[ITSv40]

Charles, You are in an unknown position regarding maintenance history of the aircon and when it last worked and whether it even worked effectively. All you know is it worked when the car left the factory and it isn't now.

Before opening up the system it needs to be degassed by an accredited specialist - it is illegal otherwise.

My advice is to have the car degassed and re-gassed by an accredited specialist - not one of those quickfix cowboys.

Any remaining gas in the system will be recovered and the system checked for leaks - the leak test is a legal requirement before refilling with gas. The system will be dried and the correct amount of gas and compressor oil will be added and then the system will work if everything else is ok. If not, you will know it is not an issue with low gas, or that there is a leak in the system, it has to be something else. You will be in a known position to progress further if needed or hopefully enjoy cool motoring.

I have all my cars emptied and refilled every year as part of routine maintenance. My previous V40 that I had for 17 years and covered 370,000mls never had any aircon issues and even the condensor had not rusted through - a common fault due to water collecting in the old refrigerant and rusting out from the inside. We did have to have a new condensor on 'er indoors Mini Cooper due to stone damage, but I have now fitted a stainless steel mesh in front to stop that recurring.

I have used Beecool in Kettering for the last 20 years and never had any issues with them, always top quality work and not expensive compared with the quickfix cowboys. there will be a specialist in the Peterborough area.