The short version
- What it is: Warm air, weak airflow, odors or a fogged windshield.
- Watch for: A/C blowing warm or only cool at speed; weak airflow from the vents; musty smell when the system starts.
- How we work: We find the leak or failed part before adding refrigerant, so the fix lasts.
- Backed by: 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying parts and labor.
- Book: Online in about a minute, or call 510-528-1214. Mon–Fri 8–5.
Air Conditioning Repair at Berkeley Motor Works
Warm air, weak airflow, odors or a fogged windshield. We find the leak or failed part before adding refrigerant, so the fix lasts.
We work on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Fiat at our shop at 736 San Pablo Avenue in Albany, and every repair is backed by our 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying parts and labor.
Components we service
What are the signs? 6-point checklist
- A/C blowing warm or only cool at speed
- Weak airflow from the vents
- Musty smell when the system starts
- Clicking or noise when the compressor engages
- Windows that will not defog
- Water on the passenger floor
Sound familiar? Book an inspection or call 510-528-1214.
What causes it? 6 common causes
- Refrigerant leaks at hoses, seals, condenser or evaporator
- Compressor or compressor-clutch failure
- Blower motor or blower resistor faults
- A clogged cabin filter
- Blend-door actuator faults
- A blocked evaporator drain
How do we diagnose it?
- Measure system pressures and vent temperature
- Leak-test with dye or an electronic detector
- Check the compressor, fans and controls
- Inspect the cabin filter and airflow path
- Repair, evacuate and recharge to the manufacturer's specified amount
- Compressor Pumps refrigerant through the system. The heart of the A/C.
- Clutch & pulley Engages the compressor from the engine's drive belt.
- Service port Where gauges connect to read pressure and recharge the system.
- Manifold gauges Read low- and high-side pressure to pinpoint the fault.
What should you tell us when you book?
- When it happens: cold start, braking, turning or at speed
- Any warning lights on the dash (a phone photo helps)
- Your mileage and roughly when the car was last serviced
- Any recent repairs done elsewhere
What might the repair involve?
Simply adding refrigerant to a leaking system buys weeks, not seasons. We locate the leak, repair it, then evacuate and recharge with the correct refrigerant type for your car, either R-134a or the newer R-1234yf. For a larger repair, financing through EasyPay lets you spread the cost.
What maintenance prevents it?
Replace the cabin filter at the interval in your service schedule, and run the A/C for a few minutes every couple of weeks, even in winter, to keep seals lubricated.
Which European makes do we service?
Air Conditioning Repair for all ten makes we work on. Pick yours for model-specific maintenance and common repairs.
Air Conditioning Repair for Albany and East Bay drivers
All work is done at our shop at 736 San Pablo Avenue in Albany, convenient to Berkeley, El Cerrito, Richmond and Oakland. Drop off in the morning; El Cerrito Plaza BART is under a mile away.
Questions about air conditioning repair
Can you just recharge my A/C?
We can, but if the system is low, refrigerant is escaping somewhere. A recharge without finding the leak usually fails again. We test first and tell you what we find.
Why does my A/C smell musty?
Moisture on the evaporator can grow mold and bacteria. A new cabin filter and an evaporator cleaning treatment usually solve it.