Aircon regas

PEMBO · 22-07-2008, 19:06

Simple question, aircon has ceased working at its normal nipple errecting coldness and Im wondering how easy is it to regas a fabia (non vrs)?

If its a case of getting an aerosol type thing from halfords I might risk it or otherwise pay the £45 quid charge.

Ta

Lummox · 22-07-2008, 19:12

If it needs a regas then you need to have the system tested for leaks etc.

Vix · 22-07-2008, 19:18

I wouldn't do it yourself but thats just my opinion

PEMBO · 22-07-2008, 19:23

Oki doke

BJM · 22-07-2008, 20:20

Kwik-Fit are doing a regass / leak check for £45, with a guarantee of -10C reduction in temps.

If it doesn't reduce by 10C, there's no charge.

(Had mine regassed for nowt last week, didn't work so no charge. After about 5 miles of running it started working again. Fixed for free

)

Decron · 22-07-2008, 21:15

For £45 I would take the regas which will test it as well (That and the fact the can is £30). If your sure of the system's integrigty then the cans do work, I have used them on Vauxhalls (Used one on a mk4 Astra after replacing the condensor and it worked like a charm) and Vags. They will not fill the system as they can't create a vacuum like the proper refil process is supposed to but they are great for a top up.

rum4mo · 22-07-2008, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decron

For £45 I would take the regas which will test it as well (That and the fact the can is £30). If your sure of the system's integrigty then the cans do work, I have used them on Vauxhalls (Used one on a mk4 Astra after replacing the condensor and it worked like a charm) and Vags. They will not fill the system as they can't create a vacuum like the proper refil process is supposed to but they are great for a top up.

Yes I was going to say that once you have bought enough gas to recharge it - and you would need to buy one of these cans with a built in gauge so that you don't overcharge it - and maybe a second can, you will have spent more than the notional KwikFit "all up" price. Alternatively, find your local "proper A/C fixer" as they will be able to complete the job first time round - and I don't mean a garage!

ExAudiSi · 22-07-2008, 22:49

Get yourself over to Florys in Middlesbrough, they found and repaired the leak on my car which a certain Skoda dealer was unable to locate.

mikeSM56 · 22-07-2008, 22:55

Does anyone know if this would qualify under warranty or if it's a service item. Mines needing done after only 19 months

ExAudiSi · 22-07-2008, 23:22

I would say you have a leak if you need a re-gas on a 19 month old car, so it should be covered under warranty (if they can find the leak!)

Decron · 23-07-2008, 00:08

They say it should be done every two years. It's a bit like brake pads in that they should last a ccertain amount of time/mileage but who can say they will because of variable conditions. You could find that you didn't use it enough and the seals went which is down to you, you could find out that some road debris has gone through the condensor which again is down to you. Alternatively you could find that it's any number of other things not attributred to normal use. In general you will need to pay to get it fixed, if the compressor/hoses etc have gone then you could probabaly get it sorted under warrranty

mikeSM56 · 23-07-2008, 00:36

Cheers Decron, Some clarification on my part is required, I'm in the same position as the OP. System is working, Just not as cold as it once was.

rum4mo · 23-07-2008, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decron

They say it should be done every two years. It's a bit like brake pads in that they should last a ccertain amount of time/mileage but who can say they will because of variable conditions. You could find that you didn't use it enough and the seals went which is down to you, you could find out that some road debris has gone through the condensor which again is down to you. Alternatively you could find that it's any number of other things not attributred to normal use. In general you will need to pay to get it fixed, if the compressor/hoses etc have gone then you could probabaly get it sorted under warrranty

I could be wrong (not impossible!) but the system on these car runs the compressor all the time but on a form of bypass - so the drying out seals should not be the same problem as the cars with a compressor clutch - but I would think that stone damage to the condenser would be the most likely cause (fixed at your cost) - but you might be lucky. The problem nowadays is with new Fgas reg, anyone that (professionally) handles these gases needs to be certified (well will need to be very soon), this has lead to the roll out of automated recovery/charging stations that a monkey could use - in turn this means that the industry standard for what consistutes a leak leaves a lot to be desired. Commercial leak testing by the likes of KwikFit will involve recovering the remaining liquid > apply a vacumn > if the pressure is dropped low enough within the auto test time then there is no leak > reload with liquid. Proper leak testing involves pressure testing the system with OFN - that takes time and that costs more but once the leaks have been sorted the recharged system should stay fully operational for a lot longer.

PEMBO · 23-07-2008, 08:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExAudiSi

Get yourself over to Florys in Middlesbrough, they found and repaired the leak on my car which a certain Skoda dealer was unable to locate.

That was the other place I was looking at

I think my brother used them before and they were ok, and my dad has told me that they are good too.

cheezemonkhai · 23-07-2008, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeSM56

Cheers Decron, Some clarification on my part is required, I'm in the same position as the OP. System is working, Just not as cold as it once was.

Get the gas done sooner rather than later as when the gas is low you're working the compressor harder.

leeland · 23-07-2008, 19:49

A relative had his done at a local Kwik-fit, £45 and they were very helpful, obviously some will be more helpfull than others.
His was making a 'gurgling' noise as well, once done it was running silently
and very very cold, at that price I'm considering getting mine done, as it
is struggling when it's really hot, the bloke that did it also said they should
be done every two years as maintaining them is considerably cheaper
than having a broken one fixed!

PEMBO · 30-07-2008, 08:22

Had a bloke come round to top it up, and he put his little meter thing on and said that its full (7 BAR ish).

However, when I put the aircon on, he said the compressor isnt turning but he isnt a mechanic so he is unsure.

Anywho, last year when it did work - when I turned it on it would make a distinctive noise like a pump should, and the revs raised slightly and icy cool air was produced.
This time round the noise isnt there, but the revs raise, but I dont get the same icy cool air.

I have changed the dusty but not leafy pollen filter but this hasnt made much of a difference. I have also checked what I think is the fuse for the aircon and that seems ok too.

Any suggestions?

Mike

AndyC · 30-07-2008, 09:45

Had mine done at Kwikfit - first time in 9 years. Works a treat (at the moment at least)

Andy

ExAudiSi · 30-07-2008, 14:13

IIRC, air con is filled by weight of refrigerant, pressures are not as important, although it does sound as though you have another problem too, possibly the evaporation temperature sender which seems like another common Fabia fault?

Captain Sisko · 30-07-2008, 19:22

My cous went to KF for a regas but they said there was a leak.
Either a pip or the compressor.
Any ideas how expensive a fix that is?

22-07-2008, 19:06	#1
PEMBO Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middlesbrough, home of legends :P (not the worst place in the UK at all...honest guv) Posts: 3,047 Thanks: 176 Thanked 100 Times in 30 Posts	Aircon regas Simple question, aircon has ceased working at its normal nipple errecting coldness and Im wondering how easy is it to regas a fabia (non vrs)? If its a case of getting an aerosol type thing from halfords I might risk it or otherwise pay the £45 quid charge. Ta __________________ Average 39.01 MPG (REAL) over 10,192 miles YAR! Subliminal Advertising..Buy PEMBO a PINT!!!! YAR!

22-07-2008, 19:12	#2
Lummox Hairy Yeti Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 21,390 Thanks: 18 Thanked 571 Times in 500 Posts	Re: Aircon regas If it needs a regas then you need to have the system tested for leaks etc. __________________ Unit 18 now open Servicing, repairs, modifications you name it we do it. Cupra console bushes at special price, PM for a very competitive quote.

22-07-2008, 19:18	#3
Vix Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Preston Posts: 1,295 Thanks: 15 Thanked 64 Times in 64 Posts	Re: Aircon regas I wouldn't do it yourself but thats just my opinion

22-07-2008, 19:23	#4
PEMBO Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middlesbrough, home of legends :P (not the worst place in the UK at all...honest guv) Posts: 3,047 Thanks: 176 Thanked 100 Times in 30 Posts	Re: Aircon regas Oki doke __________________ Average 39.01 MPG (REAL) over 10,192 miles YAR! Subliminal Advertising..Buy PEMBO a PINT!!!! YAR!

22-07-2008, 20:20	#5
BJM Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheltenham Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Aircon regas Kwik-Fit are doing a regass / leak check for £45, with a guarantee of -10C reduction in temps. If it doesn't reduce by 10C, there's no charge. (Had mine regassed for nowt last week, didn't work so no charge. After about 5 miles of running it started working again. Fixed for free )

22-07-2008, 21:15	#6
Decron Want a go? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cwmbran - South Wales Posts: 3,146 Thanks: 48 Thanked 167 Times in 138 Posts	Re: Aircon regas For £45 I would take the regas which will test it as well (That and the fact the can is £30). If your sure of the system's integrigty then the cans do work, I have used them on Vauxhalls (Used one on a mk4 Astra after replacing the condensor and it worked like a charm) and Vags. They will not fill the system as they can't create a vacuum like the proper refil process is supposed to but they are great for a top up.

22-07-2008, 22:49	#8
ExAudiSi Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North East Posts: 296 Thanks: 4 Thanked 20 Times in 20 Posts	Re: Aircon regas Get yourself over to Florys in Middlesbrough, they found and repaired the leak on my car which a certain Skoda dealer was unable to locate. __________________ My other car is a Porsche....

22-07-2008, 22:55	#9
mikeSM56 Mellowing!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hue, Posts: 1,441 Thanks: 24 Thanked 79 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Aircon regas Does anyone know if this would qualify under warranty or if it's a service item. Mines needing done after only 19 months __________________

22-07-2008, 23:22	#10
ExAudiSi Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North East Posts: 296 Thanks: 4 Thanked 20 Times in 20 Posts	Re: Aircon regas I would say you have a leak if you need a re-gas on a 19 month old car, so it should be covered under warranty (if they can find the leak!) __________________ My other car is a Porsche....

23-07-2008, 00:08	#11
Decron Want a go? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cwmbran - South Wales Posts: 3,146 Thanks: 48 Thanked 167 Times in 138 Posts	Re: Aircon regas They say it should be done every two years. It's a bit like brake pads in that they should last a ccertain amount of time/mileage but who can say they will because of variable conditions. You could find that you didn't use it enough and the seals went which is down to you, you could find out that some road debris has gone through the condensor which again is down to you. Alternatively you could find that it's any number of other things not attributred to normal use. In general you will need to pay to get it fixed, if the compressor/hoses etc have gone then you could probabaly get it sorted under warrranty

23-07-2008, 00:36	#12
mikeSM56 Mellowing!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hue, Posts: 1,441 Thanks: 24 Thanked 79 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Aircon regas Cheers Decron, Some clarification on my part is required, I'm in the same position as the OP. System is working, Just not as cold as it once was. __________________

23-07-2008, 19:49	#16
leeland Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: West Cornwall Posts: 668 Thanks: 55 Thanked 20 Times in 20 Posts	Re: Aircon regas A relative had his done at a local Kwik-fit, £45 and they were very helpful, obviously some will be more helpfull than others. His was making a 'gurgling' noise as well, once done it was running silently and very very cold, at that price I'm considering getting mine done, as it is struggling when it's really hot, the bloke that did it also said they should be done every two years as maintaining them is considerably cheaper than having a broken one fixed! __________________ vRSRace Blue Fabia VRSse 2005

30-07-2008, 08:22	#17
PEMBO Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middlesbrough, home of legends :P (not the worst place in the UK at all...honest guv) Posts: 3,047 Thanks: 176 Thanked 100 Times in 30 Posts	Re: Aircon regas Had a bloke come round to top it up, and he put his little meter thing on and said that its full (7 BAR ish). However, when I put the aircon on, he said the compressor isnt turning but he isnt a mechanic so he is unsure. Anywho, last year when it did work - when I turned it on it would make a distinctive noise like a pump should, and the revs raised slightly and icy cool air was produced. This time round the noise isnt there, but the revs raise, but I dont get the same icy cool air. I have changed the dusty but not leafy pollen filter but this hasnt made much of a difference. I have also checked what I think is the fuse for the aircon and that seems ok too. Any suggestions? Mike __________________ Average 39.01 MPG (REAL) over 10,192 miles YAR! Subliminal Advertising..Buy PEMBO a PINT!!!! YAR!

30-07-2008, 09:45	#18
AndyC who...? Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 410 Thanks: 3 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Aircon regas Had mine done at Kwikfit - first time in 9 years. Works a treat (at the moment at least) Andy __________________ 1999 Octavia 1.6 GLXi. Oldest one owner Octy on the forum. 2007 07 Fabia 2 1.2 in Silver. Briskoda's first new Fabia.

30-07-2008, 14:13	#19
ExAudiSi Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North East Posts: 296 Thanks: 4 Thanked 20 Times in 20 Posts	Re: Aircon regas IIRC, air con is filled by weight of refrigerant, pressures are not as important, although it does sound as though you have another problem too, possibly the evaporation temperature sender which seems like another common Fabia fault? __________________ My other car is a Porsche....

30-07-2008, 19:22	#20
Captain Sisko Friskodian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Deep Space 9 Posts: 1,855 Thanks: 37 Thanked 108 Times in 105 Posts	Re: Aircon regas My cous went to KF for a regas but they said there was a leak. Either a pip or the compressor. Any ideas how expensive a fix that is? __________________ 98 Felicia 1.6 GLXI 109000 miles

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