Hi all.


My aircon has stopped cooling with a code B1858 which could be low refrigerant charge. How do I figure out if it is a normal slow leak over time, or if it is a gross leak that needs repair before I spend money on recharging.

 

Do you use the AC much in Norway?

Expect to lose approximately 5% charge each year. The only way I'm aware of to check for leaks is with a tracer dye.

When I have my AC recharged, the machine they use does the following:

1. remove residual R134/PAG oil
2. pressure test
3. re-charge with correct weight R134/PAG oil

In the one instance I had of a car failing the pressure test (2), they used a dye to find the source so i didn't pay for the re-charge (3) until it was fixed.

Graham

 

Hi GGG.


Thank you. Exactly the information I was looking for.


Of course I use the AC here in Norway. Today bright sunshine and 25C. No problem though, I will go with the roof down.

 

At 77F (25C) I would have the top down too. It will reach 100F (38C) here today. I may still keep the top down, we'll see.

Enjoy what sounds like great weather!

 

Hi Jag#4.


With that temperature you'll need AC in your cap.
I know what it's like. Many, many years ago I spent a year in Lubbock.

 

mine stopped working, I just went to the local auto place and threw in a can and it has been working fine now for 4 or so months. I have done this with many of my cars through the years and have never had one that was shot and leaked out in a day or so. I always got a year or two out of them then had to top them off again.
I have my 74 Olds 88 convert, didn't come with AC so the tops goes down today on the way home.

 

Look at the refrigerant line that comes across the back of the motor and kind of below the coolant reservoir. I have replaced a number of these due to leakage at the crimped sleeve where the hose goes from rubber to metal.

 

Hi all.


Went to a specialist today and he told me it was very low on charge, probably normal after some years. He also told me if it had been completely empty, that would indicate a leak.
Refilled and now nice and cool in warm Norway.
So now I will hope it holds up.

 

I would make a point of turning it on from time to time even when you don't need it. I feel that keeps the system in use, less chance of it leaking out????

 

I leave my A/C on all the time and just adjust the temperature.

 

+1

Me too. I also cycle it from max Hot through max Cold once a month.

Graham

 

This is what i used to find my leak when i rebuilt my A/C system

Link Electronic Freon and Halogen Leak Detector