AC problems

[Heggie]

Hello, new here. Girlfriends got a 2016 1.6dci tekna which we got in June 2021 and have had AC issues basically since day one.

It's very intermittent but has been in the garage about 6 times. Been re gased and was checked last October when it had a new sunload sensor fitted. Obviously over winter not really had a need for it. First day the sun shines and its not working.

Last year because the sensor was on back order I had duck tape over the sensor which mostly worked until I went to Belgium where the whole weekend in 30 degree heat it didn't work at all.

I assume the AC system is the same in all models? And again I assume until next week when it can go back on diagnostics and have gas checked it's all functioning as it should.

Is there anything I can maybe look at myself or common self fixes? We have spent over £500 and still it performs like day one

[andy2019]

Normally the condensor that goes on most cars and thats where your gas leaks from. So thats where the garage should be looking at when they have the car next

[MikeGC]

Welcome to the forum.

Can I suggest that you get a pressure test at a reputable air conditioning specialist.
The condenser is in a ridiculous position and prone to stone strikes.
There’s a known issue with poor welding on them too.

For what it’s worth, I never turn my air con off, keeps the seals lubricated.

[Deleted User 10757]

I produced a shield to place in front of mine , transfer it from Qashqai to Qashqai.
Not had a stone strike - but every Qashqai has had at least 1 condenser failure due to poor manufacturing standards

[Heggie]

Thanks for the replies.

The 2nd time it went in they said the condenser. But on checking it hadn't lost any gas and they say was working as should. Guessing it could cause the intermittent problems?

Shes just started the car to defrost it and said it was freezing but not sure it would work below 4 degrees? She's also works in district nursing in the community so could see 10-15 people and in the car in between. So it's important it works all day.

It's only April so the fact it didn't work yesterday isn't a great start to her warmer months lol

[RBert]

I am having the same problem with my J11 2014 Tekna. On top of the A/C not working, the recirculation button does not engage the flaps to close the outside air intake.
Let us know if you figure out the problem.

[Qashowner]

I have a 2014 Acenta Premium which I purchased second hand 3 and a half years ago. Just out of warranty and the a/c stopped working had it tested and the condenser was shot. Apparently the build quality of these is not so good. It had not been hit by any stones, but had tell tale leaks all over the place. Get the car looked at by a specialist a/c guy.

[Grebacwhite]

Condenser is a very common failure on QQ's, mines currently awaiting a new aftermarket condenser to be fitted. Look for damp patches on the front of it, or a puddle of liquid at the bottom(mines pooled on the nearside underneath the condenser) and look at the undertray, if you have wet marks sweeping back due to the wind, thats a good sign it's leaked too.
Should go about 4 years between air con re-gas, if it's only 2 years since last re-gas then you have a leak.