2018 Renault Kadjar Air Conditioning Repair: Finding a Porous Condenser

A 2018 Renault Kadjar came into Car Vitals with the air conditioning no longer blowing cold. Rather than simply re-gassing the system and sending it back out, we set about finding out where the refrigerant had gone.

Initial air conditioning diagnosis

We carried out a nitrogen pressure test first. The system held pressure with no noticeable decay, so there was no obvious large leak showing on the test. Because the air conditioning had gone warm and the system had lost refrigerant, we continued the investigation rather than assuming everything was fine.

Removing the bumper to find the leak

To get proper access to the condenser and the usual suspect leak points, we removed the front bumper and used a soapy-water solution while inspecting the system closely. A damp patch on the condenser stood out and pointed to the condenser itself being porous.

This is a good example of why an air conditioning fault is not always solved by a quick regas. A small or slow leak can be difficult to spot on an initial static pressure test, so the visual inspection and evidence around the condenser were important in reaching the diagnosis.

Condenser replaced and R1234yf re-gas completed

Once the porous condenser had been identified, we replaced it with a new unit. The system was then re-gassed with R1234yf refrigerant and checked again. The result: air conditioning back to blowing cold and operating as it should.

Why proper leak diagnosis matters

If refrigerant has escaped, there is a reason for it. Recharging a leaking system without finding the cause can leave the customer paying for another regas when the air conditioning goes warm again. Taking the time to investigate properly means the actual fault can be repaired rather than temporarily hidden.

Air conditioning repair in Birmingham

Car Vitals provides air conditioning diagnostics, nitrogen pressure testing, leak detection, condenser replacement and re-gassing for both R1234yf and R134a systems. If your car's air conditioning is blowing warm or losing its gas, get in touch and we can diagnose the cause properly.