I just got a call from an Independent A/C repair shop and they said the Mini will not accept an A/C recharge. Any ideas why?

 

Pretty simple system, if it won't recharge the system has a leak. Find leak. Fix leak. Evacuate and recharge system. Big leaks are easier to find and can be done just by pressing system with N2. Smaller leaks may benefit from UV dye injected into system and can be detected easily with a black light.

HTH,

 

they should be telling you why

"won't accept" sounds a bit strange - there is nothing unusual about a MINI's a/c versus any other car.

Now I've been told it can't be recharged because of a leak in the system - had the dryer develop a leak and later the condensor . . . and even had a compressor failure (no, not all on the MINI) but have not heard "won't accept" a recharge. Shops won't recharge a system if they know it is simply going to flow right out a hole (on the other hand the last car I took in for a check, they told me there was a small leak and I said I would wait on the repair but could they 'top off' the system to buy me time. They did - 18 months ago, and we're talking Florida . . . )

Now I suppose it is possible that what they mean is the system IS fully charged, so a recharge isn't going to help you with your problem (I assume you HAVE a problem)

If a shop tells you something you don't understand - ASK .... I HOPE you ask your doctor questions if they tell you something you don't understand. If either blows you off it is time to find a new provider.

 

I'm with the captain here. I don't understand what they are trying to tell you.

 

I'm with the "not sure what they mean" crowd, too.

In the A/C system, the pressure at the fill port will be at its highest when the compressor is *not* engaged, and will drop when the compressor kicks in. That's why you always have the A/C running full-blast when you add refrigerant. It's possible that your compressor isn't engaging, so the pressure at the fill port is too high to accept any new refrigerant.

What was it that caused you to go to the shop in the first place? Was your A/C not working at all, or did you feel that you needed a top-off because it just wasn't working at maximum efficiency?

 

Hi, Which is the fill-port on the MINI? On my 2007 Base, there's one on the left (as you look at the motor) and one on the right. I have a standard DIY A/C recharge kit which I used on my 2001 Focus, and it does fit the port on the left but the pressure on it was way high - I'm thinking I forgot to have the car and A/C running though. I'd really appreciate confirmation that I was on the correct port, thanks!