Air Con issue

[chanlon1]

Since I bought the car, I always felt the air con wasn't working properly. Now with the great weather I've decided to see what is going on.
Whilst I trawl the internet looking for solutions to the questions I don't have yet, wondering if there is anything obvious to look at.

Some points to note:

• I took it to Kwik Fit who said there was no gas in it, and therefore there must be a leak, so wasn't worth paying to re-gas

• The snow flake light comes on when I press the button

• Fan speed works ok, rear heated screen works okay - so I don't believe its in transport mode

Any suggestions whilst I download the internet for answers?

 

[j3nks79]

First off you need to do a nitrogen test. So find a local garage that can do this. This will see if you have a leak.

 

[Pondrew]

The above is the first port of call.
why didn't Kwik fit pressure test it?
There is not necessarily a problem leak as such.
The neoprene seal on the compressor is kept lubricated by oil within the system. This relies on the system being used frequently to keep it gas tight. If the a/c isn't used for long periods, the seal can dry out and shrink slightly which will let refrigerant out. Usually once run, the seal will be lubricated and will re-expand and be gas tight again.
This is the reason why every manufacturer says to use the a/c every so often. It is purely to keep the seal lubricated and stop it from drying out.

 

[chanlon1]

why didn't Kwik fit pressure test it?

Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe that's something they don't go into???
Anyway, the guy I dealt with did reference an AC specialist in Belfast, so I probably should look at getting myself over to them.
Ironically the same AC Specialist is an auto electrician who was recommended to me to see if they could find the source of my battery drain.

Will need to get booked in and see if book things cn be solved at the one time.

thanks

 

[smorris_12]

I wouldn't trust Kwak-Fut to speak my weight, let alone do something complicated.

 

[Pondrew]

Kwak-Fut

:rofl:

 

[Rockhopper]

Most garages use the same automatic machine to service the aircon. If they connected it up and it couldn’t pull a vacuum then you have a leak. Time for some specialist investigation.

 

[smorris_12]

Years ago there used to be a thriving little market in mobile air con people who would actually come to you and do leak tests and repairs. Dunno if they're still a thing.

 

[Pondrew]

Years ago there used to be a thriving little market in mobile air con people who would actually come to you and do leak tests and repairs. Dunno if they're still a thing.

I used to be one of them!
Used to make most of my living doing a/c work for ALL the dealers in a 20 mile radius and going to people's houses.
I would make up hoses on site, none of this buying expensive pre-made ones from the manufacturer.
Couldn't make much of a living anymore with the invention of these "all in one" reclaim, vac, pressure test, charging machines. A day's training and another getting F-gas certified and anyone can do it!
I spent five years at college getting my qualifications.

 

[smorris_12]

Yet another cottage industry dead. I do wonder where it'll end up.

 

[Pondrew]

Yet another cottage industry dead. I do wonder where it'll end up.

There are still a few vehicle a/c people around, but they will concentrate on the more complicated problems, generally electrical, I would guess.
I moved on to more 'lucrative' parts of the industry when dealers (and I used to work for many bodyshops too) started to get the 'machines' and could save money by doing it in house.

I worked for both BMW dealerships in my area in the early '90s. I used to like going to them as the a/c equipment was always laid out well in the engine bay, easy access to gauge ports and important components. And in those days, only the top end cars had a/c so drove a lot of nice cars (as I always insisted on doing a road test even though it was not strictly necessary most of the time).

The worst were Rovers (800 series) and Renaults (25 and 21). Always the same faults due to a lack of thought when fitting from the factory. Rover 800s would always spring leaks from the corners of the condenser, as they weren't fitted well so would flex under acceleration and bumps.

 

[rocket70]

Just find a local ac/refrigeration guy.

They should be able to pressure test it, vac it out and charge with R134a