AirCon Was much better than wifes 2017 tdci st line. but it  has suddenly stopped working. It is 17 years old and is totally reliable.

Is there any easy fix. The AC light comes on. Could it be just lack of refrigerant and which type I believe there are 2. 

any suggestions very welcome.

2008 will use the older, cheaper gas.

Chances are it has just slowly lost gas over 17 years, and is now below the pressure switch threshold.  Most systems won't hold all of the gas for that long.

Though I wouldn't rule out a damaged condenser radiator yet.

Having the gas level checked is the first step.  If it's slightly low it just needs a regas.  If it's all gone then there's a major leak somewhere.

22 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Having the gas level checked is the first step.  If it's slightly low it just needs a regas.  If it's all gone then there's a major leak somewhere.

Will offer my usual recommendation of getting a re-charge from KwikFit. If it doesn't work, they will give you a refund so you won't lose any money...

Helpful gents thanks. I looked at a filler pipe with guage from Temu £8 but not sure about gas yet. Day off so will try to gen up.

later reading.

Looks like R134A  is Kit up to 2014 on the Bay with pipe, guage and  can for £39  only bad bit is Ervi delivery they delivered empty box contents missing but still 'delivered' I could  get it delivered to local Argos. 

I have no idea why you'd want to mess about with a gas that can cause blindness when you'd have access to a company that do this as part of their bread and butter. Still, it's your choice...

1 hour ago, frund said:

Helpful gents thanks. I looked at a filler pipe with guage from Temu £8 but not sure about gas yet. Day off so will try to gen up.

later reading.

Looks like R134A  is Kit up to 2014 on the Bay with pipe, guage and  can for £39  only bad bit is Ervi delivery they delivered empty box contents missing but still 'delivered' I could  get it delivered to local Argos. 

2008 is definitely R134A.  R1234YF wasn't used on Fiesta until 2016.

This really isn't a DIY job.  I've done it several times and it never works properly.  As Stephen says, just take it to KwikFit/ATS/F1 Autocentres or any chain with a money back guarantee.

They'll check how much gas is in the system, then vacuum it empty to burn off any moisture, check it holds vacuum to prove no major leaks, then refill with the correct quantity of gas for this model.

Advice taken. going past locak Kwik Fit later will ask for information. If the process is very costly I will drive with windows down a bit. Very old car the  AirCon  is a bonus. 

I wonder what they charge.

Kwik Fit - £72 (quoted on their website). 

ATS - £67.50

F1 Autocentres - £59

Protyre - £47.49 (with promo code)

 

The best deals are available in winter unfortunately.  Don't let them charge extra for a 'clean' or 'refresh' which is basically just spraying some Dettol in the vents.  Nothing to do with the regas at all.

Agree with all of above, check, vacuum down, test for leaks, add leak detector oil, regas etc.

I'd ask if the regas is guaranteed to remain good for any length of time (just in case there's another fault)?
C-MAX some time ago didn't have the vacuum test, just pressurised and it lasted 2 days because there was a condenser leak (common) so the testing is crucial.
If you've had no smell then likely no need for anything else although a cheap DIY "bomb" can maybe kill any bugs and make it smell nice for a bit.
It has done well if it's been OK since 2008!

Update.

You put me right. No brainer once you know.  Josh tomorrow 'anytime after 11' he said. 2 miles away. 

If it is major surgery then windows down will be fine. It does about 3K per year. 

Usually they put dye in to detect leaks when they refill. Ask them about it in case it doesn't work - it glows with UV light to detect the leak(s).

Also, regular short daily/at least weekly use help to distribute oil to keep seals flexible.

Long periods without use may aggravate leaks?

8 hours ago, Shearers said:

Long periods without use may aggravate leaks?

Entirely agree - I have never turned off A/C in any car I have owned. My mums 2001 Toyota Yaris hasn't had the A/C touched, or switched off since car built and still runs ice cold, though, it is a Toyota...

My Mum owned her car from new and never switched off the AC.  It broke 4 times in 4 years around 10 years old.

I only ever used AC during excessive heat and never broke AC on any car doing that.

So I'd have to say regular use probably doesn't make as much difference to longevity as people think.

16 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

My Mum owned her car from new and never switched off the AC.  It broke 4 times in 4 years around 10 years old.

Regular use would exclude the issue of a stone through the condenser, or a faulty/leaking compressor, either of which could happen on driving a new car and would come under the heading of, 'bad luck'...

2 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

Regular use would exclude the issue of a stone through the condenser, or a faulty/leaking compressor, either of which could happen on driving a new car and would come under the heading of, 'bad luck'...

Neither of those happened in this case.  A few seals had to be replaced (proving that regular use didn't keep them supple!) and one of the filler valves started leaking after a regas so that had to be replaced as well.  The last time it broke no leak dye could be seen anywhere so assumed to be a leak inside the car somewhere.  She bought a new (used) car instead, AC works fine and will be repaired under warranty if it does break any time soon.

Update Sat 17th May 25

Well,  I went to KwikFit, as suggested by members above, at 11 am this morning. Had a word with Josh who was a young pleasant chap and said the keys are in the ignition. 3/4 hour later he arrived in reception with good news.  No leaks fully charged and ready for the next heatwave.  I paid £72.99 with a small contribution to Air Ambulance. I started the car blower already on 4 it was like a freezer in there. I mentioned the almost eBay big mistake kit for £40.  They are apparantly illegal.

An excellent outcome all round. 

Thanks to members above for corrective suggestions and general guidance. Diolch. (thanks)

53 minutes ago, frund said:

Thanks to members above for corrective suggestions and general guidance. Diolch. (thanks)

mae croeso i chi 👍