Tech question: What could be wrong with my air con?
Discussion
Air con has worked fine in the Passat (2003, TDI) since I got the car a few months ago. Service book says Air con was serviced in 2009. It's done 70k miles.
Air con always worked fine since April when I got the car but of course the past few days have been it's hardest test.
On Sat is was working fine, in full auto mode, doing it's cooling thing. After a day of stop/start driving I started the car but didn't hold the key long enough so it didn't fire. Turned off ignition and tried again, no probs. After a few mins I realised no cool air was coming out.
When you turn the air con on you here it engage - the engine labours a bit and revs drop a fraction, but no cool air comes out - just air at outside temp.
No leaks either that I can see.
So what could be wrong? Could it be a relay or fuse maybe? Coincidence that it happened after a stall? Any ideas? Can't see why something electrical would only stop the cooling part of the system?
Air con always worked fine since April when I got the car but of course the past few days have been it's hardest test.
On Sat is was working fine, in full auto mode, doing it's cooling thing. After a day of stop/start driving I started the car but didn't hold the key long enough so it didn't fire. Turned off ignition and tried again, no probs. After a few mins I realised no cool air was coming out.
When you turn the air con on you here it engage - the engine labours a bit and revs drop a fraction, but no cool air comes out - just air at outside temp.
No leaks either that I can see.
So what could be wrong? Could it be a relay or fuse maybe? Coincidence that it happened after a stall? Any ideas? Can't see why something electrical would only stop the cooling part of the system?
Try switching the whole system off by holding the fan speed decrease button then give it a few minutes and switch it back on. The 'Climatronic'system in my Passat occasionally throws a wobbler and it seems to sort its head out, always worth a try!
Edited by Rammy76 on Tuesday 29th June 21:30
Rammy76 said:
Try switching the whole system off by holding the fan speed decrease button then give it a few minutes and switch it back on. The 'Climatronic'system in my Passat occasionally throws a wobbler and it seems to sort its head out, always worth a try!
Tried that, only for a few seconds though. Will try for a bit longer tomorrow.Edited by Rammy76 on Tuesday 29th June 21:30
I would get it regassed first. You often wont see any leaks, unless they are large and you have UV dye in the system. They will look like highlighter dye all over the place (yellow). If you have a black light you could try shining that about the place.
The evaporator sould be under the dash near the heater matrix. The condensor will be at the front of the car. To tell if the system is working but there is a problem with the system under the dash, feel the two pipes feeding into the condensor. One should be hot, the other cold.
If nothing, unclip the connector to the compressor and test if there is a voltage. Should be between 8 and 12V depending on your system. If there is a vlotage but pipes arnt getting hot/cold it could be the compressor.
Also, check the radiator fans work. Some VAG cars can blow the fuse for the radiator fans(which also cool the condensor) and stop the A/C working. They may come on when the A/C is switched on depending on the system Others will wait untill they are needed. Get the engine up to temp and let it idle for a few mins to see if the fans work.
HTH
The evaporator sould be under the dash near the heater matrix. The condensor will be at the front of the car. To tell if the system is working but there is a problem with the system under the dash, feel the two pipes feeding into the condensor. One should be hot, the other cold.
If nothing, unclip the connector to the compressor and test if there is a voltage. Should be between 8 and 12V depending on your system. If there is a vlotage but pipes arnt getting hot/cold it could be the compressor.
Also, check the radiator fans work. Some VAG cars can blow the fuse for the radiator fans(which also cool the condensor) and stop the A/C working. They may come on when the A/C is switched on depending on the system Others will wait untill they are needed. Get the engine up to temp and let it idle for a few mins to see if the fans work.
HTH
Turned out to be a faulty compressor, would not hold any pressure. New one on order.
Had a quick look round the web and it appears that it is not that rare with VAG cars, they changed manufacturer in 2007 and extended the warranty of the part to five years if you complained enough.
Shame mine is a 2003!
Thanks for your help all.
Had a quick look round the web and it appears that it is not that rare with VAG cars, they changed manufacturer in 2007 and extended the warranty of the part to five years if you complained enough.
Shame mine is a 2003!
Thanks for your help all.
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