[jabronimadden1]

Auto A/C

Quick test to see if it’s the same fault:
Get really close the auto AC control panel on the right hand side (my car is RHD) there is a round vent. With ignition in position 2 air slightly blows outward of the vent and the noise seem to be coming from where the air is coming from. (This isn’t totally accurate but it’s the likely cause of the buzz if it comes from the centre consol).


My first fault and fix was noticed on the second day of having my Mini.
With the Key in position 2 (general electrics on) I could her a high pitched buzzing noise (almost electrical buzz sound) coming from the centre consol (toggle switches radio air con)

With a few mini2 registration problems I couldn’t post for advice nor could I find any on searching the site.

So all I could do was attack the problem armed with A level physics and the mini2 DIY guide.

I have Auto Air con (not sure if this is a problem featured with manual A/C, in fact I doubt it)

To fix/ investigate the problem.

Remove downward columns either side of Radio (see interior bits removal) I lifted up the dash, but in retrospect I would have removed the low consol accessible under the gear surround (whilst you are there I suggest you us some insulating tape to reduce the possible creeks).


Remove Head Unit (interior bits)
Remove Toggle switches 2 torax screws either side (you can leave this attached via the wire)

I would strongly recommend you remove all these bits while I don’t this the head unit is essential for removal its good to get it out of the way for some room to attack the problem.

With the auto AC it is not a pull out removal as with every thing else but a push in. There are two blue clips either side of the AC control pull these towards the back of the car and out (towards the doors of the car).

Then with a bit of fidderling the AC control comes free (push in and take out diagonally)

On the AC control there are 2 attachments (I think it would be best to remove the attachment that is similar to the toggle switches)

The second attachment is where the buzzing comes from; it is actually a fan that blows out air to the cockpit past a thermometer (to measure the current air temp to adjust the AC automatically. Looking at its simplicity makes you resent the hundreds of pounds spend on auto AC)

Twist and pull out. The buzz is coming from that device (its not an electrical buzz after all, nor really surprising it’s a Mini not some kind of power station!)

Blow the fan free of any dust or partials that could be clogging it (the bearings on the fan aren’t that good hence the noise) but it being clogged makes it worse.

Use some sound insulating fabric and attach to the fan module (not the fan its self)

And relocate the fan module pointing so the wire coming out of it faces the gear stick and the fan blows towards the front of the car ß this sounds weird but is far better, the temperature should be measured from the cockpit so if the air is blowing in to the dash the air is coming from the cockpit. Silly how previously it was the other way round (auto AC value questioned again!)

Attach the fan module to something sturdy not any of the panels as the vibrations so sound will carry further) I attached it to the toggle wire (be careful to allow total free movement of the fan)

Test ignition position 2

If all ok, buzz free or hopefully no buzz at all

Reassemble


Note: You could experiment with putting in a resistor and reducing the fan speed, or disconnecting the fan element entirely (not the thermometer). If you are really feeling ambitious you could look into getting a bigger fan running at less RPM and so quieter a PC fan should run on the voltage already there. Don’t be afraid to experiment.


If anyone finds this difficult to follow I can post a few pictures, or answer questions accordingly.



Pete.