fixing the air conditioning

stedwell

Bought a new car in November, now out of warranty and in today's heatwave discovered that air con not working. Never had to have this fixed on a car before. Does anyone have any recommendations or should I just toddle along to my usual garage?
Thanks

Jonesya

I tried Kwikfit when mine failed and whilst they got it working again, after about a month or so it stopped working so evidently it had a slow leak somewhere that their kit hadn't detected.

In retrospect and having read up on it a bit more, I'd take it to a place and get them to inject the dye to trace any leaks before getting it topped up.

hareng

Good info on using dye.

Have a quick look around to see if theres any brackets broke. These can be an expensive install plus other parts etc.

Best thing i did was get Mr repo saw out and put a smaller belt on avoiding the pump = instant 3mpg. Never used aircon in 9 yrs but have to in current motor its all electronic.

Tiexen

You need to keep using aircon every few weeks - even in winter - or the joints dry out

motorguy

stedwell wrote: »

Bought a new car in November, now out of warranty and in today's heatwave discovered that air con not working. Never had to have this fixed on a car before. Does anyone have any recommendations or should I just toddle along to my usual garage?
Thanks

Go to Kwikfit. They only charge for a successful regas.

They will usually point out where the fault is and what pipe needs replaced.

They showed me on a 407 what the problem was, didnt charge me and i got the part for £14 from my local dealer. Fitted it myself then went back for a regas.

:beer:

cyclonebri1

Tiexen wrote: »

You need to keep using aircon every few weeks - even in winter - or the joints dry out

Really, I hate air con but had a vectra with it fitted. When I sold it eight years later the system still worked perfectly inspite of being used no more than 3 or 4 times.

And OP, I doubt for a minute you actually mean " a new car" :rotfl::rotfl:

Don't go to kwik carap, you will find the aircon failed because it needs new shocks and springs :o

Tiexen

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Really, I hate air con but had a vectra with it fitted. When I sold it eight years later the system still worked perfectly inspite of being used no more than 3 or 4 times.

When the air conditioning system in your vehicle is left unused for a period of time unpleasant and sometimes unhealthy odours can occur, encouraging the onset of sore throats and allergic reactions. This is due to the condensation in your system combining with the heat from the vehicle engine to create an environment where bacteria & fungi can grow.

No wonder you hated it if it was only used once every 2 years.

cyclonebri1

Tiexen wrote: »

When the air conditioning system in your vehicle is left unused for a period of time unpleasant and sometimes unhealthy odours can occur, encouraging the onset of sore throats and allergic reactions. This is due to the condensation in your system combining with the heat from the vehicle engine to create an environment where bacteria & fungi can grow.

No wonder you hated it if it was only used once every 2 years.

Now now, don't try to twist what I said, the very reason I hate air con is because of the risks it poses. I was going to put in my earlier post that it was only used by others not me.

I think it should be an option to have it removed if fitted as standard not the otherway round.

The weight factor alone puts me off though.

Anyway, not kwik crap op, ;)

DaveF327

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

the very reason I hate air con is because of the risks it poses

What risks are they?

Also, how long should you run the aircon in winter to keep it in working order? And exactly how often?

benham3160

There's every bit as much risk in your steering wheel/gearstick I'd imagine.

You got any idea what can colonise on those?

Regards,
Andy

grizzly1911

benham3160 wrote: »

There's every bit as much risk in your steering wheel/gearstick I'd imagine.

You got any idea what can colonise on those?

Regards,
Andy

Yep interesting what the Top Gear forensic cleans pick up on their used "demolition" tests.