As this is the first motor I've had with Aircon - Is there a shelf life on the system - In other words do I need to change gas bottles (if any?) after any length of time? s:oops: :oops: s:oops: I haven't seen anything under the hood that stands out as being related to the aircon system - Must say that I've used it a few times and is in full working order at present!
I had a system flush, system pressure test, and gas recharge last year (aircon lost its grunt after 12 years).
There are no bottles to change and the aircon compressor is pretty well hidden so you won't see it from the top. Charge point connectors and pipework winds around the front bulkhead under the plastic so you won't see that either!
If your system is working, best to leave it be. Proper regassing requires licensing and specialist equipment for the removal and disposal of gasses, and a pressure test of your system will be included in the process. Well worth having it done properly. I paid £50. This was pretty cheap as the guys did a thorough job on account of there being nothing else for them to do that day s:D :D s:D
Don't bother with DIY. In a contest between aircon gas and skin, gas will win.
I think its advisable to use the aircon occasionally rather than ignore the fact that its there for long periods of time ...... at least thats what some on here have said. I'm sure they'll firm up the rumour with detail.
They sometimes come up on Groupon, we managed to get a full flush etc. as above done for £30 on the Fiesta late last year s:) :) s:)
I seem to remember past car manuals recommend running the aircon once a month if it's not regularly used, my focus used to smell a bit stale if I didn't.
What Spit said. Wouldn't let anyone touch it as long as it is working well.
Mine is 12 years old and 160 000 +km and still works very well without anybody working on it.
Having said that, if it stops working i'd just refill it with HR12 (propane and butane mix) and do the job myself. Don't do the job yourself unless you have the right gear (vac & gauges) and know what you are doing.
Cheers for the info -I will not venture into Air con until the system dies on me - it was just a question that crossed my mind not having had an onboard air con before