It was pretty hot out last week hitting 39c and the air con was struggling to keep car cool. Air con setting to lowest and max fan speed for the air to feel warmish. Car was recently serviced without any error codes so would like to check freon low/high pressure.

I know the GT takes between 20-22oz of R134a but can't find any information for low/high pressure. Will go back to garage but like to be armed with more information before I visit.

Thanks

 

there will be no error codes for refrigerant unless it gets below a certain level,usually meaning none in system. as for pressures ,they can vary depending on where you are, it is best to visit shop and ask them to extract charge and tell you how much they extracted, pull a vacuum and let sit for 15 mins, refill with the 1.3lbs and see what pressures are then low should get down to 35-40 and high 200 but no more than 300, rev it up and see if it pulls low side into a vacuun meaning there is a blockage. what was the actual temp at the vents, if you have a meat thermometer shove it in there and see, anything above 50 F and you have an issue.

 

I have the same problem but assume it just needs a recharge. Typically, I am in France at the moment, Hot!
Next service due so I will get the nice chaps at Knutsford to sort it in a couple of weeks.

 

Thanks for the reply Peter.

Found out if fan speed is under 4 bars it blows out pretty cool air making bulls eye vents cold to touch. However, any higher and it struggles to provide a constant stream of cool air.

When I jump back into the merc it's ice cold without any issues whatsoever. Will find time and let garage have a look and recharge system.

 

Do you go to dealer or Ivor who has an independent in Cheshire ?

 

I made a post a while back with the same issue. No codes etc on the VAS5054A but when I took it to the Bentley garage they found the coolant level was low. Air temp before was getting over 30 degC ( hotter than outside) now its between 4 to 5 deg with outside temp 21degC.
I had the full AC clean and service done whilst it was there.
Frank

 

Hi Bentleytech. I use 'Bentley Manchester' at Knutsford. It's like a day out just visiting their showroom. Their service is second to none also.
I haven't actually thought about an Indie for the GT although my Jag XJR's always went to one.

Les.

 

Noticed the same in the GTC this past weekend and after hooking up the meter/gauge it read about 1/2 way-to-low, so just went to the auto parts store and got more R134A and filled her up. Total cost was about $15 since I had the gauge. The hookup is easy to find on the (USA spec) driver side by removing the long plastic cover nearest the windshield. You want the AC port with black plastic cover that is closest to the windshield. The entire procedure took about 10 minutes.

 

I was reading up on the port location and workshop manual states wiper arms need to be removed?

Dealer quoted 600 bucks to check n recharge air con.

 

Hi Enjoythemusic.

I am sure that I read on IETIS that the wipers have to be removed first, then the plastic cover. That's why I am not going to try a VW garage out here in France. I know that they wouldn't have a clue. However, if it's easy to get to the recharge point I might reconsider.

Les.

 

No need to remove wipers at all. Just remove the long, rear plastic cover in the engine bay and you're there. Takes about 40 seconds max to remove. You will need to push away a bit of the rear engine bay plastic seal to remove the long plastic bit. It is VERY easy and intuitive. Common sense and a gauge/R134a is all you'll need if it is a simple refill job. Just remember to not overfill and the opening in the rearmost (towards trunk) black plastic cover. Oh hell, it'll take me 5 minutes to take photos, so will post pics below in a second or three. Need to go out there and remove things. Ok, 5 minutes and i'll be back with pics.


$600?!? Really? After looking back at my engine-out invoice and the reaming job on parts costs, seems to me Bentley Service is getting too high $$ for the 'value' so am going to seek elsewhere for servicing the B quite frankly unless it MUST be something only they can do (read: reprogramming things).


PS: Before R134a filling, start car and run the AC as cold as she can. The R134a has instructions on the bottle, simply read and follow them and look at gauge on the refill hose


$600? Really?!?! For a 10 minute job?

 

CORRECTION: You do not need to remove the ENTIRE plastic cover, just the rear right side. See pics below. And notice the time stamps on my posts, THAT is how fast and easy it is including taking pics and Photoshopping them


Just DO NOT overfill. A little less is better than a bit more. You can always refill in 10 minutes around 4 years or so depending on your AC use

 

Hi Les.
Bentley services of Cheshire is run by guy called Ivor and Les was his partner, Les was an instructor for Bentley and Ivor was a flying doctor and Bentley technical advisor for the factory, they get a lot of work from the Manchester dealer mainly due to just too over priced. Ivor is a good friend of mine and please don't think i am blowing his trumpet, once your Bentley is out of warranty it makes no sense to pay dealer prices if you can find a good indie. if anything pop by and see him next time you are in the area. But if you are happy with Bentley Manchester then why change. if i was still in UK i would be offering my services in the south !!
Peter.

 

If you set up shop in HK Peter I will be your customer for sure!

I had check up and oil change at a specialist that charged $900. Had coolant and brake fluid replaced for additional $450 and labor charge of $250 to replace rear PDC sensor with bumper off.

Overall happy with their service as they use B trained tech but wasn't too happy when B oil cap was upside down and they forgot to reset service light! Also did not spot driver's door hinge was squeaking slightly so not really sure what their "check up" consist or if they follow the recommended check list from Bentley.

I guess better above is acceptable vs paying $4000 at dealer for check up and oil change!

J

 

Hi again Bentleytech.

Thanks for that info'. I did actually view their website yesterday and found that they are in Crewe, not too far from Prestbury where I am based.
The only concern is that I might have to have an engine out job due to a Cam Sensor, I still get an intermittent warning lamp, so I will have to sort another car as the GT is my daily driver.
Having read about their history and your recommendation has put me at ease.
Many thanks.
Les.