Fiat Ducato cab air con (1 Viewer)

[mikebeaches]

Seeking advice and wisdom on getting the cab air conditioning condenser replaced on my 2016 130hp Fiat Ducato.

A/C stopped working in France last summer, where I got it re-gassed and all OK.

But a year on and no longer working again. We have an auto A/C specialist a couple of miles away, and I took the van there this morning. It's a small outfit and he said he doesn't normally touch commercial vans, only cars. However, he agreed to take a look, check the system and if appropriate re-gas it again.

After putting the fancy Bosch machine on it he advised:

1. there was no refrigerant left in the system
2. a 15-minute pressure test showed no apparent or obvious leaks
3. asked if he should re-gas it, to which I said yes
4. he thought the lower edge of the condenser on one side looked suspect, because he could see road dust and light debris had accumulated where some of the a/c lubricating oil in the system might have leaked
5. his advice was to get the condenser replaced as no serviceable parts on it
6. he couldn't do it because van is too big to go in his garage
7. he thought there was a reasonable chance the A/C refrigerant might last the summer

But he added, he's not allowed to keep re-gassing faulty / leaky systems

I've got a feeling it's going to be an expensive job? Anybody had to have theirs replaced and what did it cost?

Do I go to the local Fiat workshop - Huttons, Weston-super-Mare?

Or could any competent independent repair garage that handles vans do the job?

Any experience, advice, guidance or insight welcomed - thanks!

 

[Clivefog]

Go-Cool mobile A/C specialist based in Yate.

 

[mikebeaches]

Go-Cool mobile A/C specialist based in Yate.

Interesting, looks like they're based at Coalpit Heath.

Some useful info on their website: https://www.gocool.co.uk/

Have you used them?

 

[Clivefog]

I used them a few years ago on Japanese imports. Found hard to get parts, changed from R12, was not happy until it was working as it should. Recommend them.

 

[Landy Andy]

It’s a very very easy job to do. Just lots of screws and clips. I would think anyone handy with spanners, or any garage could do it for you.

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[Googlebot]

If they put in a UV trace oil, it should be obvious where the leak is from.

I have just changed the condenser in a mini. The van would be much easier!

I was surprised as it was only £60 for the new part.

I would change the condenser and get it gassed with the UV dye in.

 

[mikebeaches]

If they put in a UV trace oil, it should be obvious where the leak is from.

I have just changed the condenser in a mini. The van would be much easier!

I was surprised as it was only £60 for the new part.

I would change the condenser and get it gassed with the UV dye in.

Thanks for that!

I meant to mention, the A/C guy did put dye in this morning so it should highlight and confirm where any small leak might be.

 

[Drexl]

Before changing any major components - replace the schrader valves then refill then check if it leaks.

 

[mikebeaches]

Before changing any major components - replace the schrader valves then refill then check if it leaks.

I think they might have been changed when it was re-gassed in France last summer, but not absolutely certain because of the language challenge ie I don't speak any sort of technical French (or much other sort either).

But thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Googlebot]

Thanks for that!

I meant to mention, the A/C guy did put dye in this morning so it should highlight and confirm where any small leak might be.

Perfect!

If it doesn’t leak, happy days, if it does, you will find it so happy days.

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[TrudeandDall]

Seeking advice and wisdom on getting the cab air conditioning condenser replaced on my 2016 130hp Fiat Ducato.

A/C stopped working in France last summer, where I got it re-gassed and all OK.

But a year on and no longer working again. We have an auto A/C specialist a couple of miles away, and I took the van there this morning. It's a small outfit and he said he doesn't normally touch commercial vans, only cars. However, he agreed to take a look, check the system and if appropriate re-gas it again.

After putting the fancy Bosch machine on it he advised:

1. there was no refrigerant left in the system
2. a 15-minute pressure test showed no apparent or obvious leaks
3. asked if he should re-gas it, to which I said yes
4. he thought the lower edge of the condenser on one side looked suspect, because he could see road dust and light debris had accumulated where some of the a/c lubricating oil in the system might have leaked
5. his advice was to get the condenser replaced as no serviceable parts on it
6. he couldn't do it because van is too big to go in his garage
7. he thought there was a reasonable chance the A/C refrigerant might last the summer

But he added, he's not allowed to keep re-gassing faulty / leaky systems

I've got a feeling it's going to be an expensive job? Anybody had to have theirs replaced and what did it cost?

Do I go to the local Fiat workshop - Huttons, Weston-super-Mare?

Or could any competent independent repair garage that handles vans do the job?

Any experience, advice, guidance or insight welcomed - thanks!

I doubt if your local Fiat Pro dealer would touch Aircon : they most likely would farm it out to an Aircon specialist.

 

[mikebeaches]

I doubt if your local Fiat Pro dealer would touch Aircon : they most likely would farm it out to an Aircon specialist.

Oh interesting, I didn't realise that. Thanks! If nothing else, if I decide to enquire about the a/c with the local Fiat dealer, I can ask that very question.

 

[Bessy765]

Try giving Tom Donovan at rv installations 01271542424 tom@rvinstallations. 51’10”40 N 004’07”24 W
He’s at Buckner way South Molton. Not too far from Bristol there is a nice campsite opp a pub five mins away. Pipcott fields campsite. He knows his stuff.

 

[mikebeaches]

Try giving Tom Donovan at rv installations 01271542424 tom@rvinstallations. 51’10”40 N 004’07”24 W
He’s at Buckner way South Molton. Not too far from Bristol there is a nice campsite opp a pub five mins away. Pipcott fields campsite. He knows his stuff.

Thanks for that recommendation.