zsd-puma wrote:

first thing to do is take it to Kwikfit for a regas. If it doesn't work after the regas, they don't charge you. Before they regas it they do a leak check (or rather their machine does).

In most cases with AC it's not working because either the gas levels have dropped to low, there is a pressure switch that switches the compressor off when this happens. Or there is simply a fuse blown.

The gas or rather the compressor oil contained in it needs replacing every couple of years anyway, so a regas won't do it any harm.

Doc P wrote:

zsd-puma wrote:

first thing to do is take it to Kwikfit for a regas. If it doesn't work after the regas, they don't charge you. Before they regas it they do a leak check (or rather their machine does).

In most cases with AC it's not working because either the gas levels have dropped to low, there is a pressure switch that switches the compressor off when this happens. Or there is simply a fuse blown.

The gas or rather the compressor oil contained in it needs replacing every couple of years anyway, so a regas won't do it any harm.

They do charge you - £50 for the ‘gas’ which they insist on putting in first to check - at least Derby Kwikfit at Pride Park did me. If it’s just low refrigerant, that’s it. If not, you’ll have to find the fault. You don’t get your £50 back (happened to my Volvo - it needed a new compressor).

It's has to be colder after they gas it than before, they put a temperature probe in the air vents. I had mine done, they said it didn't seem to be working properly so gave me my £50 back. So you DO get your £50 back, if you don't then you need to contact their head office, as that's their policy. Stupid thing was it seems to be working find.

From their website;

Quote:

Recharge or No Charge
Let Kwik Fit recharge your air con while you wait. We will replace and recharge lubricant and refrigerant levels in line with your manufacturer’s recommendation. If we cannot improve the coolest vent temperature from your car by more than 10% when measured in degrees Celsius - then you pay nothing at all.*

Justtellme wrote:

In Canada, they test by using nitrogen if they suspect a leak. That way refrigerant doesnt go in, then immediately leak into the atmosphere if there is a seal or large joint leaking.
Seems strange they would go straight to regassing with first determining there was no leak.
Patrick

zsd-puma wrote:

Justtellme wrote:

In Canada, they test by using nitrogen if they suspect a leak. That way refrigerant doesnt go in, then immediately leak into the atmosphere if there is a seal or large joint leaking.
Seems strange they would go straight to regassing with first determining there was no leak.
Patrick

The machine does a vacuum leak down check first I think, if it fails the machine won't let them gas it - it's automatic. If it passes the leak check, then they'll gas it but if the AC still doesn't work properly they give you your money back.