Air Conditioning Recharge

[tscaptain]

Are you certain there are no leaks Chris? My nearside condenser lasted just 2 years from new before corrosion took it's toll. Don't imagine there's much difference between the models in the air con department![] It wasn't obvious unless you shone a very bright light in there to see the dye leaking out.

 

[chrisH]

The OPC didn't suggest a die test or whether it included as part of the 200 pd cost. Did the die test and new condensor get done on yours under the warranty then? The fact there is certainly cold air, but not as freezing cold as on a new car, must mean there is no leak, if there was it wouldn't be producing cold air at all.

 

[chrisH]

The temperature of the cold air when using climate on my GenII CS is notably less cold than a new Boxster I drove recently which was freezing in comparison. My OPC technician said they can't test it without a recharge (they charge 200 pds).
Is the concensus that this is normal for a three year old car and doesn't indicate any leak problems, I admit it doesn't get much use over the winter months which is probably why its lost its charge?
My local garage say they can do it and OPC said that will not invalidate the extended warranty.

 

[chrisH]

My local garage will change/ recharge the fluid and leak test it and OPC said if there is a leaky part "not caused by outside influences" such as a stone, then replacing part is covered by warranty.

 

[tscaptain]

The refrigerant contains a dye in the first place so that a leak can be seen. I think there could be a drop in pressure which would result in reduced performance and less cold air before it packs up altogether. Mine had gone completely and was blowing in ambient air! Yes, it was replaced under (extended) warranty. The one they took off was falling to bits. The other side is absolutely fine though - apparently the nearside one is much more prone to corrosion as it collects all the rubbish (despite having fitted grilles!) Once the PU is off it should be very easy to spot if there is a leak. Good luck![]

 

[Scruff]

Your indy should carry out a pressure test first.If this is low the system must be evacuated then carry out a OFN test this will indicate whether is a leak. If a leak is present it against the law to regas untill fault or leak is rectified Cost for pressure test & OFN test is One hour Regards Mike OFN (Oxygen Free Nitrogen)

 

[chrisH]

I have checked with the local garage I am using for the recharge and their kit is only a couple of years old and has a die check and vacuum leak test. As my system does work, I can't see it has a leak. Seeing you also have an 09 Cayman, have you recharged the air cond system since new as I am told by OPC that they need servicing every 2 years? Had I not driven a new 981 I wouldn't have noticed how much cooler it felt for the same temperature setting.

 

[Scruff]

HI Chris My Caymanis three years old & never regased But i never switch it off .If you have it regased make shure its vacuum tested for atleast 30 minutes Reards Mike

 

[chrisH]

ORIGINAL: Scruff HI Chris My Caymanis three years old & never regased But i never switch it off .If you have it regased make shure its vacuum tested for atleast 30 minutes Reards Mike

Yes, as said earlier it could be because the car only gets occasional use during the winter months. When I checked with my local garage hecsaid it took 30 mins to do the whole job so need to find out more. If you have any more tips let me know so I can check with him. I gather the valves are under the bonnet battery covers.

 

[Scruff]

Hi Chris If the car is only used occasionaly,run the engine & a/c once a month When you have the system regased ask the indy to carry out an extended vacuum test,this will clear the system of any moisture When changing pollen filter use a charcoal one better for the system buy from ECP or Allparts cheaper than OPC 12 minuets to change. Part number later Regards Mike

 

[chrisH]

Mike, Ok, extended vacuum test. As the car has only had the first service will the pollen filter have been changed yet, if not would you recommend to change it now (7k miles) as i guess it could be partially blocked? If so location and part number/ cost would indeed be useful. Chris

 

[Scruff]

Chris Part number Mann Filter CUK3360 Retail £23.67 Location n/s/f next to the battery,under plastic cover if your checking it you may as well change it.Easy job 12Minuets Make shore that area is dry Mike

 

[chrisH]

Mike, I checked the service schedule and the pollen filter is changed at the first service and on my car this was done one year ago and 3k miles.I will check what type has been fitted but asuming it is the charcoal type is there any need to change it again so soon? Chris

 

[Scruff]

Chris No need to change Mike

 

[chrisH]

Mike, found 2 charge points to the RHS of the battery next to the washer top up.No filter there, where is it to be found? Chris

 

[Scruff]

Chris If we are talking about a Cayman its on the N/S/F next to the battery behind plactic panel (Passenger Side)Next to washer top up Mike

 

[chrisH]

Mike, checked filter under flap on pax side, pt no 571.219.01 Mann. Clean enough and charge points in front. Interesting to see on Planet forum that US cars have both filter and charge points of car otherside OSF. Suppose this is to keep the service items all in one location.

 

[chrisH]

Incase anyone is interested to know, I decided not to have the air-cond. recharged and after doing LMC last week am pleased to report its working fine. Maybe not as cold as a new Boxster 981, but that's too be expected for a 3 year old car, so I'm told.

 

[uknick]

That's good to know there was no major issue.