I took my octavia down to Kwik Fit last week for a re-gas as my climate control wasn't working. They advised I had no gas at all, which I expected because its 8 years old and probably never had a re-gas.

2 days later, its not working again. The display of the climatronic flashes when I start the car and VAG-COM reports a problem with the pressure switch. My dad who is a retired Aircon engineer checked it and found no gas.

When they gassed it they did a 20 minute vacuum leak test which he thinks should be pretty reliable. Anybody else know anything about these leak tests? Is the dye based one any more reliable? Im also wondering if the pressure was too high, would the system have vented any?

The vacuum test is no good at finding leaks, because if its a seal, when the vacuum is applied the seal may well stop leaking and no air escape.

If you have a leak the only sure fire way to find it is to have the system refilled using refrigerant/oil and then add a small qty of UV dye, then when the system stops working again use a UV lamp to find the source of the leak. Fix the leak and regas the system again, after replacing the reciever/dryer.

Kwik fit most likely dont have the where with all to carry out the required work, your best bet is to go to a mobile auto a/c specialist, which is what I did with my old Boxster. Cost me

Thanks mannyo. I've asked them to double check for me today. You never know they could have ballsed it up or something but I probably will take it to a specialist if no good.

If you've definitely got an aircon issue (and having lost all the gas means that you have one because the seals have no lubricant), I'd always advocate going directly to an aircon specialist, unless you have an active warranty on the car.

I took my octavia down to Kwik Fit last week for a re-gas as my climate control wasn't working. They advised I had no gas at all, which I expected because its 8 years old and probably never had a re-gas.

2 days later, its not working again. The display of the climatronic flashes when I start the car and VAG-COM reports a problem with the pressure switch. My dad who is a retired Aircon engineer checked it and found no gas.

When they gassed it they did a 20 minute vacuum leak test which he thinks should be pretty reliable. Anybody else know anything about these leak tests? Is the dye based one any more reliable? Im also wondering if the pressure was too high, would the system have vented any?

Had mine done at Kwik Fit the other week did not improve mine so did not get charged which was good. To cut a long story short I Had to replace the radiator fan switch

It wil log a pressure switch fault if there is insufficient gas in the system. Filling amount is 750g btw.

Thanks for your suggestions guys.

Kwik Fit regassed it at no charge but it all leaked out again and the pressure switch fault which I cleared was logged again.

Im going to try the dye leak test over the weekend and see if I can find it.

I think the worst part is that im driving over to France week after next with the kids in the car. If its hot it will be a night mare. saying that, Looking out my window and the heavy rainstorm and the people in boats floating by I dont think it will be! ;-)

If its that quick at leaking out it should be fairly obvious, Im thinking a hole in the condensor or maybe one of the pipes to it.

Yes, I would start with the condensor as its location makes it fairly vulnerable to stone damage. If only kwik fit had put some dye in with the re-gas, all you would need is a uv lamp to find the leak.

Yes, I would start with the condensor as its location makes it fairly vulnerable to stone damage. If only kwik fit had put some dye in with the re-gas, all you would need is a uv lamp to find the leak.

Something we do.

VW are offering a cracking deal networkwide atm.

An air con service and healthcheck, you get...

aircon degas, vacuum check and regas with UV dye

new polution filter

ultrasonic cleaning of the evaporator

Inspection of compressor, condensor, ribbed belt etc

Multi Point vehcile check

all for