Air Con top up

[Dogman]

My newly acquired W210's air con is decidedly unchilly. It was unsold, and presumably unused, for 10 months before I bought it a few months ago. I assume it just needs a top up. Where's the best place to get this done? Is it a simple enough for a Halfords or Quickfit type outfit?

Thanks, John.

 

[mikestrivens]

Kwikfit do a recharge for £45. If there is a leak in the system there is no charge, either monetary or gas wise. What they won't do is locate the leak, if any.

 

[Dogman]

Thanks Mike for the fast and witty response.

John.

 

[robs-mbz]

I had my W210 aircon gassed up by Kwikfit last summer, its worked perfectly ever since. I had to fit a new condensor first though, I'll put a weeks wages on yours having a leak too!

 

[SQ_W211]

If you havnt used the AC for long period of time, it does tend to loose gas. I had the same issue with mine. I have had it filled by Quickfit last week and its been working fine since then, They check for all type of leaks and then fill it with factory standards.

Apparently AC gas can be reduced by 7-10% every year hence you will need a top up after every couple of years anyway as it needs to have full system to work efficiently

 

[The Rock]

Classic W210 problem this one. There's a thread in this ng called "Aircon Problems"

Rock

 

[Dogman]

Took the car to my local Kwikfit who have performed the top-up for £45. They commented that there was very little refridgerant left in the system. I wonder if the system hasn't been topped up for a while (?ever). Anyway Ice cold air is now flowing - fingers crossed it remains that way.
ROBS-MBZ I will expect you will be forwarding a week's wages!!
Hope you are in a highly paid job eg politician, lawyer,chief exec. of a bank..........only kidding.

Thanks all for the posts.

John.

 

[mikestrivens]

Excellent result. Glad it's sorted.

 

[vijilants]

Regarding their leak testing, its now what it's cracked up to be and often will not find small leaks.

They use vacuum to test the system which does not always show a leak and on several occasions there heve been leaks that have been undetected and you have to take the car back to get a refund.

These systems work under pressure and you will not know if you have a leak unless the system stops working after a few days.

Also Kwickfit are ok if you want your system topped up but note that they are not aircon specialists. A specialist will inject a dye int the system in order to detect leaks.

Kwickfit do not inject a dye nor are they able to detect leaks, and diagnose problems.