AirCon 'econ' red light query...

[stephenmercedes]

This morning, the red LED on the Econ button remained on, no matter how many times it was pressed. On phoning my local indie, they advised that the likeliest cause was that it needed re-gassed as this was an indicator that the A/C had shut down, which it does on running out of gas to protect the system.

Went to KwikFit to get it re-gassed at a very reasonable £59.95. The machine they have vacuums the system, then tests for leaks, then re-gasses it. I was told though that the 'leak' test only really picks up sizeable leaks, if it's a pin hole, or a dodgy seal, it may pass.

Now, I had the A/C repaired just a year ago with a new condenser radiator. So, is it likely I have a very small leak, or may it be a sensor issue?

 

[clk320x]

at a very reasonable £59.95

I payed £30 for a mobile service last year. The price of AC regas seems to have gone through the roof recently!

 

[stephenmercedes]

I was told that the cost of 13Kg bottle of R134a has shot up to £340! (I blame Brexit LOL)

 

[Riva811]

I was told that the cost of 13Kg bottle of R134a has shot up to £340! (I blame Brexit LOL)

Yeah but you dont need 13Kgs

 

[stephenmercedes]

Yeah but you dont need 13Kgs

Indeed, but even with 750g, it's still expensive when you include labour...

 

[Riva811]

Indeed, but even with 750g, it's still expensive when you include labour...

I bought a bottle and pump for £70, doing three re-fills on my own. Its very straight forward

 

[Uky]

The normal procedure is as follows:

1. The AC system is emptied of remaining refrigerant and vacuum tested for any obvious leaks.

2. The drying cannister is replaced and system is refilled with the specified amount of refrigerant and also
with a proper amount of compressor oil with a UV sensitive agent.

3. The system is checked and then left for a night or so.

4. Next morning, the system is checked for any pressure loss. If found, a UV lamp is used to
see if there are any leaks.

5. If none, the car is left to the happy owner.

Many times, a "Quick Fix" is to only add refrigerant and paying no attention to the loss
of compressor oil which circulates in the system. These quick fixes later results in a compressor
failure and very expenceive repairs as metal debris are spread into the sytem.

One simple way to check for leaks is to look for greasy spots on the radiator
or around hoses and joints. The compressor oil takes the same way as the refrgerant
and it can many times be clearly seen.

 

[Ted]

Just to add, it is vacuumed out to boil off any moisture.

 

[rf065]

The machine they have vacuums the system, then tests for leaks, then re-gasses it. I was told though that the 'leak' test only really picks up sizeable leaks, if it's a pin hole, or a dodgy seal, it may pass.

I had a Ford Ranger and the air con was regassed 4 times, only lasting about 6-8 weeks each time before they found a hole in the condensor and replaced it. Each time they regassed it they assured me there were no leaks, the machine told them so, yet it continued to lose pressure and it's illegal to keep filling a leaking system. I suspect the vacuum leak test is not as good as putting the system under pressure and at the end of the day the machine is only as good as the guy operating it.