On the 17th March 2021 I went in to get the aircon gas done as it was on special.
I told them that I am unaware of the condition of the system, so if we can vacuum test it and if ok to gas it up. after waiting an hour and a bit (I presume for the vac test), I hear a screeching noise. The mechanic comes out telling me my compressor is done and needs replacing. I say thanks for the diagnosis but I'll check the AC clutch myself at home.
Not much more than some surface rust on the clutch I deemed it ok. I run the AC to after 20 seconds all the pipes start vibrating so intensely and snapping two clips holding the pipe past the Receiver Drier. At this point the clutch also starts slipping.
Heading around to turn the car off I'm to late as a huge cloud of gas rushes out of the system past an O-ring I presume, one major from the condenser inlet and one from the pump itself. Car turned off and gas still hissing out for 3 min.
Taking my car to a family member who is in refrigeration. He puts gauges on to find the low side over 150psi. This is a massive over charge causing my system to fail.
We recovered the over charge to where the system stopped rattling and it works as expected. unfortunately I now have a noticeable leak where the system was compromised due to the over pressure. This had to be pulled due to it leaking to the atmosphere. Before this released the gas the first time the psi must have been well over 200 psi!!!
I called up JAX to explain what had happened and what we had done to come to that conclusion. I was then answered by the receptionist who I had dealt with on the day I took my car in.
His answer was "Nah mate impossible, there's no way we over charged it". I said I have a picture of the gauges proving that the system was over charged. His answer is " nah mate we have an automatic machine so its impossible". I said you still have to input the parameters into the machine so it knows what to do. He said "nah mate its all automated there's no way we had anything to do with it" This guy then heavily frustrated at me starts picking at if I am a mechanic, to which I am. saying "well why don't ya just do it yourself then, or if your family member is a fridge guy why didn't he do it?" Simple answer we we don't have the gas. during this discussion he continues to tell me that it is IMPOSSIBLE to over gas a air con system. Like I'm some gullible individual that knows nothing about what I am talking about.
I asked him if we was able to go to his machine to confirm the settings that were dialed in for my vehicle. " Nah mate just bring it in and we will have a look".
This man was so condescending towards me it was almost unbelievable.
First of all yes, one thousand times yes you can over charge the AC system.
Second is that there is no way you will ever touch my car again. If that is the face of the business, how you talk to customers and make them feel as they are wrong, how insulting and defensive you become when spoken to about an issue that has happened. Lucky for me I know a thing or two. Not to mention the mechanic claiming my compressor is done.
Thirdly I was waiting for my car to finish, I spoke to the guy saying what rims do you have in stock that will fit mine. I would of been happy to wait for a full change over balance with a wheel alignment on top. I could have even easily been talked into new tread as well for an upcoming trip for 3 months I have planned. He just answers me with a chuckle and blows me off. Well safe to say what I thought to that response.
And lastly, in my line of work I get a high amount of people who ask me to provide inputs to good workshops in the area for service and work. I will now have my first place to not recommend. read more
