Something wrong with aircon

[VesperZ]

Hey guys,

This question is not actually for me, it's for my mate. Basically he has a Series 2 VT commodore and his aircon isn't working. He's taken it to a mechanic and they have run various tests on it. They have replaced the air-compressor, they have re-gassed it 2 times, and they have even run dye through it to try to pin-point the issue. The verdict of those tests is that something behind the dash needs replacing. I believe it's a leak of some form. Now I have never really poked my head behind the dash in a VT so I was wondering if anyone here may have a little more information about what to look for. I believe most of the aircon components are towards the passenger side of the dash behind the glovebox. Correct me if I am wrong...

Thanks in advance

[VesperZ]

Wow, I'm suprised there hasn't been any response to this... surely there's someone out there with info on this?

[wana s' charge stock vt]

not 100% sure what it is but mines leaking from behind the dash somewhere too, get it regased and last's a week then empty and comp' wont switch on cause low on gas. and used to stink afer switching it off. $1200(max) i got quoted, i just forgot about it after that quote, not paying that much.

not sure if it'll help ya or not, but cant hurt - the only thing i can see in gregorys manual that i cant see under the bonnet is that theres a (tx valve) and an (evaporator) somewhere behind the dash. i'd say it would have to be one of those or a leaking join.
my bet would be the evaporator.

pic might give ya some idea too.

if ya do figure it out post what it was and how easy it was to do.

[VesperZ]

Ah yea, it sounds like it might be something like that. There's not really much else going on there. I will have a look at it and see if I can find the problem.

[WPN_L67]

TX valves are a BIG problem in the commos, as are the air comps. but, since thats been replaced, i would say more than likley its the tx valve. when you tak out the evaporator, the tx is basically with it, so replace both.

let us know how you get on.

ty.

[IvanTheTerrible]

TX valves are a BIG problem in the commos, as are the air comps. but, since thats been replaced, i would say more than likley its the tx valve. when you tak out the evaporator, the tx is basically with it, so replace both.

let us know how you get on.

ty.

TX is on the engine side of the firewall and the evaporator is inside of the car. You have to remove the TX to remove the evap. I've never replaced TX in a Commodore in my life except if we have a compressor fail.
If they have dyed it there should be traces in the drain tube under the car. The main leak points for Commodores are the condenser or drier, the hose connections on the compressor or the valves in the guage ports. It can be a bastard to find A/C leaks in cars.



Ian

[riki7454]

I would say the evaporator is leaking behind the dash, If you get an A/C guy to come have a look (mobiles guy cost me $80 last week) he will use a sniffer tool that picks up leaks. I am pulling my dash apart at the moment so he can come back and replace the evap unit and regas the system, he will be able to confirm with the sniffer that the leak is gone once the evap is replaced. I was quoted a days labour for pulling dash in and out and after doing just the removal i can say its fair, but worth saving yourself the money if you are confident and have the time. The unit itself I have found cheapest for $176 from speedy air spares and some other quotes near $500, all in all a very expensive job once regas etc is paid but once again I will stress labour is the big killer with the dash removal part. Your tx valve could or could not be leaking, mine wasnt picking up any signs with the sniffer from inside the engine bay, but was picking up under the dash (the only part under the dash that has refridgerant is the evaporator core btw) I highly recommend getting a mobile guy with one of the sniffer things to come have a look, I have spent alot of money trying to find the problem and the only one willing to point a finger at a specific problem and not just take my money to regas the system was the mobile guy with this tool. Hopefully my aircon woes will be over after next week or so and I will report back if I remember, hopefully this can help you or others with there problem too.