1998 Hiace Amcraft Camper Air Con issues...

Hello all,

Had my van for about 3 months so far, and loving it.
But getting to know it inside and out.
So, drove for 2.5 hours today in the hottest weather so far.
It was very hot inside. All fans function, but A/C in both the cab and the unit serving the back was poor/not making any real difference.
So, has anyone taken 1998 to a regular garage for a re-gas or will the fact its older/japanese create issues?
Im in Bristol UK, any recommendations?
With some long motorway journeys to tackle in the summer on the continent having all the windows open wont always be a choice.

Thanks in advance, im sure i'll be floating more questions as I get closer to departure!

If you can locate the filler hole, then you can check the pressure. It is the same like a tire valve, you can press it quickly to see if there is still any pressure on it.

Since it is from '98 it will probably using the normal gas variant, and not the old one. My 1994 Celica with A/C could also be serviced like a regular car, nothing special with the old generation of gas.

I think you can just take it to any garage that does A/C stuff. Check level, and perhaps check for leaks. (they sometimes add some stuff that lights up under UV light, to check for leaks)

Many thanks!

By the way, I think that I saw that the A/C radiator (and thus some tubes) is in the front of the car, between headlights, above/behind front bumper. But I don't have A/C. Just saying, if you need to check it for leaks.

The filler plug thing is probably in the engine compartment I would guess. You can remove the cap and press the pin (shortly!) with your key or something. If it makes a lot of hissing sound it is still at pressure, and there is another problem. if it makes a soft sound or no sound, it is empty and needs a refill.
But since it is an old car and you don't know the history, it would be good if there is garage/workshop that can add some stuff to check for leaks. Otherwise they may need to do it later again, which might increase the cost. But they will also have an opinion about it since it is their profession.

There is some "Coolness" but not very much, so i'll check for pressure when i "pop the hood" later.(sorry, i meant adjust the seats back /secure them, remove carpet/ life engine hatch!) Got to love the JDM design!

Many thanks Hiace4wd, you also pointed me in the right direction with my fuses last time I asked, and now I have a much better idea about my vans electrics! Cheers!

Contact go-cool in Yate - George will come to you and test, deep vacuum, test fill with CO2 then vacuum again and refill until he is happy. Takes two to three hours. Last had him do a car 4 years ago for £140, still fine 4 years on.

I would not advise using the top up unless you are 100% sure you do not have a leak, the gas can kill.

georgefreeways wrote:

so i'll check for pressure when i "pop the hood" later.(sorry, i meant adjust the seats back /secure them, remove carpet/ life engine hatch!) Got to love the JDM design!

When you pop the hood, have a look under the carpet between the engine hole and the passenger door - mine states R134a there - which is the refrigerant type.

Some other rather useful info is under there too - like the oil grades and service intervals - use Android's google 'translate' to convert the Japanese to english.

recently converted my AC from R12 to R134. I was concerned as the previous owner never used it since he owned it.
the system had residual pressure so we went for it.
Everything now works

Quote :

use Android's google 'translate' to convert the Japanese to english.

This app has been most helpful!