Air Con Query

[Phonesis]

I've had a Suzuki Swift 2005 model for about a year now. Fine little car for my needs.

Recently got it MOT'd and serviced and went out for drive yesterday to discover Air Con doesn't seem to be working. Never even turned it on before now. Just happened to be hot yesterday and 50 mile drive needed it!

I tap the button and the light for air con comes on but just doesn't appear to do anything. I had the blowers on cold and eventually these were blasting pretty cool air but that's not air con related I don't think?

Should this have been detected when serviced? Is it easy to address? Something Halfords could do?

 

[Howard]

If you *never* use it then it's probably low on refrigerant. It's designed to be used regularly to keep the seals lubricated and such, whatever the weather - it doesn't just cool down the air, it dries it too. You can use it in combination with the heater all year round.

You will get "pretty cold air" from the vents, usually after a few seconds of it being activated. You should be able to tell if it's much colder than ambient.

It's not something they'd usually look at on a service unless you asked them to service the AC system or check why it's not working.

 

[Phonesis]

If you *never* use it then it's probably low on refrigerant. It's designed to be used regularly to keep the seals lubricated and such, whatever the weather - it doesn't just cool down the air, it dries it too. You can use it in combination with the heater all year round.

You will get "pretty cold air" from the vents, usually after a few seconds of it being activated. You should be able to tell if it's much colder than ambient.

It's not something they'd usually look at on a service unless you asked them to service the AC system or check why it's not working.

Ah ok nice one. I wouldn't be sure how to check for refrigerant levels. Could I just pop into Halfords to get them to check that?

 

[RJC]

Pop into Halfords they will weigh the charge out and replenish with the correct charge.

Alternate if have a set of gauges stick them on and check the operating pressure and standing pressures.

 

[grudas]

it's quite cheap to do, the machines I believe also leak test.

I've had mine done for £30 at atseuromaster and it's as cold as it gets now!

was blowing hot before.

 

[Phonesis]

Pop into Halfords they will weigh the charge out and replenish with the correct charge.

Alternate if have a set of gauges stick them on and check the operating pressure and standing pressures.

Nice one, it'll have to be a Halfords visit for me then. Will pop over later in week.