[dimons]

I picked up a new i30 wagon in July this year. During winter here (Melbourne) there hasn't been much need for aircon. However even on a sunny winter day the aircon seemed to have to work hard to bring the temperature down.

The car does get hot because of the large glass areas but the aircon must be designed to cope.

Now we have had a few days of 30 deg, I'm convinced that there seems to be an issue with the aircon - presumably lack of gas. The temperature of the air coming out of the vents does not seem very cold. Certainly not like my other car (Camry).

Before I go back to the dealer I'd be interested in hearing what 'normal' aircon performance is for the i30 and how it performs in hot weather.

[diablo]

Doesn't get as hot as that in the UK very often but when it has been near those temperatures I find the aircon does a good job. No complaints here.

I've seen the odd mention of aircon problems on new i30s so you better take it in to be checked.

[asathorny]

Take it back, as has been said we don't get too many days at 30 over here, but when we did my was just fine....   

[constipated]

My Australian experience has been that the i30's air con has been as good as our current model Toyota, and quite cold. I would suggest the dealer checking it out.

[Mel]

I find my air con is great but I do have the SLX which is the climate control one that you can just set and forget and it will give a blast to cool the car down till it gets to the required temperature.  In saying that I did have a SX loan car in 30 degree heat and it didn't seem to work as efficiently as mine does. It can't hurt to have the dealer check it out though.

[Surferdude]

It should certainly be noticeably effective.
No problems with mine but my wife's Corolla is definitely more efficient. Might try a thermometer in them both one day.

[beerman]

No problems in mine, and mines a CW so a bit bigger. Cools effectively enough for the Brissy summer.

[dimons]

.. Cools effectively enough for the Brissy summer.

Well if mine is struggling in the Melbourne winter/spring, the it's time to go back to the dealer for sure.
Thanks all for the quick response.

[dimons]

I have now had the dealer look at the aircon and test its performance. They are claiming that it is operating 'within manufacturing specifications', all ok.

The following test result data was provided for temperature at the air outlet:
My car 10.7 deg C (external mode) vs another stock vehicle 8.3 deg C
My car 9.1 deg C (recirculate mode) - same as stock vehicle

The dealer's advice, which I will try following, is to use the recirculate mode more.

The forecast is for 36 degrees over the next few days, so that's a good chance to see whether it helps much.

Incidentally various websites seem to suggest that aircon should run in the range 5 to 10 degrees C. If so mine must be on the upper limit of what is 'ok'.

Not really happy so far but at least I have some data to work with.

[Dazzler]

If you aren't already doing it, put all the windows down to release as much of the internal warmed air as possible. Then put them back up just before you drive off (works for me in both our cars on our warmer days...) 

[Phil №❶]

dimons

Can you tell whether the compressor is cycling or not at the temperatures you quote. If it is cycling, then the air cond is capable of lower temps and the thermostat should be checked. If not, it's working at capacity already & that would indicate a problem IMO. 

[constipated]

I always use recirculate mode in summer because I know it'll be colder.

Another trick is to try to run the air con continuously for a whole week whenever you drive if you don't already.

In an older car, I used to find at the beginning of summer, the air con was not that cold but by the end of summer with frequent use it was better.

[Phil №❶]

Air conditioners need AT LEAST 5 minutes of continuous runningevery week to keep the internal seals lubricated, otherwise the gas will escape to atmosphere. I have a 5k downhill slope when travelling to the city, so I use the aircond as a brake. 

[dimons]

Can you tell whether the compressor is cycling or not .. 

It does not seem to be cycling as far as I can tell. That's from inside the car. Looking under the hood the diesel engine makes too much noise to know what's going on with the compressor.

Using recirculate seems to make a positive difference (on a 23 deg day). I'll know more after the weekend which will be several days of 30+.

Perhaps the aircon just needs more use. I'll know that over the next few weeks as it will get a solid workout.

[Dazzler]

Please keep us posted thanks dimons 

[unfamilia]

I have a similar issue with my sx crdi but it too is within spec, just taks ages to cool. I always use recirculate but have found switching to a different vent mode and back again sometimes kicks it in harder and cooler.

Looking at tinting windows as the blue does tend to get hotter inside than the old white forester

[Dazzler]

Looking at tinting windows as the blue does tend to get hotter inside than the old white forester

Highly recommended (I have found it makesa huge difference, particularly when combined with a reflective screen protector)