Thank you John. Will do.

Rather belatedly (coronavirus complications, natch) but as promised, I'm posting to let you all know the outcome of the situation. Quite simply, the compressor was shot, hence no working aircon, but this in no way accounts for the sky-high pressure reading on the low side port. Having now tried the ...

Noted. I'll certainly let you know what the professional diagnosis and eventual outcome is.

Many thanks for that comprehensive and thoughtful summary John and, as I said in my original post, the next step is to hand over to the pros - exactly as you're advising. Thanks in fact to all who have taken the trouble to provide their thoughts; I now have a rather better understanding of the many ...

I checked it with everything switched off prior to my intention of checking again with the engine running and AC on. However, with a reading of 100psi I chickened out of going any further. The several Youtube videos I watched prior to giving it a go all showed either a nearly-zero or very low readin...

Just looked up 'blend door' and I do see what you mean; the lack of puff might well be down to a faulty actuator. However, even if that's the case would it also account for the dangerously high pressure in the system?

Well, that's certainly given me one or two things to consider!

I replaced the filter about a month ago as part of the service routine. What might cause the pressure to be so high?

Thanks for your helpful response Cusser. The car's back with my son at the moment so I don't have immediate access to it but I'll certainly try the AC off/on treatment and check the clutch/compressor action as you suggest. The fans respond well enough to the dashboard control (significant increase i...

Hi, newbie here looking for a bit of enlightenment. My son's 2013 Ford Fiesta's aircon isn't working so I thought it might just need a gas top-up. After doing a bit of on-line research I bought the STP EZChill aircon kit at a local car accessory shop. In accordance with the instructions I connected ...