2005 Rover 75 Air-con

[jj4091]

I have had the above 1.8 litre from new but it has been Sorned for the last 6 years and only done 28k miles. Everthing works perfectly except--
Got it back on the road at the weekend and noticed on a run that the air-con was not cooling. Does anyone know if it probably just needs to be re-gassed.
Thanks

 

[Wayners]

You start with recharge and see if it holds pressure.
Many garages advertise as working on air-conditioning but in my experience they have been useless and a waste of money.
It would be worth finding a local car air conditioning specialist .
They will advise.

 

[Avocet]

I have had the above 1.8 litre from new but it has been Sorned for the last 6 years and only done 28k miles. Everthing works perfectly except--
Got it back on the road at the weekend and noticed on a run that the air-con was not cooling. Does anyone know if it probably just needs to be re-gassed.
Thanks

I agree with Wayners. Assuming you've checked obvious things like fuses, the gas pressure in there is probably too low to allow the pump to cut in. The most likely explanation is gradual loss of gas over time. In particular, if not used regularly, the seals in the compressor can dry out a bit and let the gas past. Next most likely, is corrosion in the condenser (the big radiator-like thing at the front of the car), because that gets all the stone chips. In this country, I think more aircon systems tend to fail through LACK of use, rather than wearing out. 15 minutes a month (summer and winter) is a frequently recommended minimum.

A mobile air conditioning specialist is by far a better bet than your local "cooler aircon or your money back" chain store!

 

[jj4091]

I agree with Wayners. Assuming you've checked obvious things like fuses, the gas pressure in there is probably too low to allow the pump to cut in. The most likely explanation is gradual loss of gas over time. In particular, if not used regularly, the seals in the compressor can dry out a bit and let the gas past. Next most likely, is corrosion in the condenser (the big radiator-like thing at the front of the car), because that gets all the stone chips. In this country, I think more aircon systems tend to fail through LACK of use, rather than wearing out. 15 minutes a month (summer and winter) is a frequently recommended minimum.

A mobile air conditioning specialist is by far a better bet than your local "cooler aircon or your money back" chain store!

Thanks. Booked in to local garage for pressure and leak test and re-gassing

 

[Stivino]

It's a vacuum test they put on it. If it doesn't hold the vacuum, they won't re-gas it.

 

[norseman]

My old 5 series re-gassed today & was shocked at the price.
Apparently freon has doubled in price & unfortunately the car needs a lot of it ie 1250g.

Despite no indications of a leak it needs gassing pretty much annually to be really efficient. I've considered a DIY job but there are conflicting opinions regarding safety & the gas is going to be expensive anyway.

 

[jj4091]

. I've considered a DIY job but there are conflicting opinions regarding safety & the gas is going to be expensive anyway.

Been quoted £72 so not really worth diy

 

[norseman]

Been quoted £72 so not really worth diy

In that case I totally agree, sounds like a very reasonable figure, but that's the sort of price I paid for my car back in 2021.
I'd be interested to know how much gas your car takes (injected) Should be shown on the readout slip the machine prints off.

 

[Mottie]

I'd be interested to know how much gas your car takes (injected) Should be shown on the readout slip the machine prints off.

It’s normally on a plate on the bonnet slam panel.

 

[norseman]

It’s normally on a plate on the bonnet slam panel.

Thanks for that, I've never noticed such a plate but will look for it next time the bonnet is opened.
The figure of 1250g injected into my BM yesterday is shown on the printout from the machine.

 

[Avocet]

Thanks for that, I've never noticed such a plate but will look for it next time the bonnet is opened.
The figure of 1250g injected into my BM yesterday is shown on the printout from the machine.

More often a sticker these days. It should have "R134a" on it, for a car of that age, and then the weight of gas in the system. They've all been on a new refrigerant with a vastly lower global warming potential than R134a for about 10 years now.