Air con help

LACKERKNACKER · 9 Jan 2010 at 21:58

Where would be the best place to get an aircon service, dealer of specialist. I've noticed over the last few weeks that its not as cold as it should be.

Howard · 9 Jan 2010 at 22:00

LACKERKNACKER said:
over the last few weeks that its not as cold as it should be.

Er, it most certainly is!

Kwik Fit do a service whereby you won't pay a thing if it doesn't reduce the outlet temperature by x degrees don't they? Otherwise, just your local garage?

PhillyDee · 9 Jan 2010 at 22:03

Its normally cheaper through the winter / spring too.

Fr0dders · 9 Jan 2010 at 22:06

what exactly do you mean by "the last few weeks"

I dont think its been above 4 degrees in at least the last fortnight. Least not here in yorkshire

Bare in mind that below about 4, its too cold and aircon compressor wont kick in and the aircon wont work. Only way to get it to work is to wait till spring

Rilot · 9 Jan 2010 at 22:41

What MrLOL said.
And also, don't take it to KwikFit for aircon. There are tons of threads on the E39 boards about them destroying AC systems with their lack of knowledge. If you have AC problems, take it to an AC specialist.

BigglesPiP · 9 Jan 2010 at 23:24

MrLOL said:
what exactly do you mean by "the last few weeks"

I dont think its been above 4 degrees in at least the last fortnight. Least not here in yorkshire

Bare in mind that below about 4, its too cold and aircon compressor wont kick in and the aircon wont work. Only way to get it to work is to wait till spring

Or set it to re-cyc. in a pre-heated car, should begin to work and rapidly cool the car in that case.

Fr0dders · 9 Jan 2010 at 23:26

was trying to imply its supposed to do that and not to worry

not argue in a pedantic way that you cant have aircon in this weather

BigglesPiP · 9 Jan 2010 at 23:31

I'd love air-con about now, more so than in the summer (I love driving with my window open).

Although right now I'd like some time and energy, to replace my worn alternator.

mjt · 10 Jan 2010 at 10:46

mine turns off under 3C, i suspect it could be the same on other models but it just doesn't show it on the screen.

Howard · 10 Jan 2010 at 10:53

Does it deactivate with outdoor temp on newer cars then? Mine has a thermostat against the evaporator which turns it off under 4C I think to stop the evaporator unit from freezing up, so I'd assume blowing hot air over it makes it work

( |-| |2 ][ $ · 10 Jan 2010 at 11:04

Again mine wont come on at all below 3-5C. I've no idea why anyone would need it with temps below 15C though.

fobose · 10 Jan 2010 at 11:05

I have been using my air con every few weeks on a "warm" setting to keep it running throughout the year. I have had to regas it in the past, I thought it might save me from having to do it again if I use the system all year round or am I totally wrong here?

OllyM · 10 Jan 2010 at 11:05

( |-| |2 ][ $;15701358 said:
Again mine wont come on at all below 3-5C. I've no idea why anyone would need it with temps below 15C though.

Because it dehumidifies the air? It doesn't just cool it.

Locky · 10 Jan 2010 at 11:06

I thought my Aircon was fluffed, but it turns out it wont kick in when its -1 million out side

( |-| |2 ][ $ · 10 Jan 2010 at 11:11

OllyM said:
Because it dehumidifies the air? It doesn't just cool it.

True but it's not exactly 99% outside is it, if there's damp in the car and the screens mist up then that's another fault entirely. Either way the OP is complaining of not getting cold temps.

I'd have thought -2 coming in from the outside was plenty cold enough.

Howard · 10 Jan 2010 at 11:24

( |-| |2 ][ $;15701405 said:
True but it's not exactly 99% outside is it, if there's damp in the car and the screens mist up then that's another fault entirely. Either way the OP is complaining of not getting cold temps.

Well it's not a 'fault' if 3 people get into a cold car and start breathing, it'll mist up.

Anyway.. In this weather you probably won't be able to tell whether the air con is pumping cold air through, you're best off listening for the compressor kicking in

[TW]Fox · 10 Jan 2010 at 11:34

( |-| |2 ][ $;15701405 said:
True but it's not exactly 99% outside is it, if there's damp in the car and the screens mist up then that's another fault entirely.

Well no, if you jump into the car in the pouring rain or get into a car with a hot pizza or something then there will be 'damp inside' and it isnt due to another fault. AC keeps the windows perfectly demisted which is why you should run it all year round (Except obviously at the moment where it wont work!).

Jonnycoupe · 10 Jan 2010 at 14:00

( |-| |2 ][ $;15701405 said:
True but it's not exactly 99% outside is it, if there's damp in the car and the screens mist up then that's another fault entirely. Either way the OP is complaining of not getting cold temps.

how about if the snow comes off your feet and melts.....

Major fault with the car I guess?

( |-| |2 ][ $ · 10 Jan 2010 at 14:07

Jonnycoupe said:
how about if the snow comes off your feet and melts.....

Major fault with the car I guess?

You and Fox are both right there can be examples of damp in a car other than a leak.
Without getting into a full on argument can I say that the normal blowers should be able to handle that no problem? I've not had any steaming up issues during the cold weather.

In my original comment about there being a fault I was more thinking of damp air filter, where there is no way to clear the screen without aircon.

[TW]Fox · 10 Jan 2010 at 14:11

( |-| |2 ][ $;15702512 said:
Without getting into a full on argument can I say that the normal blowers should be able to handle that no problem?

Perhaps but aircon is much, much quicker?