SOT: Condenser for aircon (Nissan Micra)

My local garage charges £40 for a recharge plus £120/kg for R134a and £170/kg for R1234YF. All ex VAT. On a recharge this also includes the oil the trace dye they always add. Older medium size cars take more than 0.7kg and modern cars under 0.7kg. If the gas is completely missing they will charge £25 for a leak test (refundable if remedial work is undertaken by them.

The problem may be finding someone willing to fit a second hand "spare", plus you will not get any guarantee.

On a 16 year old car I personally wouldn't bother if the AC is working, albeit not as well as when new. Judging by the temperatures this June just make sure the heating is still working :)

Stick something like this in the vent.

Basically: Pump out gas from system Unscrew condenser Screw in new condenser Vacuum out system Pressure test Regas

You probably want to change the receiver dryer while you're in there. You could flush the lines but if the system isn't punctured then not much point.

Labour will really depend how much dismantling is needed to get to the condenser - does the bumper, radiator need to come off. Check YT for videos showing your model.

They may be able to collect your gas in a vessel and then pump it back in. I don't think that's standard for regassing though - I think they just drain and refill, with the old refrigerant going into a bulk cylinder for reprocessing. Personally I'd wait until it needs regassing next time and then change the condenser. The condenser failing is unlikely to cause expensive damage.

Theo

Okay, I think that's a consensus. Thanks very much.

The condensor, cannot be replaced, without emptying and refilling the system. Most of the cost of which, is the labour involved. Swapping the condensor, probably involves removal of the front of the car.