Car Aircon repair - condenser

MSaxp

Hi all,

My car air conditioning is not working. I was told by a garage (that I took it for re-gasing) that the condenser needs replacing and was quoted over £400 to fix it and re-gas the system.

Given the car is a 7 year old Focus, they suggested I don't fix it.

Is there an alternative solution? Can it be repaired rather than replaced? Or can I get a second hand one, or is all the cost labour? I will take it to a garage but thought I'd quickly ask here last, so that I know what to expect.

Thank you.

thescouselander

Sounds very expensive to me. The part itself shouldn't be more than about £50 and it shouldn't be difficult to change. Maybe you should get a few more quotes.

Nodding_Donkey

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-Mk2-05-08-Heater-air-con-Core-matrix-/271842228871?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4b0f3a87

BeenThroughItAll

If you didn't take it to an AC specialist, it would be worth getting a second opinion. I've spoken to several people recently at 'automatic machine' regassing places who confused the condenser (easy to replace) with the evaporator (often much more difficult). Since they both look similar-ish, and neither are expensive parts, it's somewhat understandable.

Well worth checking, as £400 to replace a condenser is pretty expensive.

molerat

My son has his 2009 Focus condenser replaced last year for £160 by local mobile air con specialist, your garage seems to only be a con specialist

EdGasket

If the leak is not too bad you could try a leak sealer:

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/engine-oils-fluids/air-conditioning-recharge-supplies/superseal-air-conditioning-leak-sealant-mrl-3

Then fill up with EZ chill (one can will be enough):

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/engine-oils-fluids/air-conditioning-recharge-supplies/ez-chill-auto-air-conditioning-recharge

You get £10 back on the can but it will still cost £50 plus £20 for a trigger if you don't have one (tip: you can use a cheaper lead/gauge from eBay - about £8) so it's a gamble. I have used EZ chill with success and that also contains a small amount of sealer.

MSaxp

Thank you all. I didn't think they were dodgy or anything, so maybe more parts need replacing and I misunderstood. It was over a year ago and don't remember much. I do remember the over £400 they said

The whole story is that these guys had an online offer for re-gasing and when I took it there, they said I have a leak and needed over £400 to have it repaired and re-pressurised. The bad news is that they are air con specialists. But maybe they just didn't fancy the job.

I'll get a few more quotes and see.

BeenThroughItAll

MSaxp wrote: »

The whole story is that these guys had an online offer for re-gasing and when I took it there, they said I have a leak and needed over £400 to have it repaired and re-pressurised. The bad news is that they are air con specialists. But maybe they just didn't fancy the job.

Well there's your answer. Give a cheap regas, in the knowledge that 50% of the customers will accept your quote for fixing the 'major problem' coincidentally found during the process.


Get a second opinion.

EdGasket

No, because they suggested it wasn't worth fixing. They would not have said that if they were ought to con the OP.

The trouble is if you haven't used the Air con for over a year then other parts might also be leaking by now; the seals dry out on the compressor for instance. You'll probably have to get a leak test done to see whats what but it maybe cheaper to just open the window on the very few sunny days we have in the UK.

BeenThroughItAll

EdGasket wrote: »

No, because they suggested it wasn't worth fixing. They would not have said that if they were ought to con the OP.

True, well spotted, I missed that.


Personally, I'd still get a second opinion, as £400 to replace a condenser is too much. If there's no gas in the system it's easy enough to replace without any specialist tools or knowledge of AC systems.

MSaxp

EdGasket wrote: »

... it maybe cheaper to just open the window on the very few sunny days we have in the UK.

Agreed. That was my thinking when I first heard the news. Just thought I'd ask around for more realistic options (diy sealer, 2nd hand parts etc) before admitting defeat. For £200 I'd have it fixed. Lets see what quotes I get.