XM A/C problems

[majamaja]

Thanks for all the helpful tips. I extended my French a bit and discovered that the garage found the system is completely empty of gas so assume its a leakage problem. THey thought the controls etc were ok though not sure how they would know that. They then said if it was a leak they could do a diagnostic test that would be 20 euro minimum and likely much more or I could replace the condenser as a leak nearly always comes from there. I went on line and found one for about 40 euro...so do you think thats my best bet, get the cheap condenser and put it in? Or go for the diagnostic test first?
Bloodly baking here!
thanks from Vendee in France, Hugh

[xantia_v6]

There should be an oily patch around the leak, as the escaping gas will have taken some oil with it. So if you can afford the time, some dismantling and inspection should confirm the site of the leak.

[White Exec]

Diagnose the leak first, before replacing any bits.
The accepted test is injection of tracer dye, so leak (fast or slow) can be pinpointed.
Guesswork by the garage is not a good idea.

If the front AC rad is indeed perforated, new replacements are available (eg from Behr-Hella), so might be worth checking out prices before plumping for anything secondhand.