2005 Rover 75 Air-con

jj4091 · 2026-07-14T16:49:07+0100

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 · 2026-07-14T21:38:07+0100

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 · 2026-07-15T13:44:56+0100

jj4091 said:
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 · 2026-07-15T15:08:25+0100

Avocet said:
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 · 2026-07-15T15:24:10+0100

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

norseman · 2026-07-15T21:26:07+0100

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.

2005 Rover 75 Air-con

jj4091

Wayners

Avocet

jj4091

Stivino

norseman

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