Aircon Problem

[Norfolk Jim]

I know it sounds stupid but take it back to Kwik fit and explain it ain't cold anymore and could they test.

We had my wifes Volvo V50 recharged by them in May and car was fine for a couple of weeks then wife said it didn't feel that cold anymore.

I took it back and they tried again but this time got about 30 mins and machine rejected the car. They felt they had a problem with machine.

3 days later they told me to go to the other depot in Norwich and get checked there as they had an Air Con master technician (who travel between about 6 depots) and he'd do it.

He recharged it and tested the pressure which from what I can remember was neg both sides and fine - he said the other machine was only part filling which after a while dispsersed in system and then blowed warm. Before I had a chance to say anything he immediately offered a refund due to machine probs etc and 'touch wood' the car has been fine since - so coul;d be their machine - he said it wouldn't be first time it had happened?

Worth a punt before expense?

[jmblack]

Having just had repairs done by a local mobile specialist, I'd thoroughly recommend that route. Immediately showed greater knowledge and had better equipment (used nitrogen rather than UV to find leak and found it in seconds whereas general garage service had spent ages on it). To back up point on compressor, his view was that SAAB very seldom suffers from a failed compressor - ususally something else preventing compressor engaging.

He said a reconditioned compressor would be around £350 if required. £379 from Euro Car Parts and saw second hand from Neo Bros for £55!

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Saab_9-5_2.3_2007/p/car-parts/car-cooling-parts-and-car-heating/air-conditioning1/car-compressor/?232880041&1&a67747e0435de363036b343c58839ffe59aee7ee&000077

[Finbo]

What part of the world does your guy operate in??

[sgould]

Finbo,

Which dealer is offering the re-gas at £49?

[collywobble]

I think it's all dealers if you are a Saab Service Club member.

[Steve440]

They wont be making much out of that with the price of R134A as it is at the moment.

Just ordered a new 13kg bottle and it has gone up 40% in the past 12 months

Maybe its a good will thing or hoping to pick up some extra work from it?

Steve

[Finbo]

I think it is all dealers. I went to Astley in Yeovil. The Saab Service Club is for vehicles 3+ years in age, details on the Saab website. I originally responded to an e-mail I'd received from Saab UK about a air con de bug (not re gas) and summer check for £29.95. But was then told a re-gas and full system check was £49. So, I'm not a 100% sure it is only for older cars or not as this wasn't actually said and I didn't actually ask.
Steve440, I think you may be right (difficult to know for certain though) as the car was given a full visual health check whilst it was there. Several of things that cropped up surprised me! My car has FSH and has never even had an advisory on its MOT and was only bought from said dealer 20 months ago, but I have covered 30k miles since then.
I would still like to know if a 0 is show on the in car display after an air con fault check why doesn't something come up if my compressor is supposedly faulty or heading that way???

[jmblack]

My independent guy was in Edinburgh, but I tihink you'll get similar services anywhere - specialists who often provide service to garages where the garage can't handle the problem, they then put a mark up on the specilist's work!

[Finbo]

Took my car to the Saab Indy I use for servicing. I only used the dealer becasue they had a special offer on regarding air con. He plugged the car up and no faults showed up on the air con or anywhere on the car. So I think maybe Steve was right when he said the dealer may have been looking for some extra work?? These visual health checks that they offer could be potentially damaging on your pocket to anyone unsuspecting. Otherwise I'm confused even further!!