Hi,

Not sure what happened on the previous post, my aircon is not as cold as it used to be how do I tell if the refrigerant needs topping up, and any idea of cost

 

You can't really tell without the correct piece of kit. A aircon diag and regas should cost between 70-80 depending on where you go. Don't see any reason why 300 would be any different to any other vehicle.

 

Hope this helps

Paul

p.s if you have problems finding an AC specialist, sounds funny but try Halfords, I know that they nearly all have the equipment, not sure about the training though.

 

There is a way to tell actually.

Set the aircon on max and start the engine.

Take a look through the inspection glass.

It's located on an aluminium AC pipe near the cruise control unit under the bonnet.

Rev the engine to like 2000 or 3000 RPM.

There shouldn't be much gas bubbles visible through the glass.

If there are a lot of bubbles then you're low on freon.

 

Hope this helps.

Maciej

[www.z-car.net]

 

 

Just another extra check. Is your engine running at normal temperature? If it runs hot or the electric fan at the front doesn't kick in then you will lose almost all of your aircon cooling ability.

 

I looked up the procedure more exactly.

The conditions should be:

1. Door window: Open

2. A/C switch ON (for manual AC)

3. Auto switch ON (for...)

4. Temperature setting: MAX Cold (10C)

5. Fan speed 4 or HI

 

Check the sight glass after ~5 minutes.

Run the engine at 1500RPM.

 

Maciej

 

 

Very useful info - Craig / Nico, any chance of sticking this in tech ?

 

Dave

 

Done.