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[Rockhampton]

Now we are getting some decent weather, I've discovered my aircon is not so great. When I switch ECO off, the compressor kicks in (see it spinning, fans come on and rev counter dips), and the servos behind the dash move the flaps about, but the air coming out is actually hotter than with the A/C off! No cold pipe by the compressor (both warm, but one warmer than the other) - not a great expert with A/C systems, but would I be right in thinking the gas is low (but not low enough to stop the compressor spinning)?
Just don't want to get fleeced by an A/C service
Thanks in advance.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Now we are getting some decent weather, I've discovered my aircon is not so great. When I switch ECO off, the compressor kicks in (see it spinning, fans come on and rev counter dips), and the servos behind the dash move the flaps about, but the air coming out is actually hotter than with the A/C off! No cold pipe by the compressor (both warm, but one warmer than the other) - not a great expert with A/C systems, but would I be right in thinking the gas is low (but not low enough to stop the compressor spinning)?
Just don't want to get fleeced by an A/C service
Thanks in advance.

Yes with the a/c system if the gas pressure falls too low, then the compressor does stop turning.

So it is most possible that your gas needs replenishing, as it degrades every year. A good mobile or dedicated garage specialist should be able to confirm the situation and hopefully just regas for anywhere between £50 to £70


No doubt a member or two around South Wales / Bristol will be able to advise on a good a/c specialist.

[dbr]

I think air con should be on all the time. The time between recharges is then extended. I have now been 5 / 6 years since my last and it is still  cold.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

I think air con should be on all the time. The time between recharges is then extended. I have now been 5 / 6 years since my last and it is still  cold.

It will not work if the outside temperature falls below 5 degrees C.

[Andy H]

I think air con should be on all the time. The time between recharges is then extended. I have now been 5 / 6 years since my last and it is still  cold.

One explanation I have heard is that if the compressor is not used for months at a time then the shaft seals dry out and/or stick to the shaft. When next used the seals either tear or have lost their elasticity and allow the gas charge to leak out.

Another explanation is that using the A/C dries out the evaporator in front of the engine radiator and delays the corrosion that eventually causes it to leak.

Not sure if either of these theories have any factual basis but A/C systems in cars do seem to last longer if they are used regularly.

[sassanach]

i never turn mine off.

[henryd]

I run a 2001 fiat ulysses which the wife drives and the aircon is left switched on all the time,its never been re-gassed in the 6 years that we have owned it and still works very well

[Rockhampton]

Thanks all.
I can't speak for the previous couple of owners, but I guess they switched the A/C off a lot as the ECO button looks a bit worn.... I did power it on a couple of times a week over the winter as recommended by a friend to keep the seals good, but did not really notice how ineffective the cooling was due to the cold weather. Can't see that it's leaking anything bad, as it seems to be retaining enough gas for the compressor to spin, so probably just needs a gas-up - as far as I am aware, it's never been done in 8 years!

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Thanks all.
I can't speak for the previous couple of owners, but I guess they switched the A/C off a lot as the ECO button looks a bit worn.... I did power it on a couple of times a week over the winter as recommended by a friend to keep the seals good, but did not really notice how ineffective the cooling was due to the cold weather. Can't see that it's leaking anything bad, as it seems to be retaining enough gas for the compressor to spin, so probably just needs a gas-up - as far as I am aware, it's never been done in 8 years!

That no doubt is the problem!

As I stated before the gas degenerates every year, and an a/c specialist told me this was 10% per annum.

[cmeonthemove]

Air-con specialists should pressure test the system before vacuuming out the system and re-gassing so make sure they do that.

[kevpuk]

Got a similar problem with mine, just noticed yesterday....so generally have set to ECO, but turn on the full A/C from time-to-time for demist and so on, throughout the year.
So, to the now, turn the ECO off, and engine revs no longer change/can't hear any difference/air coming out is not cold(er) at all
Pretty sure a re-gas is due, can't see anything in recent history, but are there any things I can check first - in case something is broken ?
Certainly, within the last month, system seemed to be operating normally.....

[Rockhampton]

I've found a mobile one in Cwmbran so I'm going to call them tomorrow.... not going to give Kwik Fit my cash!!!
Just ran it on the driveway and the top compressor pipe is cooler than the bottom pipe, but the top pipe could not be called cold!!!!
Thanks again for your answers.