We diagnose and repair car air conditioning: refrigerant leaks, compressors, condensers, expansion valves, blower motors, blend doors and climate-control electronics. We identify and repair the leak before recharging; "topping up" a leaking system is a short-term fix that wastes money.
Common AC problems in our climate
- AC blows warm or only cools at speed
- Cools at first, then warms up in traffic
- Weak airflow from the vents
- Bad smell from the vents
- Noise when the AC is switched on
- Water on the passenger footwell
- Climate control display errors or flap noises (European models)
How we diagnose AC faults
A pressure test, temperature readings at the vents, an electronic leak test and, on European cars, a scan of the climate-control module, which logs its own fault codes and sensor readings. Condensers sit at the front of the car and take stone and road damage on Jamaican roads; compressor clutches and electric fans fail in the heat; blend-door motors fail with age. Each has a different fix and a different cost, which is why we test rather than assume.
Systems are recovered and recharged by weight with the refrigerant your vehicle specifies (R-134a or R-1234yf) and the correct oil. Over- or under-charging both reduce cooling and shorten compressor life.
Questions about air conditioning
Why does my AC work on the highway but not in traffic?
At low speed the system relies on the cooling fans to move air across the condenser. A weak fan, a blocked condenser or a low charge shows up first in traffic. It is one of the most common AC complaints in Jamaica and is diagnosable.
Can you just regas it?
A system that needs regassing has a leak; refrigerant does not get used up. We find and fix the leak first so the recharge lasts.