Air Con not working

[greencode]

I've got a 16V MK3 GTI and the AC appears to have stopped working. I thought it needed regassing so I took it to the garage last week to get that done but it still doesn't work. Not really sure where to start with diagnosing where the fault is.

When I push the AC button on the dash the button light comes on indicating that the button is pressed. I've checked the fuse and that's okay. That's about as far as my technical knowledge on the subject lies I'm afraid so any ideas, help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

[kahunajb]

I don't have much knowledge on this either but would start by checking if your compressor is working you should be able to hear it I think. If it is not check if power is getting to it by putting a multi-meter on the plug that is connected to it.

[greencode]

Umm. I seem to remember when it did work that there was some kind of noise when I pressed the button. There doesn't appear to be now. I'll try to find the compressor (no idea where abouts that is but I'll find a pic of it on the web and locate it) and see if there is power to it.

[thai-wronghorse]

Having just replaced most of my air con system on my valver and having it regassed this morning I feel your frustration. When you took it to the garage what exactly did they say / do?

[Wayne]

Well if the compressor is not kicking in then it has no gas or a pressure switch problem.

It is a job best left to the specialists really.

[greencode]

Took my car to the garage today and they've diagnosed the problem as the aircon radiator. Not received a quote as yet but will report back when it's all done and, hopefully, working okay.

[thai-wronghorse]

Having replaced my condenser / radiator only a week or so ago I can tell you its a pretty easy job. The only issue I came across was trying to remove the lower hose nut as it was seized onto the condenser pipe.
As I was replacing the dryer and condenser I just snapped the condenser pipe off so I could free the pipe fitting off on the workbench away from the vehicle. The fittings are very fragile so go carefully with snug fitting spanners.
I managed to get a second hand condenser for £21 inc postage on here and with the forum discount a dryer only cost £27 from ECP. I also replaced all of the o-rings with genuine VW parts and this was about £3.

[greencode]

Just to let everyone know what happened. I had the condensor replaced and all is working well now. Total cost was £220 inc vat. £150 for the radiator and £70 labour.

I just didn't have the time to try to do this for myself.

[thai-wronghorse]

Ah well at least its sorted now. Did that price include a regas as well?

[greencode]

Ah well at least its sorted now. Did that price include a regas as well?

Sure did.