Air Con need re gassing?

[dazzawm]

The air con my 2009 CLC200 is not icy cold as I would expect. How do I know if it needs re gassing? I don't want to payout for this if its something else. There is also a slight smell, although I have smelt much worse on other cars whilst air con is running.

 

[th3h1ghlander]

The air con my 2009 CLC200 is not icy cold as I would expect. How do I know if it needs re gassing? I don't want to payout for this if its something else. There is also a slight smell, although I have smelt much worse on other cars whilst air con is running.

Re-gassing costs £25-50 and most places that just do that, but take it to somewhere that does air con component replacement, pressure tests and leak tests that way they can pressure and leak test before/while re-gassing, that way they can see if the smell you are getting is from pressure loss through a leak. Some may be able to gauge how much gas you have in the system but not sure with your year motor.


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[whitenemesis]

Most re-gas units will perform pressure tests before re-gassing but not all operatives will be able to repair if a leak detected. Best find a good indie that offers the service (most will).

The smell may be bacteria build up through non-use. One can buy a/c sanitisers (Halfords) . Once sorted keep the a/c on permanently. Keeps the smells away and keeps the seals lubricated.

 

[zipdip]

I agree pick a air con specialist ,I need to get mine done and will use a company in Essex ,it is a 20 mile drive to get to them but they repair air con and nothing else.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Use a specialist

Use a specialist air con guy. He won't charge much more to do a simple re-gas but he will be able to spot and resolve any issues early.

A twenty-five year old at a Halfords motor centre will be able to pop your bonnet and work out where to connect a gas cylinder to top up your gas, but doesn't have the skills to identify an issue, or the time to do a thorough job.

 

[exvolvoman]

DON'T go to Halfrauds...took my Volvo for a check / re-gas and the guy (boy) didn't even know the difference between high and low pressure ports...

 

[Stratman]

Most of the regas places use the same machine. Part of the procedure it goes through is pulling a vacuum in your system and ensuring it holds for a defined period of time, in the order of several minutes.

If it doesn't hold a vacuum there's a leak, and it's an offence to fill a leaky system. This is where it comes down to the knowledge of the tekky and his ability to find the leak.

If you're certain you don't have a leak then any of the chain regassers will refill it. If you know or suspect that you do then take it to a specialist.

 

[Hawkwind]

When did you last have the AC serviced?

 

[dazzawm]

When did you last have the AC serviced?

I don't know, only recently purchased the vehicle.

 

[Stratman]

Even with a perfectly sealed system the refrigerant will gradually vanish in about two or three years.

Have it recharged and see what happens.

 

[Adebendanchris]

See you are based in Southampton. I live nearly Fareham and used Fareham mobile air con services - 0750 1162710. Got good reviews on yellow pages. The guy was brilliant - came to my house, checked the system over then regassed. Very friendly and efficiency. Good value for money as well. As suggested above it's best to use a pro. Hope this helps.

 

[dazzawm]

Had the air con serviced and regassed, now its icy cold!

 

[garycat]

Even with a perfectly sealed system the refrigerant will gradually vanish in about two or three years.

Have it recharged and see what happens.

How does it vanish from a perfectly sealed system?

The main issue is that the lubricant in the gas can dry out which prevents rubber seals making a good fit. This can be helped by running the A/C at maximum cold regularly (even in winter) to ensure that the gas is circulated properly and taking the lube with it. A well cared for system should last way more than 2-3 years.

Leaks can also occur as the condenser corrodes, gets stone damage or pipework gets damaged.

All this was explained to me when the A/C went in my old Mazda and it was fixed by a highly recommended pro at GoCool Services, expert mobile aircon diagnostics , servicing, regas and repairs for all makes and models of vehicle - Home (Bristol area)

 

[Lit91]

Had the air con serviced and regassed, now its icy cold!

Where did you get it done?

 

[th3h1ghlander]

Where did you get it done?

(Please don't say Halfrauds or Kwiks**t)


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[clk320x]

How does it vanish from a perfectly sealed system?

The main issue is that the lubricant in the gas can dry out which prevents rubber seals making a good fit. This can be helped by running the A/C at maximum cold regularly (even in winter) to ensure that the gas is circulated properly and taking the lube with it. A well cared for system should last way more than 2-3 years.

Leaks can also occur as the condenser corrodes, gets stone damage or pipework gets damaged.

All this was explained to me when the A/C went in my old Mazda and it was fixed by a highly recommended pro at GoCool Services, expert mobile aircon diagnostics , servicing, regas and repairs for all makes and models of vehicle - Home (Bristol area)

Oh my god just leave it mate please

 

[dazzawm]

Where did you get it done?

My local friendly garage who does all the work on my cars.

 

[th3h1ghlander]

My local friendly garage who does all the work on my cars.

Did they manage to identify the odd smell and its cause?


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[dazzawm]

After it working fine for a short time I have since found the condenser is faulty as its getting warm again. Is this a big job to replace?

 

[th3h1ghlander]

After it working fine for a short time I have since found the condenser is faulty as its getting warm again. Is this a big job to replace?

Not sure on your model. I thought you said they serviced it? Part of this should have been a pressure/leak test which it doesn't sound like they have done or they would have caught the faulty condenser. Take a look in your engine bay, the condenser may be at the front by the radiator and looks like a radiator itself. I don't think it is a big job but the condenser itself may be anywhere from £115-£300 for the part and labour on top. I reckon if you find somewhere good they may do it all in for £225 or there abouts. However an average place you will be looking £350 and up. By the way, this is my "finger-in-the-air" opinion and estimate, I am hung over and it's a Friday...I could be waaaay off.


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