Bought the car with no running ac....gonna buy some freon and put it in to see if that works...just wanted to know what the most common ac problem is with S5s

 

wow.. that's a giant sig...

i have A/C, it works perfectly.

 

Most common problem is leaks, but this is no different than all other 15-25 year old cars. Solution is the same as any other A/C system.

Next most common problem is probably logicon problems. Shorts, intermittent switches and fan control. Replace with a good one, or resolder the old solder joints and clean the fan controls with contact cleaner in your old one.

Biggest decision you will have is what refrigerant to use. You are in the South and must deal with heat and humidity.

DO NOT just charge with R134a. You will not get good results-high head pressures and reduced capacity.

DO NOT use any of the Hydrocarbon based refrigerants, they won't give you good cooling performance when it gets hot and humid.

DO use either the original R12 (not as expensive as it is perceived) or use Freeze12, an easily available (ebay and many parts stores) drop in replacement. We get good results with Freeze12 in Texas, Arizona and Florida with our cars and this refrigerant.

Do replace the dryer as part of the process.



Good Luck. Ask if you have more questions.

 

^ +1. Plus R-134a will not distribute R-12 lubricant. After you completely run out of R-12 your A/C will have no lubrication and it'll be toast. I got freeze12 myself, good stuff. You'd probably have to order it online, but same goes for R-12 I bet.

 

just had mine fixed with freeze12, works fine. I heard the same, don't use r134, it only causes problems. It pays to take it to a regular shop first, they will put dye in and check for majpr leaks, if after that it leaks a little , you can refill it yourself.