Take it to a Hyundai dealer for repair under warranty - however if there's a leak in the condenser, in front of the engine radiator, they'll no doubr blame it on stone damage which isn't covered.

If the damage to the condenser has been caused by a stone, which is a fairly common occurrence, then I'm afraid I don't think Hyundai will be willing to repair the aircon under warranty. But you can try asking them by all means.

In terms of cost you would be much better off taking your car to an aircon independent and asking them to fit an OEM condenser, rather than a genuine Hyundai one, and test and regas the system. However, I don't know whether this action would invalidate the remainder of your Hyundai warranty, you would need to check.

As a guide, a genuine Ford condenser for my Mondeo was going to cost me nearly £400. I bought, and fitted an OEM one (manufactured by Hella) which cost £100. There's a big difference!

As aircon system had been open to the atmosphere for about 4 years before I repaired it I did purchase a new receiver/dryer. However, when the chap came to regas and test the system, he informed me it wasn't necessary to change it. The fact I'd already purchased the item, though, and couldn't send it back, I did insist it was fitted, which it duly was.

Air con systems open to the elements can cause serious issues if left. The system is mostly alloy and corrodes. The pump is maintained by lubricant and if the system isnt run frequently tha pump seals will dry up and damage can occur to the pump on start up.

Once a system is open to the elements the reciver drier will quickly absorb the mositure and this will be detrimental later on when the system is run again as mositure absorber will freeze along with the rest of the system.

I have seen air con pumps shatter but i have also seen aircon pump belts shred and go up into the cambelt cover and wreck an engine.

The aircon ( so called specialist) that says a new reciver drier isnt needed when its been open to the elements ) is not a specialist at all as he is talking out of his port hole !!!

get it repaired.

Even though the car is under warranty, Hyundai still charge £60 to re-gas with a marker

Both Kia and Hyundai only warranty the gas for 2 years BUT if it needs a re-gas for another reason e.g. a broken pump then the re-gas is free.

The aircon (climate actually) on our 3 year old Ceed stopped working a few months ago. Dealer diagnosed a leaking condensor, I expected a big bill due to possible stone damage. Collected car and simply handed keys, totally free of charge, well happy.

If you carry on driving your car with faulty aircon nothing will happen. It will not get better but the rest of the car will carry on as normal.

BUT when you sell the car the buyer will almost certainly spot its not working and knock a suitable sum of their offer since at that time they will have no idea if its a simple re gas or much more expensive job.

Thus my advice is take it to either a Hyundai garage or a A/C specialist and let them diagnose the issue. It will cost you but if its a cheap re gas you will surely get it sorted and have a fully functioning car.

I also agree with the comments above about this being warranty work but I am surprised garages charge to diagnose issues that are warranty fixes. If I was told that I woudl be onto the manufacturer for advice (or find a better dealer).

I've made the decision to leave it. I've spent too much time having hassle with Hyundai dealers and warranties

I doubt I will sell the car this side of 7 years old, and will take any financial hit (which will be limited at that age) on a non working a/c system. I know it wouldn't make much difference to me as a buyer and I imagine I'm not alone.

But many thanks for all the advice, at least has I suspected leaving it for a later repair is not wise, but I shall now be a happy non a/c car owner - just like the good old days before ECUs ruined the fun of working on cars. How I long for my old Ford Granada, Sierra and Vauxhall Carlton back.

This isn't a spam. I'm just trying to help by suggesting a worth website.

jc2

You are a braver man than me clicking on a link from an unknown poster.

Just to check how does it work getting your aircon fixed in the UK by a bloke from Florida. Hope his hourly rate is cheap and he doesn't charge travelling expenses.