In this regular column Autodata’s Technical Team share their fixes to common problems raised through Autodata’s technical helpline, available to all UK customers.
MINI COUNTRYMAN – NOISE WHEN AIR CON OPERATING
FAULT:
A service customer of ours has a 2011 1.6 petrol MINI Countryman which is emitting a humming noise when the air conditioning is in operation. We have checked that the AC refrigerant level is correct and we have checked that all the air conditioning pipes are fitted securely in their retaining clips, but we cannot find the source of the humming noise. Can you help?
FIX:
Yes, this fault affects several petrol MINI models within the year ranges 01/10/09- 10/01/12. The noise is due to resonance from the AC low-pressure hose when the air conditioning is operating. Locate the AC low- pressure hose in the area of the LH front wheel arch. Fit a mass damper, available from MINI parts department, onto the AC low-pressure hose Fig 2(1). Ensure the mass damper is fitted 85mm from the crimped section of AC hose. Operate the air conditioning to ensure the noise has been eliminated.
