Air conditioning faliure on Vauxhall Zafira 1.6

[sezzy99]

Please help. Any ideas why the air conditioning doesn't kick in (get cold) when turned on. The button light comes on and the fan's working with heat on all settings. Many thanks!

[Panic Button]

Probably needs recharging with coolant. I guess your main dealer could do it, but I am now hearing radio ads for Kwik Fit saying they can do it.
Trouble with Kwik Fit is while you are there they will condemn some tyres and tell you your shocks need changing aswell.

[dilligaf]

Panic Button forgot to mention a new exhaust as well.

[dilligaf]

Most garages are now equipped to service air con units in cars.

If you dont have a particular garage ask around and try and find a trustworthy one. Its a problem where you could be ripped off.

Service and re pressurising air con should cost about �40 depending on where you live.

[sickofhome]

my husband is a car aircon engineer. He says firstly to make sure you take your vehicle to a reputable person because if the job is not done right it can be dangerous, not just to your car but also you. It will most likely just need a regas, but the system must be evacuated and placed into a vacuum before regassing, for how long depends on type of vehicle, a zafira is for at least a half hour. also gas must be weighed in because a precise amount must be placed back into the system, as too much can blow any weak spots in the system and to little will not allow the high/low pressure switch to operate, a zafira gas weight also depends on if it has 1 or 2 evaporators, so can be 650g or 900g. before regassing make sure they pressure test system with nitrogen not air, making sure you have no leaks. other faults in brief.. expansion valve can stick not allowing gas to flow or too much to flow, receiver dryer or accumalator can be knacked or pressure switch can be down not allowing compressor to kick in. hope this helps, sorry it's so long