Air con not working

[Jono69]

Just done an mot on Toyota avensis t25 1.8l .

it has come through mot ok but found the air con is not working. It seems to function except works at ambient temperature.

the car is nearly 11 years old.  taking car to Toyota for airbag recall. 

Is it worth getting them to look at the aircon bearing in mind cars age or is it likely to be a costly affair. I see many places at advertising recharges from a certain price which seem ok but read up on rotting condensers and pricey recharges.

this is my first car with air conditioning 

 

[FROSTYBALLS]

Air conditioning needs to be used regularly throughout the year to keep the seals lubricated which helps prevent leaks. For example in winter when used in conjunction with the heater, demisting is easier - see 

Firstly your system needs to be checked for leaks before being recharged

[oldcodger]

Hi,

Most larger garages /tyre dealers offer a recharge service for about £60+ ( its gone up this year due to a large rise in the price of the refrigerant)

The machines they use seem to do a basic pressure test,  even then you can still get small leaks once recharged,  they should use a sniffer tester at the end.

Some places will do lengthier tests such put a dye in and leave it for a hour before searching for a leak with a uv light, though I'm told thats not as good as  a sniffer.

You might find a someone offering a local  mobile A/C recharge service as I did, who offer better rates and you can see what they are doing,

On an older car there is a fair chance the condenser may have a small leak as its the most exposed part of the two 'radiators '

They are not that expensive , typically under £100 for an aftermarket one , Toyota ones clearly a lot dearer, then plus fitting and recharge etc which can make for a large bill.

Depends on how much you value / need the effect of Air Con ?