Standard aircon struggling in hot weather?

[Pineweasel]

I have a 2012 Cali with the standard air conditioning (i.e not Climatronic).

On the journey down to Glastonbury on that baking Wednesday last week, the dashboard readout was showing temperatures in the mid-thirties most of the way. The temperature was set to the minimum, and the fan on 3, but the air coming out of the vents didn't seem to be very cool. There was also a noticeable whining sound, which disappeared when I turned the aircon off. I'd never heard anything like it before so I resigned myself to taking a trip to the dealer to have it investigated.

However on our return trip, with the temperatures back down in the mid-20s, all was well. Cool air and no whining. So, do I have a fault or was the noise just a symptom of the system operating at its limits?

 

[Max-Felix]

When did you last have a re-gas?

 

[hirsty]

+1 for a re-gas.

I don't have Climatronic, but then again I didn't have aircon at all in my previous van & no-one expired...

The standard setup could ideally be a little stronger, but it should be doing better than you describe & I'd personally take it to a specialist for advice.

 

[Loz]

if it needs regassing it must have a leak...

is the condenser radiator clean?

 

[RoB5urf]

Yep, we were stuck on the M25 last Monday in 30+ degrees. We don't have Climatronic either but no complaints from the back.

 

[Pineweasel]

Thanks for the replies. I had the air con serviced a few months ago when I took it in for a full service. Time to go back to the dealer then...