Air con info ?

[soulman_uk]

Hi,

I've never actually used my air con in my mk 4 golf 2001. Was really hot today so I cloased all the windows and sunroof (as I was told to do so when I learned to drive by my insutructor) not sure why ? think it was something about not getting the ducts blocked up was a long time ago.

Anyway put it ontoday and the air was lightly warm. On previous cars I'm pretty sure it should be well cold 

is there a way to find out whats up with it ?

Cheers

[Rhyso]

do this while stationary i would!

put the air con on and listen for a change in engine note - this will tell you if the compressor is working properly.  if you don't detect it then your compressor could well be knackered which = mega bucks I'm afraid 

if they are working the system may well need re-gassing - starts at around £30 i think.....

you should run the aircon for at least 10 minutes a week though to keep everything lubricated as it tends to seize up very easily.

hope that helps 

[GolfGL]

There are manual regass kits which are pretty cheap using the a/c low pressure port may be cheaper than a specialist but ive never tried

[nadlad]

best to use recirc with the air con so that ure engine isnt constantly workign with the air con, better to cool what air is in the car then trying to cool and throw in everytime

[soulman_uk]

thanks for the info an tip nadlad.

I would seem my compressor is broken. No way at this time can I afford a new one plus fitting. Just have to live with it for now  ... just have to keep the windows down. I have 3 weeks left on my warranty so will call up on monday and see if its covered lol doubt it but you never know!

 

[GolfGL]

Did you find out if you compressor was operating or not by the change in revs? At halfords we've been given some new tools including an A/C tester but we also sell something very similar for £20 which i tested today. Plugs in the Low pressure a/c port next to the condensor and takes a reading mine was low so i topped it up dead simple if thats your problem.

[JAKESANGEL]

Hello mate,
I had the same problem with mine a couple of months ago and after some advice from this website I found somewhere local to me that re-gasses the aircon. Before he did all the usual diagnostic tests he did a quick check by turning on the aircon, then opening the bonnet and touching the pipe which holds the aircon, if this pipe aint cold then it means you've got no aircon and the gas has probably just run out. He then regassed it for £50-00 and i was back on the road within 1 hour freezing my nuts off. Its worth just finding someone local to you and ask him to check, it shouldnt cost you anything for him to do the test and if it aint a regass job then he could probably tell you what it is but 9 times out of 10 its re-gass. hope it helps mate, i dont know too much about cars but it worked for me   

[soulman_uk]

took the car to my local garage today left it with them for an hour as they was busy and I didn't have an appointment.

Anyway turns out my compressor is not working they said they could find a salvage part for £250 and fitting but i've not got the money spare to fix it.

I was hoping it needed re-gasing. 

add that to my work to my wishlist

thanks for the help here.