After a week of searching about for an explanation on the poor AC airflow in my superb I might have worked it out but I'd like to see if anyone else has the same issue.

In manual mode on max fan with no AC I get good air flow out of the vents. Still with no AC if I switch on recirculation the flow slows down a lot and there's a loud rushing air noise from behind the glove box. If I switch recirculation off (still no AC) the noise goes and flow returns. If I now switch on AC (in manual mode not auto) the recirculation kicks in automatically - lots of noise and low air flow. But the green light on the recirculation switch isn't on. If I scroll through the recirculation modes (on, auto and then off) the display on the head unit says that recirculation is off but it doesn't disengage.

Is this right? Is there no way to override the recirculation even in manual AC mode? Dealer reckons its ok but can't believe other people put up with a car that can't be cooled down in +22 degree heat.

Sorry for the long post.

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I didn't find my Passat AC that good either tbh,

 

Recycle should just be a case of the switch, not sure in auto mode but I'd assume it's default is to be fresh rather than re-cycle unless it's on the warm settings where it may re-cycle to warm air faster,

 

AC isn't as good as it used to be anyway since they changed the gas, you also know the best way to get it cold is to use re-cycle and open a window about an inch so the warm air escapes, hth.

I'm just wondering how you got on with the recirc/aircon issue in the Superb.

 

I've got the exact same symptoms in my Octavia ii, with Skoda service telling me there's nothing wrong.

 

I would like to be able to override recirc mode - this would reduce the rushing noise from behind the glovebox and might even cool the car quicker, as in recirc I don't get anywhere near the airflow.

No success, like you Skoda insisting its normal. Since it's not hot haven't given it much thought but come late spring I intend to go to a couple of separate dealers and try other superbs to see if they're the same. If they are guess I'll just need to live with it

Cleaning/ changing your pollen filter might help, I haven't done it but a couple of people suggested it helps too.

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I think checking out other Superbs is a good approach. I might see if I can do something similar.

 

I've already replaced the pollen filter.  

 

I'll email support at Skoda australia about the problem, and will post any updates or suggestions I receive.

never noticed you location in your earlier post - crappy aircon's more of a pressing issue in Oz than central Scotland!

Yes a decent aircon is a must-have in australia.

 

At this link, a couple of posters have indicated no change in airflow between recirc and non-recirc: http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f149/octavia-rs-air-con-query-93454.html

 

I'm going to try and check a similar car out at the dealer tomorrow. 

You could try a flap recalibration.  Hold down "AC" and "face vent" button until lights start flashing.  Each flap servo will go through it's full motion and learn it's endpoints.  After a while (around a minute) the lights will stop flashing and you'll be back to normal operation.

Thanks - have tried the flap recal but it didn't make a difference. 

Did you manage to get to try another car to see if the recirculate is the same?

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Yep tried one in the dealer and it worked properly (good air blast in recirc and didn't roar so much).

Took my car back to the service centre a few days ago and demo'd recirc to the tech, and he immediately agreed it wasn't working correctly. They've since rung to advise that they're doing a warrantly repair that will require dashboard removal. Will report back when I collect the car hopefully with details on what was repaired and how aircon is working post-repair

When you pick up the car make sure you test drive it before you sign off, dash removal and replacement might lead to squeeks and rattles. Also check all connections (footwell lights, glovebox light, etc) are done. Hope you get it sorted!

I have noticed something interesting also - not sure if it is related with recirculation mode or not.

I put Auto mode of Climatronic off and set everyhting manualy. Recirc mode is off. I put ventilation on 3. After some time I noticed that ventilation is on 2. Later on - it is 3 again. In the meantime I was changing air direction - at first it was legs only, then I added front window.

Yeah, I've come from a fairly basic Ford Focus with a twisty knob for fan speed, temperature and a simple AC button 100% manual. Wonder if the climatromic never quite gives up on some level of automation even if Auto isn't enabled

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Interesting topic, I too have been  disappointed by the climate control system in my Superb. It seems to take ages to get to temperature and the fan will not run at more than 50% duty unless manually forced to do so.

 

When town driving it can take 5-6 miles to get the water temp moving, the old Citroen C5 I had would be pumping warm air in after about half a mile and the fan would use the full speed range available.

 

Should I get it checked out at next service or is it standard for the Superb ??

After a week of searching about for an explanation on the poor AC airflow in my superb I might have worked it out but I'd like to see if anyone else has the same issue.In manual mode on max fan with no AC I get good air flow out of the vents. Still with no AC if I switch on recirculation the flow slows down a lot and there's a loud rushing air noise from behind the glove box. If I switch recirculation off (still no AC) the noise goes and flow returns. If I now switch on AC (in manual mode not auto) the recirculation kicks in automatically - lots of noise and low air flow. But the green light on the recirculation switch isn't on. If I scroll through the recirculation modes (on, auto and then off) the display on the head unit says that recirculation is off but it doesn't disengage.Is this right? Is there no way to override the recirculation even in manual AC mode? Dealer reckons its ok but can't believe other people put up with a car that can't be cooled down in +22 degree heat.Sorry for the long post.Sent from my XT890 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Did changing the pollen filter make any diffo?

Coz I would of thought its leaves/debris on pollen filter rustling.

And did u have the glove compartment cooling lever out?

(This is the lever inside the glove compartment u pull out to me air into the glove compartment - cold air if AC is on)

Circulation modes:

Cooling lever in glove compart:

Never actually had the pollen filter out - is it easy to remove?

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Never actually had the pollen filter out - is it easy to remove?Sent from my XT890 using Tapatalk

Meant to chk mine last year!

I don't remember - let me search for u

Here it is (under passenger dash):

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/215028-pollen-filter/?hl=%2Bpollen+%2Bfilter#entry2534622

Same as Fabia?

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/52902-where-is-your-interior-fabia-air-filter/

Interesting topic, I too have been disappointed by the climate control system in my Superb. It seems to take ages to get to temperature and the fan will not run at more than 50% duty unless manually forced to do so.

When town driving it can take 5-6 miles to get the water temp moving, the old Citroen C5 I had would be pumping warm air in after about half a mile and the fan would use the full speed range available.

Should I get it checked out at next service or is it standard for the Superb ??

Your C5 probably had an electric heating element that helps to heat the interior before the engine gets up to temperature. The Superb (in UK at least) relies on the heat from the engine only - which, as you highlight, can take quite a whole unfortunately. This is about the only thing I miss from my old B6 passat.

Edited 23 February, 201412 yr by JakeBlade

Your C5 probably had an electric heating element that helps to heat the interior before the engine gets up to temperature. The Superb (in UK at least) relies on the heat from the engine only - which, as you highlight, can take quite a whole unfortunately. This is about the only thing I miss from my old B6 passat.

 

See here:http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/220727-option-code-or-part-number-for-ptc-heater-element/#entry3270487

I got my octavia back today, and the aircon is now working great. Air flow in recirc is strong, and much less noisier.

They advised that a "a harness for the dash had fallen down causng a restriction of air flow when recirc button on. Had also damaged teeth on the flap motor".

So they've had to remove the dash and replace a flap motor - apparently 13 hours labour all up, so very greatful it's a warranty job.