GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: geeteeaye on 16 April 2007, 13:03

Title: Air Con Service?
Post by: geeteeaye on 16 April 2007, 13:03
Hi all,

Have had my Mk5 GTi for about 10 months now. I have the air con on all the time, and just recently (just after my first service at 18,000 miles) it has started to smell a bit - mainly when I start the car up for the first time. Doesn't do it all the time, but fairly often and I'd say its getting worse.

It smells like my old astra's air con that needed servicing so I assume thats what I need done. Does this seem a bit early as i've not even had the car a year (how often does the air con need servicing?) and wheres the best place to get it done? I've no idea what it costs...!

Cheers,
Scott
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: adw555 on 16 April 2007, 13:07
seems a bit early...had mine two years now and it still seems fine...although VW recommend it being serviced at the two year mark according to their website....
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: Rhyso on 16 April 2007, 14:57
get some air con cleaner.

Look on Ebay for Forte or Wynns.  you leave the car running with the air con on with windows and doors shut; release the gas inside the canister and leave for about 10-15 minutes.  that should get rid of your smell. 

Might also be worth changing your Pollen filter too
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: geeteeaye on 16 April 2007, 22:05
Magic, cheers will do. Will I still need to get the air con serviced regularly (e.g. every few years) or will this eliminate the need to do that?
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: wantmygti on 17 April 2007, 08:29
Magic, cheers will do. Will I still need to get the air con serviced regularly (e.g. every few years) or will this eliminate the need to do that?
Would still need a service. Also, you need the service to maintain the warranty re the air con.
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: geeteeaye on 17 April 2007, 15:59
Cheers. Do you think that given I've only had the car that this should be covered by the warranty? I guess it isn 't a break down or fault, but seems very soon for it to need done...
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: wantmygti on 17 April 2007, 16:18
Cheers. Do you think that given I've only had the car that this should be covered by the warranty? I guess it isn 't a break down or fault, but seems very soon for it to need done...

Worth a try! Tell them it stinks, not that it needs a service!
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: geeteeaye on 17 April 2007, 23:40
Will do! If I need to just buy the can,  is there a particular air intake I have to spray it into?
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: Rhyso on 18 April 2007, 08:20
you leave it inside the front passenger footwell.  with the aircon on full and in recircle mode (so air is drawn from inside the cabin) and the gas will filter through the cabin  :smiley:  worked a treat when i used it on my MKIV last year  :smiley: saves a costly trip to the stealers!
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: geeteeaye on 18 April 2007, 18:51
sounds good, many thanks
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: 2007GTI on 19 April 2007, 16:32
I used that stuff on my old mk4 and it worked a treat.  best to put some cardboard or something to cover the headlining or it can get a bit sticky.  the stuff I used came from a Vauxall dealer and I was told was £30 a can to buy and it was a trade version so maybe it was a bit more potent?
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: Rhyso on 19 April 2007, 16:37
I used that stuff on my old mk4 and it worked a treat.  best to put some cardboard or something to cover the headlining or it can get a bit sticky.  the stuff I used came from a Vauxall dealer and I was told was £30 a can to buy and it was a trade version so maybe it was a bit more potent?


look on Ebay for Forte Air Con treatment; i got 2 cans for £10 last year; Forte supply the trade  :smiley:

Edit - here you go

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FORTE-AIR-CONDITIONER-TREATMENT-FOR-AIR-CON-VEHICLES_W0QQitemZ300102384917QQihZ020QQcategoryZ72205QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Re: Air Con Service?
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 23 April 2007, 16:17
Magic, cheers will do. Will I still need to get the air con serviced regularly (e.g. every few years) or will this eliminate the need to do that?
Would still need a service. Also, you need the service to maintain the warranty re the air con.

Hmm, there is nothing in the official VW service schedules which requires any regular "air-con" service, and therefore, ommitting any "air-con" service will have diddly-squat effect on the warranty.

The 2 year interval is just a "money making" "advisory" suggestion.  Most independent air con specialists will state between 4-5 years for a service!