Help - Air con

[adamfisk]

Hi,

Been told that our 2007 2.0 GTD needs a new compressor for air con. mechanic said it is running constantly, affecting mpg and if it fails will cause a lot of damage, quoted £500 to fix.

Question is, I've read they run constantly to clean air, is this true and so therefor not a problem and they are creating a job.
or if this is an issue, is £500 a sensible quote?

any advice gratefully received.

[stealthwolf]

IIRC the compressor runs constantly whilst the engine is on. You lose a small amount of refrigerant each year. Over time, if you don't top up the refrigerant, this can lead to compressor damage and replacement. If it's never been topped up or serviced, take it to an aircon specialist and get it checked out.

[Oldy]

Stealthwolf is spot on, it should run all the time.  I had mine replaced recently at a total cost of £370 (including parts, labour and re-gas) so £500 seems high to me.

One word of warning, mine lasted 5 days because a stone killed it off. Have a look at my post in the General Area: "New Air-con Condenser "Killed" by a Stone".  It contains a link showing how mesh can be added behind the grill to stop stones embedding and killing the condenser.

[grey golfster]

Stealthwolf is spot on, it should run all the time.  I had mine replaced recently at a total cost of £370 (including parts, labour and re-gas) so £500 seems high to me.

One word of warning, mine lasted 5 days because a stone killed it off. Have a look at my post in the General Area: "New Air-con Condenser "Killed" by a Stone".  It contains a link showing how mesh can be added behind the grill to stop stones embedding and killing the condenser.

Where did you get that work done please?

[Oldy]

I had it done at the independent garage in Cheshire that carries out the work on all our cars.

[grey golfster]

Any chance you could PM me details, including contacts for your garage please? I work in the region quite often, and have been quoted >£500 to fix mine!

[Oldy]

Yes, I have done.  Well I hope I have.  First PM I have done as a "newbie" so if it hasn't landed, my apologies!.  If it hasn't post here and I will try again.