Bloody AC! 
 

iv got a faulty Climatronic ac! 
 

it was throwing a faulty pressure switch about 3 years ago so replaced it then got the thing filled up at ATS. 
 

It was working well, nice and cold. Not cold anymore and throwing the pressure switch code again.. 🤔. 
 

I have unclipped the pressure switch and ran the blowers, no issue there. 
 

clipped it back in and ran blowers on cold, no cold air but a noise coming from behind the middle vents, almost metallic sounding? 
 

maybe it just needs a regas again? How long do people go between re gas usually? 
 

Any ideas? 
 

 

The intervals between regassing get shorter and shorter as the cars age and leaks get gradually more prevalent.

What's the exact fault code? G65 low pressure?

11 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

The intervals between regassing get shorter and shorter as the cars age and leaks get gradually more prevalent.

What's the exact fault code? G65 low pressure?

Hi Pete

 

Thanks for the reply, I'm getting code "318" from the Climatronics own fault process (hold econ + recirc on key turn). The Internet then told me that code means pressure switch fault or insufficiently / overcharged.

 

I think it's probably just low gas, but cant believe it's not been long since last top up.

 

Tbf the guy at ATS that did the recharge wasn't all that switched on, so maybe it was filled up correctly? Who knows. I'm going to buy AC kit from Halfords tomorrow and see if that helps. Fingers crossed!

I just had mine recharged after the same 318 code. KwikFit did it. Beautifully cold now. Even the chiller section in the glovebox.

5 minutes ago, INV3RSE said:

Hi Pete

 

Thanks for the reply, I'm getting code "318" from the Climatronics own fault process (hold econ + recirc on key turn). The Internet then told me that code means pressure switch fault or insufficiently / overcharged.

 

I think it's probably just low gas, but cant believe it's not been long since last top up.

 

Tbf the guy at ATS that did the recharge wasn't all that switched on, so maybe it was filled up correctly? Who knows. I'm going to buy AC kit from Halfords tomorrow and see if that helps. Fingers crossed!

 

Give the Halfords kit a big swerve, in my opinion. Optimistic to imagine there was anything wrong with previous refill, I'm afraid. There will be a leak or more than 1, just a matter of finding and fixing. The refillers will nearly always refill, though there are big fines for refilling systems that test as leaking.

2 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

 

Give the Halfords kit a big swerve, in my opinion. Optimistic to imagine there was anything wrong with previous refill, I'm afraid. There will be a leak or more than 1, just a matter of finding and fixing. The refillers will nearly always refill, though there are big fines for refilling systems that test as leaking.

The guy at ATS tested for leaks and all held pressure. He then went on to tell me that the AC Compressor wasn't clicking on and off, so it would need a new compressor.. I told him to fill the system anyway, he did. Once he filled the system, the AC was working perfectly and he told me "I think this is the coldest one I have ever done" 🤣. I'm pretty sure the Fabia compressor is always on, so no clocking anyway. I won't be going back there anyway, lol.

 

 

 

 

Yes, the compressor is always on, he's a D!CKHEAD. Well done and don't go back.

Update on this one. 
 

I picked up the AC pro kit from Halfords this morning and the car is now blowing nice and cold again! Woooo! 
 

Had enough in the kit to do both the Fabia and Hilux and it still feels about half full so it’s got another go in it still! 
 

il update again if it fails and goes warm but if it don’t update then assume it’s all good. 
 

thanks again for the replies 

 

✌️ 
 

 

When KwikFit did mine they told me it wasn't leaking but it still wasn't working. They didn't charge me for the refill. On the way home I reset the Climatronic and it started working. On reaching home 10 minutes later I checked the temperature from the face level vents and it was 4°C.

12 minutes ago, Jocko said:

When KwikFit did mine they told me it wasn't leaking but it still wasn't working. They didn't charge me for the refill. On the way home I reset the Climatronic and it started working. On reaching home 10 minutes later I checked the temperature from the face level vents and it was 4°C.

Yeah right on! I cleared the codes prior to filling, the gauge on the fill kit showed about 5 psi before filling.
 

The fan at the front of the engine bay started up at about 10psi then it was full at 25psi. 

 

I was dubious about Halfords kit but am impressed so far, very easy to do and clear video instructions on YouTube. 

When you say full at 25psi do you mean that it would not take any more gas or that what the instructions say?

 

If the latter then they are dangerously incorrect, you may have over or underfilled your system.

 

Be aware that as the refrigerant is used the pressure drops and you cannot judge how many more top ups you have remaining by the pressure which varies massively dependant on ambient temperature, weight of refrigerant is the key and your vehicle should be filled from a vacuum with a very specific weight somewhere around 525 grammes.

9 minutes ago, J.R. said:

When you say full at 25psi do you mean that it would not take any more gas or that what the instructions say?

 

If the latter then they are dangerously incorrect, you may have over or underfilled your system.

 

Be aware that as the refrigerant is used the pressure drops and you cannot judge how many more top ups you have remaining by the pressure which varies massively dependant on ambient temperature, weight of refrigerant is the key and your vehicle should be filled from a vacuum with a very specific weight somewhere around 525 grammes.

Hi JR

 

yeah it’s not full at 25psi the bottle ran out and couldn’t put anymore in, it’s between 25 and 30psi. 

 

the pressure gauge has a good ( green area ) between 25psi and 40psi

 

I did the Hilux first and got that one up to 30psi then went on to the Skoda, I would have put more in but the canisters empty now it felt like there was more in there but I was mistaken. 
 

most info online suggests a different pressure depending on the air temp so I guess recommended PSI would depend on what country your in? 
 

just been out in the Skoda and it working as it should now and even the metallic noise from behind the vets is almost gone completely! Bonus! 
 

I appreciate its not a full empty, clean and refill like a garage would do but it seems to worked great on a DIY level.
 

All the infos on there website 

https://www.acprocold.com/uk/

 

and it’s got pretty good reviews over at Halfords 

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-and-fluids/air-con/ac-pro-auto-air-conditioning-recharge---gas-r134a-264627.html?

 

 

 

If you ever go back for more ask for the MSDS sheet for it, it'd be interesting to know what it actually is. I believe they are required by law to supply this if you ask for it.

 

Says R134A on the tin but they'd be breaking the law if they sold that to Joe Public,  and I've a screenshot somewhere of a Web chat with Halfords where they admitted it isn't. 

Most people won't care.

 

Edited 14 June, 20232 yr by Breezy_Pete

9 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

If you ever go back for more ask for the MSDS sheet for it, it'd be interesting to know what it actually is. I believe they are required by law to supply this if you ask for it.

 

Says R134A on the tin but they'd be breaking the law if they sold that, and I've a screenshot somewhere of a Web chat with Halfords where they admitted it isn't. 

Most people won't care.

 

It’s probably the same stuff they sell all over the internet R134a (Tetrafluoroethane)

 

https://www.boconline.co.uk/shop/en/uk/r134a-cylinder

 

I have no idea what that is but It seams readily available, is there more than one type of R134a? 
 

 

 

 

No. Pretty sure you'll find BOC will only sell that to registered trade.

You'll be going back to get your deposit on the empty,  won't you?

Please get the MSDS, then we'll all know.

Edited 14 June, 20232 yr by Breezy_Pete
Typo

2 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

No. Pretty sure you'll find BOC will nly sell that to registered trade.

You'll be going back to get your deposit on the empty,  won't you?

Please get the MSDS, then we'll all know.

Ah okay, its not something Iv ever thought but it got me thinking now 😆 

 

Yeah il get my £10 back at some point 

 

This any good, seems to be talking about the same product. 
 

Data Sheet.pdf

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-f-gas-or-equipment

Does look like the right data, thanks, but baffled by the contradiction with the link above.

Halfords seem to need showing that link? 🤔 

4 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Does look like the right data, thanks, but baffled by the contradiction with the link above.

Halfords seem to need showing that link? 🤔 

Better pick up another bottle before the EA step in 😂 

2 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

I've a screenshot somewhere of a Web chat with Halfords where they admitted it isn't. 

 

Butane gas?

 

I know a lot of the Chinese sellers were passing that off as R123A replacement but I doubt that it will mix with R134a

 

£428 for 12kg! - Kinell!!!!!

The data sheet posted contains this line just under the headings, which might be a clue:

"The REACH etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/758 (as amended)."

Wonder if brexit has made that link I posted obsolete somehow?

 

Bet the A\C refill commercial outfits are 'snowed under' this week, and thoroughly booked up for the foreseeable.

 

3 hours ago, INV3RSE said:

most info online suggests a different pressure depending on the air temp so I guess recommended PSI would depend on what country your in? 

 

The proper way is to evacuate and then refill with a measured weight of refrigerant gas plus PAG oil.

 

I dont have the kit to do that so have to judge the correct quantity by watching both the high and low side pressures with my manifold set whilst introducing the refrigerant.

 

That has to be done in conjunction with the tables for the gas which give pressures relative to ambient temperature but also relative humidity.

 

I may look at the low side when initial filling but when the system is running its the interaction of the pressure drop in the low side and the rise in pressure in the high side relative to the charts that will tell me when to stop filling.

 

I am very aware that mine is a very rough and ready approach and I wont be getting anywhere near the correct fill for the system to work correctly and efficiently but my way is 1000 times more accurate than simply measuring the low side pressure on a cheapo guage without any reference to the R134a charts.

Did someone call the safety police, or did they just show up unbidden?

Nobody mentioned any risks or danger.

 

If you get sunburned during this heatwave then look up and wave at my own personal hole in the ozone layer 😆

Edited 14 June, 20232 yr by J.R.

26 minutes ago, J.R. said:

Nobody mentioned any risks or danger.

 

If you get sunburned during this heatwave then look up and wave at my own personal hole in the ozone layer 😆

 

Got my driver's tan already, one brown forearm and a pink knee!