What does an air conditioning condenser do?

The condenser sits at the front of the radiator and is an integral part of your air conditioning (AC) system. It converts the refrigerant gas into a cold liquid to provide chilled air throughout your vehicle, to keep you and your passengers at a comfortable temperature on a hot day.

How often should a condenser need replacing?

A well-maintained and properly serviced condenser should last as long as your car will. However, as with all vehicle components, they’re prone to wear and tear, and leakage and blockage can create irreparable damage.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

A faulty air conditioner won’t affect your car’s MOT but it can affect the comfort of you and your passengers. It’s worth keeping your air conditioning running at its optimum performance as the impact it can have on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency could significantly affect the day-to-day cost of your motoring.

What happens when we replace your condenser?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will check for possible fault codes relating to your air conditioning that could lead them directly to a condenser fault.

• Wherever required your condenser will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.

• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.

• Once the faulty condenser has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes an AC condenser to stop working correctly?

There are a variety of reasons your **AC condenser **could need replacing. It could be that the fan has stopped functioning correctly, or that the condenser has developed a leak or blockage somewhere. It may be because it has become clogged by refrigerant contaminated with unwanted elements, infiltrating it from other parts of the system. It’s also possible that objects being thrown up from the road—including gravel, litter and other debris—could cause damage to interfere with your condenser’s correct operation.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning AC condenser

Your air con isn’t as cold as normal or not working at all

Your condenser could have stopped working correctly if you notice that the air conditioning in your car isn’t providing the usual levels of cold air as normal, or if it isn’t working at all.

You can hear a ticking sound or see liquid

A ticking sound from your engine or areas of liquid leaking around the air conditioning unit are signs that your condenser could be malfunctioning.

Your fuel consumption isn’t as high as normal

A malfunctioning condenser could also affect your fuel consumption, so if you notice that you’re not achieving your usual mpg, it could be time to have your condenser checked out.

Jeep

Jeep is a brand of American automobiles, established over 70 years ago in 1943, and has been owned by the Italian-American corporation Fiat Chrysler Automobiles since 1987.

How popular is Jeep in the United Kingdom?

Jeep’s current range consists solely of SUV and off-road vehicles, but there’s plenty available for every eventuality. Whether you need a car for an out-and-out adventure or a luxury family vehicle, Jeep has something for just about anyone.

There were 83k Jeep vehicles on the UK roads by the end of 2018, a number that could show signs of growth with the marque’s plans to introduce more small and large SUVs and fully electric models to the range.

Crossing streams or navigating the school run—you can do it all in a Jeep

With a 5-year warranty and a selection of body styles and sizes, Jeep has SUVs and 4x4s that traverse the full range. With a starting price of under £20k for the compact Renegade, all the way up the ranks to the £90k Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Jeep will get you where you’re going, however you choose to do it.

Be part of the Jeep family at Camp Jeep

For Jeep owners across Europe, and in some of the most stunning and challenging locations available, Camp Jeep gives their drivers an event of their own to celebrate the bond between the brand and its fans. With a packed programme of off-road test-driving, and theory and practical courses held by the Jeep Academy, the camp is backed up with additional social activities including hot air balloon flights, concerts and family fun and games to provide the perfect atmosphere.

You don’t get that kind of inclusion from any of the typical mainstream brands.

Jeep’s reliability and reputation

Jeep ranked 29th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. With a fairly low score of 82.7% (but not as low as Land Rover’s 76.5%), it’s somewhat of a surprise for a car that is designed to go anywhere and handle whatever you can throw at it.

Recent Jeep recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on Jeep models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

04/03/2019 – Jeep Wrangler (2018)

The welds on the front track bar bracket may not be located correctly on the seam.

03/02/2019 – Jeep Compass & Jeep Cherokee (2018)

Incorrect coating of the brake pistons can result in the formation of gas in the hydraulic system.

12/10/2018 – Jeep Compass (2017–2018)

A faulty rear seat-back locking mechanism could lead to the seat back folding forward unexpectedly in the event of rapid deceleration.

12/10/2018 – Jeep Liberty (2003–2007)

Corrosion on the rear transverse control arms may cause them to break.

06/10/2018 – Jeep Compass (2016–2017)

The electrical connections for the daytime running lamps are inadequate and the lights may be disabled by the driver.

06/10/2018 – Jeep Compass (2018)

Due to inadequate welding, the front transverse control arm may break.

16/06/2018 – Jeep Liberty, Jeep Cherokee (2011–2013)

There is an internal fault in the control module for the occupant restraint controller.

03/02/2018 – Jeep Compass (2017)

The securing nuts on the front passenger airbag may be loose.

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.