Aircon Fault

[bullet7]

Does anyone know if there is a typical aircon fault on the V8V? On the Volkswagens, it was invariably the condensers that would be at fault and they were a relatively easy repair. I had my aircon recharged in May and it's already less chilled than when it was done. The car is a 2007 V8V.

[8Tech]

Any competent AC engineer can locate the leak, almost certainly the condenser, with a gas "sniffer". It is the fast fit outlets that just regas the system without proper testing beforehand and send you on your way.

[EVR]

Might not be relevant, but check if the outside temperature is showing correctly in the center console. The AC temp is dependent on this data.

My sensor was busted when I bought my N420, it was showing Dubai-like temperature all the time and I needed to set AC way lower than normal to get fresh air. Here is my tutorial on replacing the sensor if needed.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by EVR on Tuesday 17th September 09:17

[Cold]

Yep, if it's not the sensor throwing spurious information to the car, then the usual suspects for a failing a/c system come under scrutiny without any real AM specifics.

I replaced my condenser last year due to it developing a leak near the bottom corner. It was fairly crunchy all over, just old age combined with modest quality of components really and I'd certainly suggest inspecting yours as a possible source of potential problems.

If you're de-pressurising the system during the course of repairs, then it's worthwhile budgeting for a replacement receiver-dryer too while the car is in bits.

[bullet7]

Appreciate the replies, thank you. I'm going to start by going back to the garage that recharged it in May to check that it has actually lost pressure and if has has, hopefully they will be able to pinpoint where it's leaking. I don't recall reading anything about common faults, so maybe there aren't any on the V8V and it is just a matter of identifying where the issue lies.

[woodsypedia]

Ugh. I had my car back at works 5 times over course of 2 years for the same thing. Sadly - there's no common fault. I had nearly all major lift parts replaced and in the end - they narrowed it down to a tiny seal that was seeping - but because it was so small, it didn't pick up easily with the dye that they inject. Mine is a V12 but I believe it's the same system. Cost me a damn fortune sadly.

Good luck!

[DAMIT]

After having the A/C service/regased/ tested/ 3 years running by on my Merc and still failing. I added EZ Chill Auto Air Conditioning Recharge - Gas R134A which comes with advanced sealant to stop leaks.

A/C continues to work perfectly now for over five years!

So maybe worth a try.

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-flui...

[bullet7]

Thanks both for the new thoughts. In this country I rarely use aircon, in fact I only turn it on if it is mega hot or if not, just to keep it active. I could quite easily live without it but I just hate to have anything that doesn't work! I guess I am at the start of the journey by going back to the garage for testing. I just hope they do find something!

[rickyf1]

if there's no leaks check the cabin filters behind the glovebox - they're not changed as part of normal dealer servicing and when mine became blocked the air con would pack up 10 mins after turning on because the refridgerant froze due to not enough air circulating....

[South tdf]

My 4.7 had an O ring fail on the bulkhead that was under extended warranty. My old 4.3 lost gas over a 2-4 week period which was cured by changing the compressor.

[Emilio Largo]

Car (MY17, low mileage) was serviced appr. one month ago and a sealing ring/gasket at the condenser was exchanged (above No. 2 in the pic). Green freezant was clearly leaking out of it.

Driving now again I find the a/c seems to be even weaker than before and I detect a small drop of green freezant again (No. 1 in the pic). I have no idea if this is the culprit.

Car is still under warranty, but gutted nonetheless to have to visit the main dealer again because of this.

[bullet7]

So, the issue turns out to be a leaking condenser. Does anyone know of a supplier apart from AM, Scuderia or Astonbits that doesn't charge the earth? Scuderia's & Astonbits' prices are identical to AM.