air con?

fivelighters · Post by **fivelighters** » 06 Jul 2006, 17:15

hi guys could sum 1 plz tell me where u fill up the air con on a 98 xsara td and how u go about it cos this heat is melting me cheers in advance

Robin · Post by **Robin** » 06 Jul 2006, 18:59

It's a job for the specialists, not DIY unless you are an aircon expert and then you would not be asking the question!
Cheers, R

fivelighters · Post by **fivelighters** » 06 Jul 2006, 20:30

What about this has anybody tried one of these before?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... ryId=35126

stevieb · Post by **stevieb** » 06 Jul 2006, 22:40

I used one of these just before the hot weather started (makes a change for me to get in there before something).

Dead easy to use, and got the air-con sorted.

I needed more than the one can though. The system must've been pretty much empty. I used the gauge a few weeks later to check that none had been lost and all was fine, so either the system was in good nick, or the sealants mixed with the refrigerant did their job well.

Btw - it doesn't necessarily work out any cheaper than getting an expert to do it - I just didn't have the spare time during the day. This took about twenty minutes one evening.

fivelighters · Post by **fivelighters** » 06 Jul 2006, 22:51

cheers stevieb i guess its a trip to halfords in the morning... anything to keep the kids from saying im to WARM its starting to do my beans in

fivelighters · Post by **fivelighters** » 08 Jul 2006, 05:23

well plz very well plz...cheers stevieb

birstall · Post by **birstall** » 08 Jul 2006, 12:52

I recommend that you find a mobile air-con man if you can. They'll come to your house with their van and equipment and fix it there. Plus, they'll check for leaks first so it will save you from having the embarassment of watching your new refrigerant charge sail away down the wind if you have a bad leak.

I think they put a coloured gas into the system so they can see where it's leaking out. Also they will vacuum the system before they put the new charge in.

It will be a bit more expensive but you could save money in the long run.

Anyway, since you've probably already been to Halfords by now, let us know how you get on, won't you?

fastandfurryous · Post by **fastandfurryous** » 11 Jul 2006, 11:26

If the system is completely empty, then it will need checking for leaks, a new reciever/dryer, and then a measured charge of refridgerant.

the saying that "a fool and his(her) money are easily parted" is rather appropriate when it comes to these "DIY" aircon cannisters. They are ONLY suitable for a top-up of the 5% loss that is standard on an A/C system in working order, and then ONLY if you know what you're doing.

ANY other situation needs specialist attention, otherwise you're just throwing money away.