[petejan]

HI All
Have had my i30 2.0 diesel now for 2.5 years and have done 73K since new. Things are starting to go wrong now, but still like the car very much. Had a few warranty issues recently so now get may car serviced locally as the main dealer is very expensive, especially in this climate. Submitted my car to an AIR Con specialist (Bosch) for a service and for the first 5 or 6 weeks it was great. Around a week ago warm air is now starting to blow into the cabin no matter what setting its on, especially if its been sitting out in the sun for a period of time. My suspicions is that the coolant has leaked out, but I don't know what I'm looking for. I am tempted to return it to the servicing garage but not being technically minded, always scared in case they throw jargon at me and rip me off for work that wasn't required.

Anyone point me in the right direction.

Cheers

Pete (Newbe)

[AlanHo]

It might help if we knew what country you live in. If it is Somalia, the aircon has a hard life - whereas Iceland might be somewhat kinder.

[petejan]

Hi

Sorry, you are right. I live in Scotland and the temp today was 19dgs

Pete

[asathorny]

5 or 6 weeks... blighmy I would defo take it back pronto.  I to am not a techi guy but I would stamp my feet and raise my voice a little,,,,, 

[Dazzler]

Welcome Pete.. You have every right to take it back and complain (and expect repair without any charge) 

[i30RWAB]

Pete, there are a few things you can do to edify yourself before bringing the car back in. Your local parts emporium should stock test gauge setups for A/C systems, they are inexpensive, handy to have, and easy to use. Simply remove the cap from the LOW PRESSURE fitting on the A/C system (they are marked clearly) and hook up the gauge. Start the car and turn the A/C to its highest setting. Let the system run for a while as you monitor the gauge. Assuming the compressor even kicks on you should see the pressure changing as the system cycles. This way you will at least know that there is refrigerant in there or if it has leaked out. Also, an overcharged system will not operate properly as the refrigerant cannot expand. Should you not wish to mess with the gauges you can also simply observe the operation of the system. Have a helper sit in the car and start the A/C system while you listen for the compressor with the hood opened. If the compressor never kicks on, there is either an electrical problem, or there is no refrigerant in the system. A/C systems have a safety mechanism which disables the compressor should there be no refrigerant in the system, as it doubles as lubricant. However, if the compressor does start, but then immediately shuts back off your system is most likely overcharged. Conversely, if the compressor starts, runs for a while, then turns off and then on again very quickly your system is undercharged. A/C systems are nothing to be afraid of, just ALWAYS be sure to use the LOW PRESSURE fitting should you decide to test the system yourself. Leave that high pressure fitting alone, it's for the pros. I hope this helps give you at least some peace of mind and a little knowledge about what you have on your hands before you return it to the shop, which is what I would do, but not until I was as informed as I could be. Good luck with it and happy motoring! 

[AlanHo]

There are a number of videos on you Tube that may be of help in showing you the procedure.

This video is but one example...

[petejan]

Folks - Thanks for your interest to date I will be taking on board things written here before I head back to the garage for a free evaluation, diagnosis and repair - they dont know about the free bit yet.

Pete