PaulW

Okay, so you have a R134A system that has a slow leak and your AC basically stopped working.

You want to recharge the system, but this is how you do it:

1. Attached a recovery system to the high pressure side with the engine off, evacuate the system for 30 minutes (BTW, the machine does all the work).

2. Recharge the system with 750CC of R134A (and lubricant).

3. Turn the compressor over by hand 10 times.

4. With the compressor off, start the car.

5. Turn on compressor and make sure everything works.

How much should this cost? What do you think the dealer would charge for this?

I'm asking, will tell you what I got quoted for the dealer, going to call a few AC places.

pw

backdoc

Never had it done on any of my vehicles, but I know a can of R134A from NAPA cost about $12-$15, and I can't imagine it would take too long to evacuate and recharge the system. Maybe 20 minutes for the whole process. Realistically with the R134A and the labor it should only cost less that $100, but AC shops don't work in the real world so i'm going to guess you got quoted $300. What do I win if I get it right LOL!
Doug 97A8Q
Just went over the 110K mark!

PaulW

Okay, the dealer wanted $250, and two cans of R134A is about $14 total.

borden

It is a pain to charge a8 system. Dealer wonted 149$ for the job. I had it done at independent called "German motors" they service audi bmw and mb. They charged me 100$.

Before that I tried about 5 other ac places and non had the adapter for the high pressure line.

DM

borden

Well, your dealer as usuall on good DRUGS> I called 2 dealers in the area and both wanted 150. THe problem was the time. they were booked solid for a week and I could not leave the car.
Independtant who new what needs to be done charged 100.

skiracer

would likely double or triple that quote......

im_cecil

Paul --

It's a closed system, and leaks aren't "natural". You'll just end up topping it off over and over again. I have a 16-year old car that still has its factory AC charge.

PaulW

I had a 91 200q that had its original charge until 2000 and it needed to be recharged, worked great.....then I sold the car.

I have a 97 and noticed that on certain days during this summer I would notice it wasn't cooling as fast as it use to when it was warm.

I don't think it's a huge leak, maybe if I charge it, it could last for another 3 or 4 years. If that's the case, I'm not going to bother finding the leak.

Brdman*

try a VW dealer.

tozoM8

If you have a small leak only, you can buy a kit with all kind of fittings and leak stopper. I have the filler hose and the pressure gauge if you need them.