Air Con

[KeithG]

Hi,

I recently bought a 2010 C5 Tourer Airdream . I seem to have a problem with the air con . I had it topped up and was working ok but after a short time it wasn't cooling well enough even on Low setting. The machine that was used to top up the gas indicated there was no fault but there clearly is a leak. We live in Portugal and re-gassing is expensive here (it cost me 80 euro)
I had another C5 a while ago and I remember i had similar problems which were never resolved.

Anyone else had similar problems ?

Any help gratefully received !

[GiveMeABreak]

Open the bonnet, engine running, and switch the climate control to manual (AUTO OFF) and switch the A/C button off.

As you are watching the AC compressor, get somebody to manually switch the AC button on.
The radiator fan should kick in straight away and you should hear a click as the compressor clutch engages.

If you are not getting any of these then the system has deactivated the compressor for safety reasons and this likely means there is a low refrigerant issue or a high pressure issue.

Best to check it when the vehicle is cold and has not been running.

So you may have a leak. The most common place is the condenser radiator next to the main radiator - this is vulnerable to stone chips. You need to get a leak test done where they fill it with dye to attempt to locate the leak if there is one. Over-filling the system with refrigerant causing high pressure can also be a problem.

80 Euros is not excessively expensive - that's about the rate. I've just had the C3 done for £60 - vacuumed out and oil / refrigerant replaced and topped up.

[KeithG]

Thank you Marc - A great help. I will try that first and then get it tested if need to.
Keith