Urgent Help Needed: 2024 Lotus Emira A/C Issues (Air Distribution & No Cooling) - Grey Import

[osamaafia]

Hello everyone,


I'm hoping to get some assistance with a couple of persistent air conditioning problems on my 2024 Lotus Emira. Unfortunately, as it's a grey import, I don't have dealer warranty support, so I'm trying to diagnose and potentially fix these issues myself.


I've already started some basic troubleshooting, and here's what I'm encountering:

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Issue 1: Airflow Distribution Stuck on Footwell Vents​

Problem Description:
Regardless of the setting I select on the climate control (face, defroster, etc.), all airflow consistently comes out only through the footwell vents. I cannot redirect the air to any other vents. This suggests an issue with the blend door that controls airflow direction.


Troubleshooting Steps Taken So Far:

1. I have removed the glove box to inspect the HVAC unit.
2. During inspection, I found two unplugged 3-terminal electrical socketshanging freely behind the glove box, near the HVAC box:
   • Socket 1 (Black): Contains wires colored Black, Red/Green, and Blue/Green. I measured 12 volts present on this socket.
   • Socket 2 (White): Contains wires colored Black, Green/Red, and Green/Blue. (I haven't tested for voltage on this one yet.)

My Suspicions:
I strongly suspect these unplugged sockets are meant for blend door actuators (flap motors) that control the air distribution. The 12V on the black socket supports this, as actuators require power.


My Specific Questions for Experts:

• Can anyone help identify the precise location(s) on the Emira's HVAC box where these specific 3-terminal sockets are meant to connect? I'm looking for the blend door actuators responsible for air distribution (face/foot/defrost modes).
• Are there any known diagrams, photos, or service manual snippets available online (even for older Lotus models if they share similar HVAC layouts) that show the typical locations of these "mode door" actuators?
• Is it common for an Emira to have these connections left unplugged from the factory, or is this unusual?

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Issue 2: A/C Compressor Not Engaging (No Cooling)​

Problem Description:
Despite setting the A/C to "cold" and turning on the compressor, only hot air blows. The A/C compressor does not engage at all.


Troubleshooting Steps Taken So Far:

1. Direct 12V Applied: I applied 12 volts directly to the compressor clutch wire. The clutch still did not engage.

My Suspicions:
The fact that the compressor clutch didn't engage even with direct 12V worries me and suggests a potential issue with the clutch itself or the compressor's internal mechanics (e.g., seized). However, I understand there are many other interlocks that prevent compressor engagement.


My Specific Questions for Experts:

• What are the most common interlocks/failure points I should check before concluding the compressor itself is faulty, especially if it didn't engage with direct 12V? (e.g., specific fuses, relays, pressure switches).
• Can anyone provide the location of the A/C compressor clutch fuse and relay for the 2024 Emira (or similar Lotus models if known)?
• Considering the direct 12V test failure, what is the likelihood that the issue is still a low refrigerant charge, or a bad pressure switch, rather than a completely dead compressor clutch/compressor? (I do not have AC manifold gauges yet to check refrigerant pressure, but that's my next step.)

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Any guidance, diagrams, or personal experiences with Emira (or similar Lotus HVAC/AC systems) would be immensely appreciated! I'm an experienced DIYer but facing challenges without official documentation for such a new and niche vehicle.


Thank you in advance for your time and help!

 

[Kimmax]

Both problems are originating from the same problem source: The HVAC box in the front of the car. Water ingress will destroy at least the resistor in there and cause all of your problems.
There is a new water shield you probably don't have fitted and a new improved HVAC box. I don't think you can strong-arm this one, probably need a dealer to at least get you the parts.
The connectors behind the glove box are expected to be there (commonly used by forum members to power dashcams)

 

[osamaafia]

Both problems are originating from the same problem source: The HVAC box in the front of the car. Water ingress will destroy at least the resistor in there and cause all of your problems.
There is a new water shield you probably don't have fitted and a new improved HVAC box. I don't think you can strong-arm this one, probably need a dealer to at least get you the parts.

thanks for the reply yes we have a dealer here but i have to pay for everything could you send me the photo for this shield please and location of the HVAC Box and photos for it to check please

 

[osamaafia]

I have find a water here below fuse box in front

 

[Orchardbike]

Both problems are originating from the same problem source: The HVAC box in the front of the car. Water ingress will destroy at least the resistor in there and cause all of your problems.
There is a new water shield you probably don't have fitted and a new improved HVAC box. I don't think you can strong-arm this one, probably need a dealer to at least get you the parts.
The connectors behind the glove box are expected to be there (commonly used by forum members to power dashcams)

This was my guess as well. Water in the electrics. You need the new box that has better sealing and the HeVAC ‘shroud’ (piece of rubber).

 

[Beachbum]

Is there such a things as a "grey import" as regards cars nowadays? Thought pretty much all car warranties were global.
I mean, if I move from the UK to another country, I expect the car to still be covered by the warranty I currently have, so why would any other scenario, preclude this?

 

[Porter]

Where did the car originate? If it's within a few days drive or ferry ride, I would take the car to the country of origin and get warranty service there.

The job to do that replacement is pretty expensive and there's an additional water diverter panel they are in to prevent the problem from reoccurring. If you don't do both, it will happen again.

 

[Nick Sticks]

Here's a photo of the rubber shield fitted to my car.
You have to remove the normal plastic cover that goes here to see it.

EDIT: It's worth noting that this is a photo of a RHD car.
Looking at a post of a LHD car the placement is on the other side.

Air con known issue -no fix yet [EDIT: now with official fix]

Due to my frustration with the aircon saga, I did a test drive on a roadster (not mid engine), pricewise comparable to the Emira. Conclusion: Would never trade in the Emira for that, even with all the little problems she has.

www.emiraforum.com

 

[Nova]

You can see a photo of the resistor pack in this post here:

Air con known issue -no fix yet [EDIT: now with official fix]

I also read somewhere that the side of the car the resistor funnel would be on may not affect water intrusion as much depending on it being a left hand or right hand drive car. Don’t know if there’s any merit to that.

www.emiraforum.com

It's not difficult to see and may be possible to get to without a ton of disassembly, you can give it a shot if you are willing. Ask your local dealer for the water shield and see if they'll sell it to you.

 

[Yorkie]

Workshop manuals were available to purchase on here a while back. Not sure if this is still the case? Maybe worth the investment for yourself?