need help with ac charging

Allanb · 05-07-2008, 07:07 AM

Anyone know how to find or access the AC charging port on a smart? I can open the small louver vent under my windshield and see it, but I cant get to it.

a2jack · 05-07-2008, 07:21 AM

Allanb. Search CsC, they seem to have to recharge their Air-Cons every summer. Many switch to Duracool instead of R-134.
http://clubsmartcar.com/index.php?act=idx

Allanb · 05-07-2008, 06:11 PM

Can anyone tell me how to access the recharge port for the ac? I can see it inside the left vent under the windshield, I just dont know how to get to it!!!

**jwight** · 05-07-2008, 06:17 PM

Merged your two thread; you might have better luck contacting your nearest smart center (Atlanta?)

**Dunerunner** · 05-07-2008, 06:45 PM

jwight has it right, first you don't want to overcharge your system, second, if you have a refrigerant leak; it is ecologically unsound to recharge it. Have it professionally evaluated and restored to operatonal specifications.

Allanb · 05-08-2008, 05:35 AM

Thank you both. I have owned 5 Smart cars over the last 4 years. THEY ALL LEAK REFRIGERANT over time. This is possibly a design flaw that duracool can correct. I know I can take it to the dealer, but adding refrigerant is easy and safe if you have the right tools. You have only owned your Smarts for a short time...after a few years you will be looking at this post and wonder about the answer as well...

MENSA42 · 05-08-2008, 07:06 AM

forgive me for being Mr Obvious here, but since the 451's have only been in the US since January '08 and i can't imagine anyone putting more than 24,000 miles on one in that time frame, would this not be covered under the 2/24 smart warranty?

a2jack · 05-08-2008, 07:52 AM

The Smart Air-con problem has a long history. Uninformed posts will not help our members when their AC starts blowing warm air next spring.

Dunerunner. The MB dealers have for years been unable to cure the Smart AC problems in Canada, and their efforts have caused their customers to have to return again and again. Customers sometimes have to drive 100s of miles to get to the service center only to have the dealer recharge the system which fails again.

The Smart is a high maintenance machine and we as owners must learn to be proactive and learn more about our cars.

A2Jack.

**jwight** · 05-08-2008, 07:58 AM

I'm with Jeepster on this one; can't tell if Allan's car is a 450 but I suspect it is. The Canadian forum should have all the info he needs. For us 451 owners in the lower 48, we've got 2 years/24K miles to either get any problems fixed under warranty or lemon law cars that can't be fixed. Just my .02.

a2jack · 05-08-2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

I'm with Jeepster on this one; can't tell if Allan's car is a 450 but I suspect it is. The Canadian forum should have all the info he needs. For us 451 owners in the lower 48, we've got 2 years/24K miles to either get any problems fixed under warranty or lemon law cars that can't be fixed. Just my .02.

Jwight Are you are assuming the problem is just with the 450s? Are you are also assuming the dealer can fix it? Further are you thinking our members are willing to do this back and forth repair game? (The dealer can only use R-134 which will leak right out again.)

Have an "Open Mind". that's the Smart way. At least have a look here for future reference. http://www.duracool.com/

BTW. Iv'e used this stuff on another car and it works great.