I just wanted to share a recent A/C experience, in the hopes that others may benefit. My AC was pretty weak when I got the car in 9/05, and I recall hearing those AZ folk talk about how it was perfectly adequate. I knew I had a problem when the AC couldn't keep up on a mild 75 degree day (yes, top on the car). Last summer had to have been the worst though, driving through central California in 100 degree heat. With my wife. Needless to say, it was HOT and the AC useless. Who really did not want to go to the upcoming WCLM and experience all that again.

Well, since the recalls were stacking up (headlights, gear lever) I decided to take it to the dealer. They ended up finding a small leak at the expansion valve body, and replaced all four o-rings. I'm fairly certain that was the extent of it, the valve itself checked out OK.

So, did this fix it? I'll let ya know soon. For those of you with weak A/C systems, might help ya find the problem at least. My dealer ran the system for 30 minutes to look for leaks, found nothing, had to tear things down further to get to the point where they could check that valve. What's the manufacture date on your car? My car is an 05' too, but it was manufactured in May 05'. So far no problems (other than bubbles in the dash, dealer replaced dash under warranty). My A/C has been ok so far. I was in the California Desert over last few days and it was ok! Good to know you found the source of your problem. May 2005 or so. Vin #73. May 2005 or so. Vin #73.
How can you have a May 2005 build that is 73. My June 2005 is 4379. Matt, did not you get your car in fall of 2004?

May 2005 or so. Vin #73. Matt was 2004.

My A/C is not working at all now. Never has worked well for longer than 15 minutes, always did the icing up thing. But now... no A/C. Argh... How can you have a May 2005 build that is 73. My June 2005 is 4379.
Whoops. Yeah, that'd be '04 then.

Alexandar - yes, you're right, I didn't get mine until the beginning of September. So in other words, they built it, then parked it in a lot for months instead of letting me enjoy it! I just wanted to share a recent A/C experience, in the hopes that others may benefit. My AC was pretty weak when I got the car in 9/05, and I recall hearing those AZ folk talk about how it was perfectly adequate. I knew I had a problem when the AC couldn't keep up on a mild 75 degree day (yes, top on the car). Last summer had to have been the worst though, driving through central California in 100 degree heat. With my wife. Needless to say, it was HOT and the AC useless. Who really did not want to go to the upcoming WCLM and experience all that again.

Well, since the recalls were stacking up (headlights, gear lever) I decided to take it to the dealer. They ended up finding a small leak at the expansion valve body, and replaced all four o-rings. I'm fairly certain that was the extent of it, the valve itself checked out OK.

So, did this fix it? I'll let ya know soon. For those of you with weak A/C systems, might help ya find the problem at least. My dealer ran the system for 30 minutes to look for leaks, found nothing, had to tear things down further to get to the point where they could check that valve. Matt any update? Did this fix it?
My AC is TOTALLY useless. I get better response rolling down the window(s). Matt any update? Did this fix it?
My AC is TOTALLY useless. I get better response rolling down the window(s).
It fixed it...more or less. It does work now, at least. However, on really hot days, it seems to be exhibiting signs of freezing over. I do not know if the temperature probe location has been checked so it could just be that known problem, or maybe just . Regardless though, at least now it's gotten to a level where it works for me 90% of the time and I'm satisfied with that.

Another local Elise owner just had his expansion valve o-rings replaced recently, too, to fix a similar problem. LOTUS, PLEASE FIND A SOLUTION!!! LOTUS, PLEASE FIND A SOLUTION!!!
But I think they have? The Elise is not the kind of car that is going to have perfect climate control. It's just not what the car's all about. A little warranty work has brought mine up to the point where it works pretty well most of the time, can't cope too well with extremes but that's OK. But I think they have? The Elise is not the kind of car that is going to have perfect climate control. It's just not what the car's all about. A little warranty work has brought mine up to the point where it works pretty well most of the time, can't cope too well with extremes but that's OK.
Yeah, the manual even says that it doesn't work all that well. Yeah, the manual even says that it doesn't work all that well. ...that says it all! I got the same fix as MattG from SVAG. The A/C blows cold for now. We'll all have to keep an eye on it to see if it cured for the long haul. I'm still baffled by this AC thing, my car is VIN 147, so it might be one or 2 months older than MattG's but my AC has been flawless since day 1, never had the system refilled or anything and it is nice and cold even in FL weather. Could Lotus have this much variation in their manufacturing process? or maybe I just don't drive the car long enough to notice the problem? Is AC the kind of system that can easily be beefed up? i.e., take it to a refrig expert, get an eval of the system, if he says 'your compressor is the weak link' then you bolt on a bigger compressor from another car. If the issue is the fan is too weak then beef up the fan. You know - go aftermarket on the AC. Maybe Forcedfed can come up with an AC kit?? Yeah, the manual even says that it doesn't work all that well.
Reminds me of the computer industry, if it's unknown... it's a bug. If it's documented, it's a "feature". Is AC the kind of system that can easily be beefed up? i.e., No... The compressor does just fine - it gets things cold enough to freeze things up. The fan is located in a very tight spot, so it is doubtful that you could possibly install a larger fan or motor. Additionally, even if you could upgrade the fan, you would have to dissemble much of the front of the car to get to it.

Mine is a very early car. They fixed the AC (did the Service Bulletin) and it works fine with no problems now... I'm still baffled by this AC thing, my car is VIN 147, so it might be one or 2 months older than MattG's but my AC has been flawless since day 1, never had the system refilled or anything and it is nice and cold even in FL weather. Could Lotus have this much variation in their manufacturing process? or maybe I just don't drive the car long enough to notice the problem?
We'll, I take it back about my AC working just fine. Went for a 120 mile round trip yesterday with a customer in my Elise with HT on and the AC at full blast and it got "toasty" in there. On the first 60 mile leg it didn't seem too bad but on the way back the flow of air from the AC definetelly fell to almost nothing even with the fan at 3 so I think my AC froze up in over an hour of driving in traffic and in the rain Hello, I live in Miami and my A/C sucks too but to a lesser degree of sucktitude! I had the dealer look at my a/c about four times, the last time thay had a rep from GA come down and he checked the car, and he ordered a new evaporator installed, and switch panel installed , the a/c works much better and for the most part is OK, if you drive for long periods of time especially in traffic it will simply not cope with the heat and humidity of S Florida. Hey I have no issues with an aftermarket repair, I have an 86 911 that I modified the a/c and it works like any modern car!