Leaking Aircon

Bluesplit

Member
Afternoon all,

So after finding out I have aircon, only after my electric windows stopped working at the hottest period of the year! I had it regassed & for around 2 weeks I had a freezing cold car, everything worked great.

However after 2 weeks it has returned back to normal, just like I haven’t even got the aircon on sonimguessing after the car has been ran with the aircon ‘on’ for god knows how long without having gas I’m thinking I now have a huge leak somewhere?

Is this a common thing, are there common places I should start to investigate first?

Many thanks for any advice once again!!
 
When you had it regassed the very nature of the procedure should check the system for leaks as the regassing machine checks that there is a vacuum and will only refill if a vacuum has been established for a certain period of time.
I would take it back to where you had it regassed and if they used any dye in the oil then under UV light any leaks in the system should be seen easily. Get them to check it and refill the system. Happened to me couple of years ago, but due to the age of our cars now it could mean that the rubber seals are getting slightly perforated allowing leaking of the gas like a slow puncture would on a tyre.
Good luck hope this helps.
Drew.
 
No way, mine was regassed not long ago, 2 weeks later it no longer blew cold... AND the other day the driver's window stopped working! (so the 2" gap is currently gaffer taped up)
 
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The most likely source of any leak will be the condenser, since it has the largest surface area of any of the A/C components. You have to remove the bumper to replace it. O ring materials are chosen for compatability with the refrigerant, so these are less likely to be the source of the leak. It would also be a good idea to also change the dryer if you are changing the condenser. The first thing to check maybe is the pressure sensor, which can be changed without emptying the system of gas (and oil). If the sensor fails, the system will behave as if it has no refrigerant.

RAB
 
Thanks for all the replies, when I get time off work I will have a dog round and see if there is anything obvious, failing that I think I will start to replace parts as I go along
 
My electric window stopped working, I disconnected the central comfort module for 10 minutes then reconnected and it came back to life.


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My electric window stopped working, I disconnected the central comfort module for 10 minutes then reconnected and it came back to life.


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Ummm... wots the 'central comfort module' and where is it?
 
Ummm... wots the 'central comfort module' and where is it?

It’s under the passenger footwell in the compartment with the ECU. It’s the controller for the non-engine electronics.

I would guess you’d get the same effect from disconnecting the battery but I may very well be wrong.


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Well well well.... had a few minutes at lunchtime spare, disconnected the battery for a bit, reconnected it and the drivers window now works! think I'll still collect my new switches from Audi tho as mine are worn, and they were only about £30
 
It’s under the passenger footwell in the compartment with the ECU. It’s the controller for the non-engine electronics.

I would guess you’d get the same effect from disconnecting the battery but I may very well be wrong.


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It seems you are very right!
 
Hello everyone,
I got problem with my ac as well, so I am going to use this thread. I have filled up my ac few weeks ago, but it lasted just for one- two weeks and now it is empty again. I went to two repair shops, but none of them was able to locate the leak. Second one suggest that leak is not in the engine bay, but somewhere on the way to interior ( behind dashboard). To find it, whole dashboard would have to be taken out which will cost whole bunch of money.Does anyone else have experience with ac leak somewhere behind the dashboard? Is it likely?
 
No. The evaporator is the only part of the AC system in the interior and it is a closed unit. There are no O-Rings that can become leaky and a mechanical damage to the part is nearly impossible because it is deep inside the dashboard.
Maybe the shops don't have the proper equipment for leak detection. I would do a pressure test with a nitrogen/hydrogen gas mixture and then use a hydrogen sniffer to find the leak. That is the best way to find even the smallest leaks which are not detectable with normal R134a pressure tests or uv fluid.
 
No. The evaporator is the only part of the AC system in the interior and it is a closed unit. There are no O-Rings that can become leaky and a mechanical damage to the part is nearly impossible because it is deep inside the dashboard.
Maybe the shops don't have the proper equipment for leak detection. I would do a pressure test with a nitrogen/hydrogen gas mixture and then use a hydrogen sniffer to find the leak. That is the best way to find even the smallest leaks which are not detectable with normal R134a pressure tests or uv fluid.
Thank you for your answer. I will give it one more go by another workshop.
 
I use a mobile ac specialist they tend me more expert than garages who do it 'as well' as servicing. Most likely culprit is the condensor rad, take a look at bottom corners where all the dirt and bugs go flying into it.
 
I use a mobile ac specialist they tend me more expert than garages who do it 'as well' as servicing. Most likely culprit is the condensor rad, take a look at bottom corners where all the dirt and bugs go flying into it.

Me too.
They always seem happy to talk through the procedure while the system is evacuated and re-gassed. One interesting point was that many workshops just check the system holds a vacuum for a short time after sucking out the old fluids.
This is no where near as effective as a proper pressure test using inert gas at the normal operating pressures and this highlights any leakage much more effectively.

Cheers Spike
 
Me too.
They always seem happy to talk through the procedure while the system is evacuated and re-gassed. One interesting point was that many workshops just check the system holds a vacuum for a short time after sucking out the old fluids.
This is no where near as effective as a proper pressure test using inert gas at the normal operating pressures and this highlights any leakage much more effectively.

Cheers Spike
Exactly, once youve seen a pro at work you realise AC systems are best left to them!
 
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