RS4 B5 Climate control

[OscarH]

Hi,

my 2001 B5 RS4s climate control doesn't seem to work particularly well cooling down. And since it is black, that isn't very pleasant in the current weather.

I was thinking of getting the airco refilled at Kwik-Fit. Does anybody have any prior experience or tips/ideas?

Oscar

[dazzer]

Before it gets recharged they should check for any leakage. A recharge should do it unless it's something more serious. It's worthwhile having the system purged, cleaned and recharged every couple of years IMHO.

[Nige_RS4]

I've heard that halfords do a DIY refill kit now ... for around £13. It was recommended to me by an aircon engineer!

[kevinw]

I tried the DIY kit - did not work for me. Then took my car to a place in Norwich, where they tested for leaks, purged the system, and then filled it up (with dye) - all for £65 cash. Climate now is fantastically cool. Wise investment.

[MarkB]

I've heard that halfords do a DIY refill kit now ... for around £13. It was recommended to me by an aircon engineer!

I think the kit is about £30. Maybe worth doing if you just want to boost the system but still worth purging and testing every other time I would think.

[tartan_rob]

It might be worth buying the kit as it will come in handy anyway. Try it, if you have a leak then you'll have to goto an aircon engineer anyway.
I have used the kit and my car is back to being icey cold and it gets their fast...prices for engineers vary, in Swindon I would pay about £120 for an engineer to come out and do the business, the kit at £50 (£30 for gun and £20 for gas) seems to make much more sense initially.

Rob

[OscarH]

I took it to Kwik-Fit yesterday and it turns out there is a leak. Have booked it into the maindealer to get it fixed.

Great service from Kwik-Fit though. They couldn't help me, so the check to see if there was a leak or not came free of charge.

[s4woody]

i was in a friends rs4 once with his aircon on and i remarked how crap it was..i then saw he had the econ button on..ive always had that on he said..so i switched it of and pow..we had to put our coats on..he never knew about that button..he just thought that his aircon was pants.. best instant mod he,s ever done he said..u live and learn...