VW aircon query

jon1981 · 14-07-2023 4:14pm #1

Hi,

I have a 3yr old VW and the Aircon suddenly stopped working (not blowing cold air), it's still just about under warranty. I was told it needed a re-gas and it was good to go. I know nothing about engines/aircon systems but it seems a little odd to me that it would suddenly just run out of gas and there not be a more serious underlying cause? I've have had cars over 10yrs old never run out of gas.

Anyone got any thought here? My concern is the re-gas gets me a few months before It goes again, by which time it's out of warranty.

cheers

J

kdevitt · 14-07-2023 5:46pm

It needs a leak test first - your ac system is sealed and shouldn’t lose gas unless there’s an issue. If it hasn’t been used in a while the seals have potentially dried out, which can cause the gas to get out

if there’s no leak detected then they’ll regas it If that doesn’t work then you potentially have a compressor or pressure switch issue

pat_sconce · 14-07-2023 5:50pm

If it's used a lot, then probably regassing is about right.

I doubt if it would be covered under warranty.

Plenty of regassing places - there's a particularly good one in Park West.

Assuming it's the new gas (should be for a 3 year old car) you are looking at about €300 for a full regassing.

mk7r · 14-07-2023 6:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120852132#Comment_120852132

Using the AC doesn't "waste" or "use up" the gas, if anything it keeps the seals lubricated and prevents gas leaking out

Atlantic Dawn · 14-07-2023 6:17pm

Could be AC clutch not engaging, that may be a simple relay needing to be replaced or something more serious. You can do a basic diagnoses of clutch engaging by listening in the engine bay with the engine running when you turn on the AC to see if you hear a click.

kdevitt · 14-07-2023 6:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120852261#Comment_120852261

The AC system won’t engage if there’s no gas though, or if the pressure is too low. So you could only test this accurately if you already know the system is full of gas and not leaking.

jon1981 · 14-07-2023 6:27pm

Thanks folks. I bought the car used recently, returned to them when I noticed no cool air coming out of it. I don't have the AC usage history I wonder what questions I should ask to know if the regas is not just a bandage fix? I'm assuming if there's an underlying leak this will just buy time?

kdevitt · 14-07-2023 6:29pm

There’s every likelihood if just needs a regas - especially if the previous owner didn’t use it much and the seals dried out.

just make sure they run a leak test first - otherwise the gas will just disappear again.

Del2005 · 14-07-2023 6:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120852311#Comment_120852311

If the car has AC it's up to them to get it fixed, even better if you have a copy of the ad but you bought a car that comes with AC and it should work. The warranty is irrelevant as a part of the car isn't working and your consumer rights cover that, they last much longer than a warranty especially with a recent purchase .

pat_sconce · 14-07-2023 7:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120852248#Comment_120852248

A lot of driving and constant use can cause contaminants to clog up drainage holes and cause other failures just like any other part of the car.

My service guy suggests a gas top-up every year rather than a full regas every 3 or 4 years.

jon1981 · 14-07-2023 7:10pm

This car had less than 33k on it for just under 3 yrs driving. I wouldn't cause it excessive which is why I'm surprised it needed a regas already.

Del2005 · 14-07-2023 7:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120852528#Comment_120852528

Irish people don't use AC until its too late,every time it gets warm there are countless posts about AC not working.

To keep the seals lubricted AC needs to be use monthly. You could be the 1st person to use it in 3 years.

jon1981 · 14-07-2023 7:56pm

Fair points! Thanks

Vic_08 · 15-07-2023 8:38am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120852496#Comment_120852496

Your "service guy" is talking through his hoop and likely the only top up he is doing annually is his wallet from yours.

It is a sealed system and should not be losing any gas in normal operation, if it constantly needs adding then there is a leak which needs fixing.

pat_sconce · 15-07-2023 9:23am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120853667#Comment_120853667

You are making an ASSumption that he is profiteering.

He specialises in regassing so makes it part of the service schedule with minimal cost. I drive extensively here and in the UK, so I like to be sure that my aircon is in perfect condition especially when you can be stuck on a UK motorway in searing heat for several hours due to an accident.