Air con no more!

[crookie]

​Hi All

My air con used to blow ice cold – didn’t use for a little while and now in the heat when I need it most there’s nothing! Took it to a Kwik Fit type place who tested it and have said the air con radiator is leaking but have a couple of questions for what to do next.

They’re quoting £180 to fix and refill which actually doesn’t sound too bad but is there a way of doing it cheaper?

Where could I buy an air con rad from and are they easy to fit? Know you have to take the bumper off but thinking if you have to take the rad off won’t there be water in here as well that will go everywhere?

Just wondered on your thoughts as to the cheapest way of getting air con back?!

Thanks all

 

[steviem]

I had my aircon recharged yesterday at local kwik fit and was looking forward to the nice cooling ice cold air on my journey home.
But all I got was basically the same as before. Tried it on then off then on, no difference. Switched it off in the end and opened the windows.
They told me it was fine and no problems with the system.
Did you get a print out or anything to show it was knackered? I got nothing only a guarantee slip.

 

[Barwy]

No aircon? Join us in our 172 Cups!

Try your local garage for a price, see what they have to say about replacing/repairing, especially if you don't really know what you're doing.

 

[Bluebeard]

Kwikfit??? C'mon guys seriously. I wouldn't trust them to sell me a stamp ffs.

They royally ripped my sister off with her car's aircon regas. She ended up taking them to small claims court for the amount of fcukwittery they involved her in.

Needless to say, she took it to a local aircon specialist who repaired the fault and regassed it without bother.

 

[crookie]

Hi guys

The car was originally in for a service with a well regarded specialist off here who confirmed the air con had no gas in it whatsoever... Took it for a re-gas hoping this might be enough to get it going, but they confirmed a leak as expected. They have narrowed it down to the air con rad, have paperwork from them confirming it as well. They've quoted me £180 for a new one, replacing it and re-gassing but as I can see good ones on Ebay for £50 wondered how hard it is to change myself?

If it is just a gas of taking the bumper off, changing the rad by un-doing bolts and getting it re-gassed I reckon I'll do it myself.

Just wanted to make sure there would be no nasty surprises with this?! i.e. getting covered in coolant etc!

​

 

[crookie]

One thing I was wondering was, if they say my 'air con radiator' needs replacing, is this just the condensor that is alongside the radiator or the radiator itself? Reason I ask is because I thought the radiator purely was for engine cooling whereas the condensor is for the air con?

If the radiator was leaking surely I'd be losing coolant as well?

Want to make sure I buy the right part!