Cab a/c packed-up in France - now FIXED!

[mikebeaches]

On Thursday, I posted our tale of woe about the cab air conditioning packing up as we arrived in France. So a quick update.

Original thread here:

Cab a/c packed up in France

Just arrived in France to discover the air con in the cab isn't producing any cool air. Not sure if re-gassing might fix it, but thinking of trying to get it done over here. Assuming it shouldn't be too difficult to find somewhere. It's a 2016 Fiat X290, but guess any decent garage should be...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Received loads of helpful advice.

Today, arranged to take the van to 'Speedy', in Coulommiers, a branch of a chain of auto service providers in France, like Halfords & Kwik-Fit etc

https://centres-auto.speedy.fr/garage/coulommiers-77120/826

They tested the system and filled with new refrigerant. Mentioned a couple of small valves were also replaced (wondered if he meant seals or washers, but hey he clearly said 'valves' - and surprisingly, he spoke fairly good English). Took just over an hour.

Anyway, ice cold air returned to the cab - BLISS!

I was relieved of €180 (£156) for the privilege, but frankly not concerned. Just pleased to get some comfort back in the cab.

Now hoping the new refrigerant actually lasts, and doesn't seep out again too soon...

 

[poppycamper]

On Thursday, I posted our tale of woe about the cab air conditioning packing up as we arrived in France. So a quick update.

Thread here:

Cab a/c packed up in France

Just arrived in France to discover the air con in the cab isn't producing any cool air. Not sure if re-gassing might fix it, but thinking of trying to get it done over here. Assuming it shouldn't be too difficult to find somewhere. It's a 2016 Fiat X290, but guess any decent garage should be...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Received loads of helpful advice.

Today, arranged to take the van to 'Speedy', in Coulommiers, a branch of a chain of auto service providers in France, like Halfords & Kwik-Fit etc

https://centres-auto.speedy.fr/garage/coulommiers-77120/826

They tested the system and filled with new refrigerant. Mentioned a couple of small valves were also replaced (wondered if he meant seals or washers, but hey he clearly said 'valves' - and surprisingly, he spoke good English). Took just over an hour.

Anyway, ice cold air returned to the cab - BLISS!

I was relieved of €180 (£156) for the privilege, but frankly not concerned. Just pleased to get some comfort back in the cab.

Now hoping the new refrigerant actually lasts, and doesn't seep out again too soon...

View attachment 637657

Now you fixed leave aircon on 24/7 365 and your nice new seals will not dry out and let your gas escape...again.

 

[Ingwe]

On Thursday, I posted our tale of woe about the cab air conditioning packing up as we arrived in France. So a quick update.

Thread here:

Cab a/c packed up in France

Just arrived in France to discover the air con in the cab isn't producing any cool air. Not sure if re-gassing might fix it, but thinking of trying to get it done over here. Assuming it shouldn't be too difficult to find somewhere. It's a 2016 Fiat X290, but guess any decent garage should be...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Received loads of helpful advice.

Today, arranged to take the van to 'Speedy', in Coulommiers, a branch of a chain of auto service providers in France, like Halfords & Kwik-Fit etc

https://centres-auto.speedy.fr/garage/coulommiers-77120/826

They tested the system and filled with new refrigerant. Mentioned a couple of small valves were also replaced (wondered if he meant seals or washers, but hey he clearly said 'valves' - and surprisingly, he spoke fairly good English). Took just over an hour.

Anyway, ice cold air returned to the cab - BLISS!

I was relieved of €180 (£156) for the privilege, but frankly not concerned. Just pleased to get some comfort back in the cab.

Now hoping the new refrigerant actually lasts, and doesn't seep out again too soon...

View attachment 637657

Whilst you’re there, why not visit the famed Lidl!

 

[Landy Andy]

I assume he will have changed the centres on the two filling valves. Fairly common practice I believe.

 

[mikebeaches]

I assume he will have changed the centres on the two filling valves. Fairly common practice I believe.

Ah, thanks for that! I expect you're right.

The knowledge on this forum never ceases to amaze me...

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[mikebeaches]

Now you fixed leave aircon on 24/7 365 and your nice new seals will not dry out and let your gas escape...again.

Indeed, great advice.

I think the problem was not the a/c wasn't switched on frequently / all the time; it was that the van was barely used for one reason and another during the pandemic (a knee operation being one of the reasons).

I used to try to take it out at least every 4 weeks, but in reality that often stretched to 6 or 8 weeks. Coupled with the fact the van has just had its 6th birthday, I guess I'd got an a/c problem coming to me.

Lesson learnt...

 

[denisejoe]

They are like tyre valves