Air Conditioning - Not Cold

[imastu pidgit]

With the recent warmer weather I 've noticed that I can't get the the air con on my 2008 2.0 tdi Avant (purchased in November, since had a new engine - see thread https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...gine+vibration) to work .

The heating works, temperature settings all work, but it will not cool below the air temp outside.

I have read the instructions every which way (Econ off = air con on) but the problem is that when turning the econ off either through the MMI or just pushing the botton, it immediately reverts to 'on' again.

Does anyone know if this is a function of:

a) my inability to understand the instructions
b) some element (refrigerant, recharging) that would be fixed by an air conditioning service of the type that Halfords do (£60-£70)
c) the compressor's knackered and it's going to cost a lot to fix
d) none of the above?

I just have this weary feeling that it's going to be like the new engine saga all over again - have to have a functioning air con, off the Europe later this year and anyway this country is bad enough at the height of Summer without aircon.

Any advice appreciated.

[kite]

sounds like it needs a re-gass

[imastu pidgit]

Thanks - I'm hoping so - that would be option B above, which I can do with the first MOT which is due next month. Seems odd that it would be dead so early though (less than 3 years), which makes me concerned it might be something more serious.

Just trying to avoid spending more than I need to do - and running the risk of doing both the cheap option and the expensive option.

[Peter D]

I would has the system checks for leaks, either via a dye or nitrogen gassing and then, assuming no leaks have the system pumped out and the correct amount of oil added and regassed. I use a local mobile air con guy that quite a few of the garages, including VAG garages use. £60/70 job done. Regards Peter

[dandam]

Last time I had my previous A6 re gassed was about three years ago, was about GBP65 and they put the dye in too - if there is a problem it can save you a fortune.

It seems likely it was never done properly when the engine was replaced, or something damaged in the process.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

[imastu pidgit]

Good thought about the engine replacement - I didn't check this specifically, as it was the middle of winter.

I'll take it next month when I do the MOT and report back.

[imastu pidgit]

Had this done yesterday, along with first MOT, at a Halfords.

Very undramatic, for a nice change. They did a system test, then the regas/service for £70, air con now working very nicely. Still reserving final judgement until it has been running for a few weeks, but looking good so far.

And they only charged me £14 for the inevitable made-up MOT fault (headlamp realignment) , so I took that without arguing...

Touch wood, I now have a car without fault for the first time since I bought it over 6 months ago.