2018 Holden Acadia Pricing and Specs

The workshop you want is a specialist air-conditioning business. Air-con might have a simple job to do, but it’s a complex system with lots of interlocks to protect the various bit and pieces. If, for instance, the gas level is low, a sensor will detect this and disable the air-con compressor so the system can’t be damaged by running with low gas or lubricant. So, simply replacing sensors and other bits and pieces randomly is a great way to tear up money and still not fix the problem.

You need to have the system checked by somebody who understands the technology. They will test for leaks, check whether the system is holding pressure and then check the operation of the rest of the hardware including the compressor, receiver-drier, condenser, blower-fan and relevant filters.

If you’re lucky, the system may just need re-gassing, but you could also be up for some expensive new parts if there’s other damage or problems. But without a proper diagnosis, you’re flying blind.

The Acadia doesn’t boast a diesel engine, so economy could be an issue for your daughter; also it’s only a little longer than the Kia Sorento, so space could be another problem. A better choice would be the Mazda CX-9.