My old 2009 Mk1 Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi towcar normally never misses a beat, but the end of last month and the beginning of this one has been eye wateringly expensive.
The climate control / air conditioning stopped working, not good for towing to the bottom end of Cornwall in hot weather.
I had the system re-gassed, but still no air con.
The technical told me that he thought there was an electrical fault with the compressor because it wasn't operating.
Next stop, an auto electrics garage that specialises in air conditioning systems.
I paid for a diagnosis, and it turned out that the aircon compressor was kaput and in need of replacement.
I agreed to have the work done, with a new oem compressor and another re-gas because the one from a couple of weeks before had leaked out.
The old failed compressor had seized, so I collected the Kia complete with new aircon compressor yesterday.
The technician told me that the radiator fan now has to be replaced.
Kerching! more expense for another oem part, because cheaper after market fans aren't available for this model.
Apparently the fan hasn't been working which led to the aircon compressor failure, so if I don't get it sorted, no more aircon.
Meanwhile the insurance policy renewal had to be paid last week, a 2 car policy for the Kia and my 2013 Fiesta Titanium X.
The alternative to having a towing vehicle with no climate control would be to part exchange the 2009 model for a newer Sorento, but until now I've spent nothing on the car apart from normal maintenance and servicing.
The Kia is up for its MOT later this afternoon, wish me luck 🤞
The climate control / air conditioning stopped working, not good for towing to the bottom end of Cornwall in hot weather.
I had the system re-gassed, but still no air con.
The technical told me that he thought there was an electrical fault with the compressor because it wasn't operating.
Next stop, an auto electrics garage that specialises in air conditioning systems.
I paid for a diagnosis, and it turned out that the aircon compressor was kaput and in need of replacement.
I agreed to have the work done, with a new oem compressor and another re-gas because the one from a couple of weeks before had leaked out.
The old failed compressor had seized, so I collected the Kia complete with new aircon compressor yesterday.
The technician told me that the radiator fan now has to be replaced.
Kerching! more expense for another oem part, because cheaper after market fans aren't available for this model.
Apparently the fan hasn't been working which led to the aircon compressor failure, so if I don't get it sorted, no more aircon.
Meanwhile the insurance policy renewal had to be paid last week, a 2 car policy for the Kia and my 2013 Fiesta Titanium X.
The alternative to having a towing vehicle with no climate control would be to part exchange the 2009 model for a newer Sorento, but until now I've spent nothing on the car apart from normal maintenance and servicing.
The Kia is up for its MOT later this afternoon, wish me luck 🤞