Air conditioning/regassing nationwide

Gregor Samsa

khaldrogo wrote: »

If your AC isn't working due to low gas those kits don't have enough in them to get it working. They are 60/70e and won't work. Best of luck

5 weeks ago (during the last warm spell in May), my vents were only blowing warm air (car was new to me, so this is the first time I noticed the issue). I happened to be near a Halfords, so thought I'd try the regass for €35. The guy rightly pointed out that if I had a leak, it wouldn't do anything, but I said to give it a go. When he put the gauge on, it read low pressure, and away he pumped. The air coming out of the vents started to immediately cool.

5 weeks on, and here's the temperature at the vents yesterday when it was 32° outside (I calibrated the thermometer before taking the reading).



In my case it worked a treat anyway.

Lekrub

Any suggestions for cork? Is Halfords the best bet if you get them to do it since another poster said it’s under €40.

wonski

Lekrub wrote: »

Any suggestions for cork? Is Halfords the best bet if you get them to do it since another poster said it’s under €40.

To be fair 35 euro is worth a risk at current temperatures. If it doesn't work you might lose it so keep it in mind.

Worked for many so far

bazz26

If one thing this thread shows is that the majority of people only switch on their car's air conditioning when we get a hot day only to find it either needs to be regassed or has a leak/compressor issue. Air conditioning should be used frequently irrespective of hot weather, in order for the system to lubricate the seals, etc which can help prevent leaks.

Tropheus

Here's on that has me confused. My father in law has a 2001 Passat with Climatronic. It has worked well over the years and was regassed a few times. Last year, it stopped working completely for the first time. I went for a regas at auto aircon. After the regas, still no cold air. He did a thorough check and said the compressor was turning, but not creating enough pressure. Diagnosis - new compressor. I didn't bother getting it degassed and said I would drop back when I decided what to do.

Was planning on getting the compressor changed in the next few weeks. However, a couple of weeks ago, I decided to give the aircon a go and, to my surprise, it started blowing cold air and has been working every since.

Has anyone else seen anything like this? Certainly has me stumped. It can't be electrical as the clutch was definitely engaging and the compressor was turning.

jca

Tropheus wrote: »

Here's on that has me confused. My father in law has a 2001 Passat with Climatronic. It has worked well over the years and was regassed a few times. Last year, it stopped working completely for the first time. I went for a regas at auto aircon. After the regas, still no cold air. He did a thorough check and said the compressor was turning, but not creating enough pressure. Diagnosis - new compressor. I didn't bother getting it degassed and said I would drop back when I decided what to do.

Was planning on getting the compressor changed in the next few weeks. However, a couple of weeks ago, I decided to give the aircon a go and, to my surprise, it started blowing cold air and has been working every since.

Has anyone else seen anything like this? Certainly has me stumped. It can't be electrical as the clutch was definitely engaging and the compressor was turning.

It's a 17 year old Passat anything is possible!!!

zilog_jones

I found the aircon in my Prius was struggling in any outside temperatures over about 20 degrees. Because the Prius uses some unusual oil for the compressor (as it's electric, not belt-driven) and I assumed the indy aircon specialists would be up the walls this week anyway, I took it to Lehane Motors (Toyota/Lexus dealer in Cork). They did a leak test, topped up the gas, also told me my front brake pads need replacing (not sure why they were looking at the brakes, but anyway...), washed the car and dropped me off/collected me from work - all for €45? Maybe main dealers aren't so bad...

sjb25

Mine was blowing hot air at me last 2 days in my 2014 mondeo called into the local motor factor bought the refill €55 luckily my brother had the trigger thing so didnt need that (another 20ish quid) anyway 10minutes and my car is now like a fridge really easy to do probably 5min job for people more mechanically minded than me not much cheaper than a garage but I could just do it in my own time without making an appointment the gas last about 3 refills I think and you get €10 back when you return the cylinder

jacksie66

This post has been deleted.

Tropheus

jacksie66 wrote: »

Anyone try Auto aircon in Dublin? 60 quid for a full service. My Saab 93 Aero needs a air con service. Intermittently blowing clod air and it stinks..

Yes, they come highly recommended. I have used them a couple of times. They have the right gear and know what they're doing which is always a good start.

They won't do any major work on aircon though. If a regas doesn't fix your problem, they'll likely be able to tell you what's wrong, but won't fix it.

HappyAsLarE

I have also used Auto AirCon twice and recommend them.

First time he diagnosed the exact leaking pipe but as said above was up to myself to fix. Was an easily accessible one thankfully but cost 120 from the main stealer.

He does an ozone treatment as part of the full service which is vital for a system that hasn’t been working for a while - kills off the smelly bacteria.

Carpentry

jacksie66 wrote: »

Anyone try Auto aircon in Dublin? 60 quid for a full service. My Saab 93 Aero needs a air con service. Intermittently blowing clod air and it stinks..

I did use auto aircon on 3 cars, cant fault them. Inspection, service, re-gass, also ozonize the car, that kills all the moulds, bacteria, smells etc.

Professionals.

khaldrogo

Anywhere around Tralee?

Lekrub

wonski wrote: »

Lekrub wrote: »

Any suggestions for cork? Is Halfords the best bet if you get them to do it since another poster said it’s under €40.

To be fair 35 euro is worth a risk at current temperatures. If it doesn't work you might lose it so keep it in mind.

Worked for many so far

Just add that it worked for me too. I think it was €45 though. Still cheaper and easier that booking in.

But I still do have a smell though. Thought it would of gone. If I had of found a handy local guy I would of went with them. So fair play halfords

kevin65

Well, after waiting 2 weeks for a booking I dropped my car into the local Kia dealership before 9am. Heard nothing back all day so rang about 3:30pm and eventually got through to someone in the service dept who told me they had a 'look' at the air con system but couldn't see anything obvious so would need to do a pressure test. However, they don't have the leak test equipment at the moment and wont have it for another 2 weeks. WTF? So they had the car all day to take a look at it, they even left the fuse box lid on the floor in the footwell, couldn't even be arsed refitting it. So it will probably be another few weeks before I get it sorted.
I got it pressure tested at an independent garage who showed me a leak on a joint above the condensor but I didn't leave it with them for repair because the car is still under warranty. Have emailed Kia Ireland but don't think they will give a sh*t either, so will probably have to pay for the air-con repair myself :-(

khaldrogo

kevin65 wrote:

Well, after waiting 2 weeks for a booking I dropped my car into the local Kia dealership before 9am. Heard nothing back all day so rang about 3:30pm and eventually got through to someone in the service dept who told me they had a 'look' at the air con system but couldn't see anything obvious so would need to do a pressure test. However, they don't have the leak test equipment at the moment and wont have it for another 2 weeks. WTF? So they had the car all day to take a look at it, they even left the fuse box lid on the floor in the footwell, couldn't even be arsed refitting it. So it will probably be another few weeks before I get it sorted. I got it pressure tested at an independent garage who showed me a leak on a joint above the condensor but I didn't leave it with them for repair because the car is still under warranty. Have emailed Kia Ireland but don't think they will give a sh*t either, so will probably have to pay for the air-con repair myself :-(

Was this in Dublin?

bazz26

Why not just bring it to a different Kia dealer?

nikkibikki

09 citroen Picasso here. Around 2 years ago, mechanic disconnected the a/c "because it was making noise." It's onky the last few weeks we've missed it! Likely a bearing gone.

How costly is this likely to be? Anyone recommend somewhere around Waterford/Clonmel to get it done? Have one reccomendation from local garage. But would like to shop around.

kevin65

khaldrogo wrote: »

Was this in Dublin?

No, west of Ireland

kevin65

bazz26 wrote: »

Why not just bring it to a different Kia dealer?

I'm self employed so would lose a day's money by bringing to another dealer, as there aren't that many to choose from so would have to travel and wait around all day.

Pkiernan

jacksie66 wrote: »

Anyone try Auto aircon in Dublin? 60 quid for a full service. My Saab 93 Aero needs a air con service. Intermittently blowing clod air and it stinks..

He diagnosed a faulty A.C. Pressure switch for me which I replaced myself.
He's cash only, no receipts so that annoys me a bit. There were lines out the door when I got there so he's coining it st the moment!
Great guy.

muddle84

I got sorted in galway by Donnellan motors in oranmore behind the cinema. Found then very good to deal with. Condenser was gone on mine along with a pinhole of a leak on a pipe!!

kevin65

I got them to check my A/C and they seem very efficient. Got the A/C fixed by the main dealer yesterday. New condenser and seals required.

This is probably a stupid question, but how much condensation on the low pressure A/C pipes would you expect to see in the engine bay? I know the low pressure pipe is chilled so the moisture in the air is condensing on it and forming a small pool of water, but is this just the way it is with all cars? Only noticed as I was checking the engine bay just after coming home with the A/C on full for over an hour.

muddle84

kevin65 wrote: »

I got them to check my A/C and they seem very efficient. Got the A/C fixed by the main dealer yesterday. New condenser and seals required.

This is probably a stupid question, but how much condensation on the low pressure A/C pipes would you expect to see in the engine bay? I know the low pressure pipe is chilled so the moisture in the air is condensing on it and forming a small pool of water, but is this just the way it is with all cars? Only noticed as I was checking the engine bay just after coming home with the A/C on full for over an hour.

The colder you run it the more condensation there will be in this weather. Nothing you can do about it

zilog_jones

Totally normal.

Agricola

Got mine done at Fastfit on the Tramore Rd in Waterford.

€60 for a leak test and regas. All done in hour and a half. Icy cold now. Would recommend them for anyone in that neck of the woods.

LeakingLava

Hi guys,

My aircon was intermittently not working and now it is just not turning on at all. No cold air. Hot air is fine. Light on switch comes on when pressed, but still no cold air. I have asked halfords if they could regas, but they said that pressure was okay or that it was actually overly high[can't remember/understand what the guy said at the time] so it was not a regassing issue.

Would anyone have any idea who I should bring the car to? I live in west Dublin, but wouldn't mind travelling reasonably if service provider is well recommended.

Lexus CT200H 2012.

Thanks a lot!

mikeecho

LeakingLava wrote: »

Hi guys,

My aircon was intermittently not working and now it is just not turning on at all. No cold air. Hot air is fine. Light on switch comes on when pressed, but still no cold air. I have asked halfords if they could regas, but they said that pressure was okay or that it was actually overly high[can't remember/understand what the guy said at the time] so it was not a regassing issue.

Would anyone have any idea who I should bring the car to? I live in west Dublin, but wouldn't mind travelling reasonably if service provider is well recommended.

Lexus CT200H 2012.

Thanks a lot!

I brought my car to a BMW main dealer recently, and a regas and pressure test., The price was actually reasonable.

I wouldn't hold the opinion of some guy at Halfords in high esteem.

Dero

Auto Aircon in Parkwest is well regarded here, but apart from diagnosis, he doesn't do much repair beyond re-gassing. He is good at what he does though, and since you're in west Dublin anyway, he'd be a logical first port of call.

For a full diagnosis and repair, I would highly recommend Brendan in AirCon Automotive. He's just outside Birr, so a long way from Dublin, but he really knows his stuff (especially with compressors). I traveled from Kildare and am very happy I did.

I had a similar issue to yourself in that the refrigerant was full, no leaks but the A/C was intermittent and then stopped altogether. It turned out to be a bad electrical connection to the compressor clutch. Had that fixed by Air Con Automotive and it's been perfect since.

khaldrogo

Compressor is probably seized

LeakingLava

khaldrogo wrote: »

Compressor is probably seized

That's what I was afraid of. Is this a replacement job, expensive fix, or easy enough for a professional to do? Would the 'air-conditioning experts' that I find on Google be able to fix it if this was the case?

colm_mcm

Are you getting a clunk from the compressor clutch when you engage the aircon? Could just be a relay.

LeakingLava

colm_mcm wrote: »

Are you getting a clunk from the compressor clutch when you engage the aircon? Could just be a relay.

Nothing at all. The car is really really quiet so I would hear something I think. I'll test it out properly later, but I'm pretty sure I don't hear anything when the switch is pressed. Hopefully it is a relay. I will be bringing it to a aircon specialist later today, hoping it's a relatively cheap fix.

Thank you all for the replies. If there are any other suggestions of service providers, please do let me know. I'm only going to this one today because he is willing to diagnose for free.

LeakingLava

So I've just been to the airconditioning expert and they have said that it isn't an aircon problem either. They mentioned that it is an electrical issue more than likely. I am now looking for fuse/relay to try and replace them to see if it works after. Thank you guys.

reubenreuben

Hi,


Can anyone recommend a garage that does air con servicing in dublin area?

thanks

Atlantic Dawn

Used this guy in Park West before.
http://www.autoaircon.ie

route66

LeakingLava wrote: »

So I've just been to the airconditioning expert and they have said that it isn't an aircon problem either. They mentioned that it is an electrical issue more than likely. I am now looking for fuse/relay to try and replace them to see if it works after. Thank you guys.

How did you get on?


I'm interested because I have a 2014 Prius with AC that doesn't work - sounds very similar to your problem.



I did ask a Toyota main dealer to have a look but they just spoke about re-gassing it, even when I specifically asked them to check the electrics. And then they were out of gas so nothing got done.


It used to work fine and now doesn't cool at all. The AC light comes on but nothing happens, no fault messages, diddly.

LeakingLava

route66 wrote: »

How did you get on?


I'm interested because I have a 2014 Prius with AC that doesn't work - sounds very similar to your problem.



I did ask a Toyota main dealer to have a look but they just spoke about re-gassing it, even when I specifically asked them to check the electrics. And then they were out of gas so nothing got done.


It used to work fine and now doesn't cool at all. The AC light comes on but nothing happens, no fault messages, diddly.

Hey,

I checked all fuses I could, anything remotely saying anything about airconditioning, and all of the fuses were fine. Until now, I still have the same issue. The expert that I went to said that he was going to get back to me after speaking to a friend which was a Lexus technician, but he never got back to me. I didn't bother chasing as I lost confidence in their service then.

If you bring your car to Halfords, they can confirm if the gas level is right. If it is on the correct levels, then it definitely is a very similar issue to mine. They wouldn't charge you if the gas levels are right as they do 'free checks' which is all that they would do then.

My only other option is to ask Lexus to check it out on my next service which should be next payday. I'll update here if they find anything.

Atlantic Dawn

route66 wrote: »

How did you get on?

I'm interested because I have a 2014 Prius with AC that doesn't work - sounds very similar to your problem.

I did ask a Toyota main dealer to have a look but they just spoke about re-gassing it, even when I specifically asked them to check the electrics. And then they were out of gas so nothing got done.

It used to work fine and now doesn't cool at all. The AC light comes on but nothing happens, no fault messages, diddly.

Could be the relay, you should open the bonnet and get someone to turn on the AC when the engine is running to see if you can hear the AC clutch engage, it will roughly sound like a magnet connecting with metal. If you don't hear this most likely it can either me the system not running because it is out of gas or it could be that the relay is gone. If it's the relay that's gone you should be able to open the fusebox in the engine and replace it, probably €25 or so just clips in like a fuse, there's usually a guide to which relay does what underneath the cover of the fusebox when you remove it. I'd try the relay before bringing it to any dealer.

LeakingLava

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Could be the relay, you should open the bonnet and get someone to turn on the AC when the engine is running to see if you can hear the AC clutch engage, it will roughly sound like a magnet connecting with metal. If you don't hear this most likely it can either me the system not running because it is out of gas or it could be that the relay is gone. If it's the relay that's gone you should be able to open the fusebox in the engine and replace it, probably €25 or so just clips in like a fuse, there's usually a guide to which relay does what underneath the cover of the fusebox when you remove it. I'd try the relay before bringing it to any dealer.

I definitely don't hear anything when the button is pressed, absolutely nothing. Maybe it's the relay, indeed. I'll ask a dealer so I can get one as when I asked a motor factors, they said that relays are dealer only kind of things.

EDIT: A little thing to note as well is that when it all began, there were times that the AC would just kick in randomly and it would've ran perfectly at the time, no issues, no unnecessary noise from the compressor, nothing. So in my mind, it seems like the compressor is fully functional. So it may be the relay alright. I'll definitely spend some time on this again. I kinda just got busy so never really looked into it again.

Jamemid

Sorry for the hijack,have something similar of a problem. No cold air from Aircon. Had gas checked and level is ok, the compressor is engaging when the Aircon is turned on. Anyone any ideas,?

LeakingLava

Just checked the engine fuse box and there isn't a relay labelled for AC. I was given this from another forum and it's pretty accurate. Seems like there isn't a relay for AC in any of the diagrams.

http://knigaproavto.ru/shemy/en/lexus/ct/752-lexus-ct-200h-fuse-box-diagram.html?utm_source=LexusOwnersClubUK&utm_medium=ForumLinks&utm_source=LexusOwnersClubUK&utm_medium=ForumLinks

Del2005

route66 wrote: »

How did you get on?


I'm interested because I have a 2014 Prius with AC that doesn't work - sounds very similar to your problem.



I did ask a Toyota main dealer to have a look but they just spoke about re-gassing it, even when I specifically asked them to check the electrics. And then they were out of gas so nothing got done.


It used to work fine and now doesn't cool at all. The AC light comes on but nothing happens, no fault messages, diddly.

If the light is on then its a different issue to the OP.

When was the last time you used the aircon? If more than a few months the seals could have dried up and your gas leaked, a pressure check and regas should work. If regularly check the aircon radiator for obvious damage, mine had a massive hole in it.

LeakingLava

Del2005 wrote: »

If the light is on then its a different issue to the OP.

When was the last time you used the aircon? If more than a few months the seals could have dried up and your gas leaked, a pressure check and regas should work. If regularly check the aircon radiator for obvious damage, mine had a massive hole in it.

The light comes on for mine as well.

route66

LeakingLava wrote: »

The light comes on for mine as well.

In addition, the Toyota service rep told me that there were no error codes for the AC. Would an error be thrown if the relay wasn't working?


To answer Dell's question, it's the wife's car so I can't be certain as to how often it was used but I'd guess "regularly" / more than once a month so I guess that would mean the seals shouldn't be the problem.


From what I have seen, it looks like the main dealers aren't very helpful. On the other hand - being a Prius - the AC is different to most cars in that it can run with the engine off. I'd guess this means the AC pump is driven by an electrical motor and not directly off the engine. I'm not sure if a "generic" AC specialist would know their way around a Prius system?


Or to put it another way, could anyone here recommend an AC specialist in South Dublin?

LeakingLava

route66 wrote: »

In addition, the Toyota service rep told me that there were no error codes for the AC. Would an error be thrown if the relay wasn't working?


To answer Dell's question, it's the wife's car so I can't be certain as to how often it was used but I'd guess "regularly" / more than once a month so I guess that would mean the seals shouldn't be the problem.


From what I have seen, it looks like the main dealers aren't very helpful. On the other hand - being a Prius - the AC is different to most cars in that it can run with the engine off. I'd guess this means the AC pump is driven by an electrical motor and not directly off the engine. I'm not sure if a "generic" AC specialist would know their way around a Prius system?


Or to put it another way, could anyone here recommend an AC specialist in South Dublin?

I've found a similar thread on a different forum, but, the car is for an RX 330. Althought not hybrid, the technology involved may be the exact one that is used for our systems.

Ok, your ac system is probably quite a bit more complex than you are aware of. It is not just a signal from the climate control unit to the relay and then to the compressor.

when you select ac, a signal goes to the ac amplifier that in turns sends a signal to the PCM(powertrain control module) which is the main onboard computer. It in turn first checks that there are no powertrain faults that should prevent the ac from running, then its signal passes thru a few more control modules.

From this, it checks the ambient temperature sensor, the ac pressure transducer, and engine coolant temperature sensor.

If no faults found, then it sends a signal to the magnetic clutch relay to turn on the compressor.


As you can see, it is fairly complex. And the first step is seeing if the PCM is getting a signal from the amplifier. This can ONLY be done with a factory level diagnostic scan tool. If it is, then all the other control modules as well as the listed components I mentioned have to be checked with scan tool for proper function and for communicating with the PCM.

IF all these checks good, then the magnetic clutch relay is tested and if bad, the entire junction box replaced. IF good, then clutch has to be tested for intermittent fault and wiring harness tested.

But again, the first step is testing the PCM, which requires a factory scan tool.

If you have this, then I can walk you thru the process. If not, then you will need to have a shop with one do appropriate tests. The only other option is to throw parts at it, which is not economical in any measure

I understand that this is not what you wish to hear, but you have to understand the complexity of your ac system and what is required to diagnose it and the knowledge required for this.

https://www.justanswer.com/lexus/7v7ac-lexus-rx-330-air-conditioning-relay-2004.html

With all this in mind, I myself think that I'm stuck for options and I will have to wait for my service with Lexus to figure out what's going on. I don't think there's anything else I can check. I've even found an onboard diagnostic screen for my car and it is showing no faults. I'll update after my service.

LeakingLava

LeakingLava wrote: »

I've found a similar thread on a different forum, but, the car is for an RX 330. Althought not hybrid, the technology involved may be the exact one that is used for our systems.



https://www.justanswer.com/lexus/7v7ac-lexus-rx-330-air-conditioning-relay-2004.html

With all this in mind, I myself think that I'm stuck for options and I will have to wait for my service with Lexus to figure out what's going on. I don't think there's anything else I can check. I've even found an onboard diagnostic screen for my car and it is showing no faults. I'll update after my service.

I've just gotten my car through to Lexus for a service and they have said that they didn't see any gas .

They quoted €100 for them to put gas into it, and told me that the only thing they could suggest is that there could be a leak somewhere but this would be the first thing to do, fill it up and 'see how it goes'.

In my mind, I didn't want to get my aircon temporarily working, and not even get it diagnosed during all that time, so I thought to go to an aircon specialist for a diagnostic, rather than a trial and guaranteed error for €100.

Went onto a specialist today after I received the car from Lexus. After around 30 minutes of troubleshooting, the specialist has gotten an error code using an OBD2 reader/phone app [B1498 Communication Malfunction (A/C Inverter Local)]. He has also completely flushed/re-gassed the system. €50. Now, he hasn't fixed the issue as he isn't a mechanic and the issue isn't something that's obvious, he did common/easy checks but couldn't find fault. He has then advised me to contact a mechanic for this issue to be checked out.

I'll update again as soon as I get a mechanic to look at it.

joujoujou

Now my turn.

Anyone could recommend reputable and reasonably priced aircon service facility in Sligo/Mayo/Roscommon area?

Please?

billbond4

Athlone too far for you?

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy

Anybody local in either Balbriggan or Sandyford would suit me?