Service 08 of 11
Air conditioning service
When the system loses its bite, refrigerant is usually missing — and where refrigerant goes missing, there is a leak. So we check pressure and tightness before anything is recharged.
Recovered, evacuated and recharged to manufacturer specification. Receiver-drier and cabin filter are renewed when the system calls for it.
Symptoms
How you notice the system fading
Cools less than it used to
The air from the vents no longer gets properly cold, and the cabin takes longer to cool down. Usually refrigerant is missing.
Musty smell
It smells from the vents when you switch on. Moisture on the evaporator and a clogged cabin filter are the usual causes.
Windows stay misted
Air conditioning takes moisture out of the air. If the windows stay misted longer than they used to, it is no longer working properly.
Humming with the system on
Noises that only come with the air conditioning on point to the compressor or its clutch. Then check first, do not top up.
Oil traces on the lines
Oil escapes along with the refrigerant. An oily film on fittings, lines or the condenser shows where the leak is.
Just cooling less?
Tell us since when — and whether it came on gradually or from one day to the next. That already narrows down the cause.
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Scope
What the service involves
Check first, then recharge. Top up a leaking system and it will be back in the workshop next summer.
- Visual check of compressor, condenser, lines and fittings
- Pressure and leak test before recharging
- Refrigerant recovered, the amount compared with the specified charge
- System evacuated — the vacuum draws out moisture and reveals larger leaks
- Recharged with refrigerant and oil to manufacturer specification
- Receiver-drier renewed when the system calls for it
- Cabin filter renewed when it is clogged
- Function test with the vent temperature measured
Method
Four steps
- 01
Inspect
Vent temperature, pressures in operation, visual check for oil traces on fittings and lines.
- 02
Recover
Recover the refrigerant, record the amount, evacuate the system. If the vacuum does not hold, there is a leak; small leaks only show under pressure.
- 03
Approval
If there is a leak, you get the cause and the cost of the repair first. No part without your yes.
- 04
Recharge
Refrigerant and oil to manufacturer specification, function test, vent temperature measured.
Questions about it
What people ask about air conditioning
Can't you just top it up?
Only if the system is tight. A small loss over the years is normal, as hoses and seals let a little refrigerant through. If much more is missing, there is a leak, and the system will lose it again after topping up — and with it the oil the compressor needs for lubrication. That is why we check pressure and tightness before anything is recharged.
How often should the air conditioning be serviced?
There is no single date for every car; the manufacturer's service schedule is what counts. More important than the date is how the system performs: if it cools less or smells, have it checked. And run it regularly in winter too — the refrigerant carries the oil that keeps the seals supple and the compressor lubricated.
Why does it smell musty from the vents?
Moisture condenses on the evaporator, and where it is damp and dark, bacteria settle. Often the cabin filter is clogged as well. If it is, we renew it; if that does not help, we take a targeted look at the evaporator. A tip for everyday driving: switch the air conditioning off a few minutes before you arrive and leave the fan running, so the evaporator dries off.
Air conditioning service
Not as cold as it used to be?
Then before summer, not in the middle of it.
Related
Related services
- 09
Scheduled servicing
The cabin filter has its own interval in the manufacturer's service schedule.
- 11
Diagnostics and fault finding
When the compressor will not engage and the cause is electrical.
- 10
Repairs and maintenance
Cooling system, fans and electrics — when the fault is not in the refrigerant circuit.