Faulty A/C on 159

[sixpot]

My A/C has packed up on my 159. had the car 4 weeks and to be honest hadn't even turned on the A/C until late last week, when the weather picked up. The car's not new, it's 2 years old, but surely it doesn't need re-gassing already. It's booked in under warranty to sort it out, but I was just wondering if anyone else is encountering A/C problems on the 159 and whether I need to ensure that they check a certain component.

Any insider knowledge greatfully accepted.

[RicksAlfas]

sixpot said:

hadn't even turned on the A/C until late last week

...but surely it doesn't need re-gassing already

Aircon should be run all the time - or at the very least once a week otherwise the seals deteriorate. So yes, it probably needs re-gassing. Once you get it back, just leave the system on Full Auto and it'll look after itself. You'll also get quicker demisting.

[sixpot]

RicksAlfas said:

sixpot said:

hadn't even turned on the A/C until late last week

...but surely it doesn't need re-gassing already

Aircon should be run all the time - or at the very least once a week otherwise the seals deteriorate. So yes, it probably needs re-gassing. Once you get it back, just leave the system on Full Auto and it'll look after itself. You'll also get quicker demisting.

I take your point and am aware that it can deteriorate over time if not used, but surely when it's not required it's best to have it turned off, not least for better fuel consumption.

[RicksAlfas]

It makes barely any difference to economy - the whole point of AUTOmatic climate control is that it kicks in and out when needed so you're not running the system all the time anyway. You get quicker demisting with it on too!

[sixpot]

Had it re-gassed yesterday and all seems fine. just now need to see if it happens again, but I'll be leaving it on permanently from now on.

[dannij]

Same happened to my car, hadn't been using it for a while, turned it on as weather is getting hot in Malta without any whatsoever effects.