Car Air Con - Broken again after less than 2 weeks

DorsetDude

DorsetDude

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Hi all.

Took my car back under warranty to the dealer I got it from 2 weeks ago this wednesday for air con to be fixed. They were were very good, bloke came in a mobile air con van, recharged the system, tested for leaks and I was on my way again quickly, told me it should stay charged for 2 - 8 years.
Over the last few days though it has got worse and now no cool air coming through again. Before I ring them again just wondering if anyone knew what might be the issue so I can mention it or even check somehow before I go back.
Also, the car is still under manufacturer (VW) warranty until December so I have the option of taking it to them instead I guess. Who should I go to first IYO?

Thanks.
 
I assume its a non VW garage you purchased it from? If so I'm not sure how you'd get a VW dealer to repair it, guess I'd drop into my local VW dealer and have a word.
 
If it has got worse over a few days the likelihood is it has a leak and has lost its charge again.

To fiddle with any AC system these days you have to be qualified so there is not much that you can safely suggest that people have a look for, however as people who do car aircon have a fetish for green UV leak detection additives you could see if there are traces of green "oil" near connections also a thing often missed is the Schrader valves leaking - engineer puts gauges on but can not find leak as the gauge port seals and they don't notice when they take them off again. If you remove the plastic caps on the service ports and there is a puff of gas pressure this is a possibility.

As to what to do some one has had one look at it and clearly missed something, will it be the same person checking it if you take it back there ?
 
MatBin said:
I assume its a non VW garage you purchased it from? If so I'm not sure how you'd get a VW dealer to repair it, guess I'd drop into my local VW dealer and have a word.
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The VW main dealer warranty is transferrable so it doesn't matter where I bought it I believe.(car less than 3 years old)


abbandon said:
If it has got worse over a few days the likelihood is it has a leak and has lost its charge again.
To fiddle with any AC system these days you have to be qualified so there is not much that you can safely suggest that people have a look for, however as people who do car aircon have a fetish for green UV leak detection additives you could see if there are traces of green "oil" near connections also a thing often missed is the Schrader valves leaking - engineer puts gauges on but can not find leak as the gauge port seals and they don't notice when they take them off again. If you remove the plastic caps on the service ports and there is a puff of gas pressure this is a possibility.
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Probably wouldnt know where to look to try this
As to what to do some one has had one look at it and clearly missed something, will it be the same person checking it if you take it back there ?
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I suspect it would be yes. So maybe best to give them another go at it.

Thanks.
 
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My advice would be to take it to a VW garage.
 
I think I'll give them one more go at it then go to VW.
 
Manufacturers standard warranties can be invalidated by having work undertaken by non manufacturer certified "technicians", and also be the using of non manufacturer parts, I believe.
 
Have you not spoken to the dealer who arranged the repair ?
When I had mine done by a mobile van last year, the guy that came out to doit specifically said if I had any problems with it
to give him a ring and he'd come back.
 
Gremlin said:
Have you not spoken to the dealer who arranged the repair ?
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Not yet, left a message on answer machine

When I had mine done by a mobile van last year, the guy that came out to doit specifically said if I had any problems with it
to give him a ring and he'd come back.
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A mobile van did mine but I didnt pay because still under warranty with the dealer(so they probably paid him). Unfortunately I still had to drive to the garage I bought it from as he evidently wasnt _that_ mobile.
 
viv1969 said:
Manufacturers standard warranties can be invalidated by having work undertaken by non manufacturer certified "technicians", and also be the using of non manufacturer parts, I believe.
Click to expand...
You can take a vehicle to any VAT registered garage for work to be done without invalidating a warranty, but yes manufacturers parts must be fitted.
 
nilagin said:
You can take a vehicle to any VAT registered garage for work to be done without invalidating a warranty, but yes manufacturers parts must be fitted.
Click to expand...

Thanks....I knew it was something along those lines.
 
What model VW is it ?

If it's still under VW warranty ( 2yrs unlimited mileage /3yrs 60thou miles ) why take it to an independant ?

If it's stone damage to the condensor / compressor it won't be covered under warranty as external forces , regassing can work for a short period if the hole ( damage ) is very small . Unless the person you took it to originally for the regass will recheck it FOC I'd go to a main dealer....if it came to us I'd advise that we'd look at it on the basis of it being warrantable work however if damage is found to be the cause you would be liable for the diagnostic/investigation charge....different garages charge different amounts for this so check before you agree .

hope this helps
 
VW golf Mk 6 1.6 tdi bluemotion.

Independent is a lot nearer than VW and is the place I bought it from. Have a warranty form them as well.

Original "fixer" is coming tomorrow to have another look. I know I wont be paying him anything so yes it'll be FOC.
If he still cant sort I think then I'll try the main dealer for resolution. I rang them last week and they said the place I bought it was my first point of recourse.
 
Sounds like your dealer isn't too helpful .

If the car is under VW warranty they shouldn't crib about looking at it irrespective of where you bought it from....some dealers drive me nuts !
If you need any help drop me a pm :-)
 
They werent cribbing, were quite happy to look at it, but suggested the dealer I got it from might be best first port of call.

Thanks for the offer. Do you work for VW?
 
If the dealer you bought it from has to replace anything, make sure it is a VW oem part otherwise any further problems with the aircon, VW won't honour any claims on their warranty. In all honesty if you still have a manufacturers warranty left on the car, that is the one I'd be using.
 
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