Hi Guys
The Aircon on my beloved (new to me) 2007 XKR is not making the interior cold any more - resulting in a slightly frustrated and sweaty driver.
Everything seems to work fine - the Fan works, the Climate control system is operational, but no cooling effect.
The system probably needs to be re-gassed.
To what system pressure should my system be re-charged?
Any pitfalls or stuff to look out for?
Has anyone got any experience recharging this system or is there a write-up available somewhere?
Final question - Agents or a certified aftermarket aircon specialist?
I am pretty sure the aircon specialist rechargers will be way cheaper.
What do you guys suggest?
Thanks
Peet

 

Took mine to a shop, it got hooked to a machine while shut down. Note the left side throttle body hose needs removed to access the port. Tech entered the total weight of refrigerant into the machine and hit the green button. Machine drew a vacuum on the system to draw as much refrigerant out as possible and verify no leaks. Once the vacuum was stable for a couple minutes it dosed the correct amount of refrigerant back into the system along with the base pressure. Removed machine, installed intake tract, start car and enjoy cold air. About a thirty minute process.

 

Not sure about SA market cars but here in the good old USA if you open your hood (bonnet) you find a decal that gives you the charge--it is not by pressure but by vol.

 

Thanks guys. Will have a look if I can find this decal. I don't want to overcharge the system.

 

Thre AC will lose 5-10% "charge" per year. The "charge" is a combination of R134a refrigerant and ND8 PAG oil. Details are on a sticker in the engine compartment:



I have used the DIY canisters but prefer to have my AC professionally re-gassed every two years.



This machine checks the current charge, evacuates the system and then pressure tests it to check for any leaks before re-charging. It then adds the correct ratio of refrigerant and oil.

Graham

 

Thanks Graham. Appreciate the advice.

 

I've just found these photos of the DIY re-charge canister, gauge and hoses I used on my 2005 XK8:




It worked but not as effectively as the professional kit. As I recall, the cost was around the same.

Graham

 

Ditto and I've also overcharged and blown the compressor on my Mustang. That's disappointing and all the more reason to let the machine do it.

 

Totally agree. The machine is fool proof, while we can sometimes f$%^ something up pretty badly! Lol.