in the fan speed control as that seems to self regulate.
As an aside, I got into the habit of putting the windscreen silver screen up every time I parked up while abroad, makes a hell of a difference, only takes a few seconds, hold it inplace with the sun visors, means my cubby box sweeties don't melt too

[Ron Miel]

I haven't noticed it changing the mode setting, but I guess it must be a factor in the fan speed control as that seems to self regulate.
As an aside, I got into the habit of putting the windscreen silver screen up every time I parked up while abroad, makes a hell of a difference, only takes a few seconds, hold it inplace with the sun visors, means my cubby box sweeties don't melt too

Agreed re the silver screens. Once we put them on at a campsite, principally for overnight insulation, we leave the front 3 on until the van is next moved - back one has to come off when we use the rear kitchen burners. Makes a big difference to van temperature, even in the UK when the sun does shine - which has been more often this year than the media seems to think.

Another thought about the sun sensor. Is it there to stop cold aircon output being applied to the inside of the windscreen when hot sun is hitting the outside, to prevent differential thermal stress and possible weakening or even cracking?