Ask RiotACT: Car air conditioning re-gassing

gazket said :

probably cheaper to buy another Renault with air con .

Best suggestion so far, unless you know a French speaking plumber who can actually find the air conditioner under the bonnet (or hood as some prefer to call it).

probably cheaper to buy another Renault with air con .

Although I am not an A/C expert. I am certain that you will need to convert the R12 refrigerant system to a modern R134a system. New high and low side fittings, compressor, receiver drier. Everything else should be fine as long as the system can maintain a vacuum when being tested before being refilled.

Not sure if they do conversions but I had my cars A/C serviced about a year ago at Natrad Belconnen. Good knowledgeable service, fair price.

I had an older Hilux re-gassed several years ago. Be prepared – the new CFC free gas will not cool as well as the old gas. After returning the Hilux for several tweeks the aircon was cooler but never as cold as the original setup. Sorry I can’t remember how much it cost.