Re-gas car air conditioning for cheap (Melbourne)

maldrat on 29/12/2011 - 20:45

Hi guys

The air conditioning in my car hasn't worked for a couple of years and I've never bothered to have it fixed. It produces slightly cold air when the temperature is under 25c, but doesn't seem to do anything when it's hot. The last time I had a full service done (a few months ago) there was a charge for "air conditioner sanitisation", but this doesn't seem to have fixed the problem.

Can anyone suggest a place where I could have the thing "re-gassed" (if that's the right term). Some of my friends have suggested that this may fix it. I know next to nothing about cars, and I don't want to ripped off. It's a BMW 320 E90 and I think the dealer is too expensive.

Thanks a lot.

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Monad on 29/12/2011 - 21:02
    +1

    It's not necessarily as simple as regassing. There could be a leak in the system and the slight cooling maybe just the fan making the interior equalise to the outside temp, rather than the air con. Best to get an appropriate mechanic to check for leaks or other problems like a faulty compressor before the expense of re-gassing.

    Regarding the dealer, assuming you mean an BMW dealer, well they are going to charge a fortune. Maybe find a local mechanic who specialises in BMW or European cars?

  • llama on 29/12/2011 - 23:01
    +2

    If the A/C doesn't work, it almost 100% certainly has a leak. Once the A/C unit isn't used, the "rubber" seals go hard and leak. This is irreversible - the leaks must be found and rectified before you can fix it and re-gas.

    So, first step is to go to an A/C mechanic and get them to regas with a "dye" in it. Then you use the car for a few weeks (NOT too long) and go back - the mechanic uses a UV light to detect where the leaks are. They fix it, then regas again and you should be done.

    The first gas with the dye in it doesn't fix anything, it's just for diagnosis. It costs about $100.

  • Geewhizz on 30/12/2011 - 05:47
    +1

    Our aircon was doing just what you describe and it turned out to be simply a malfunctioning switch. Take it to someone who knows what they're doing and get them to deal with it. Eliminating the possibilities through a process of guesswork will cost you more in the long run.

  • Monad on 30/12/2011 - 21:51
    +1

    Maldrat, as preventative maintenance, when you do get your air con fixed, run it for 5 minutes or so every few weeks during the colder months to keep the seals from drying out as Ilama mentioned.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join