Update:

Compressor now makes a squeaky/whistling noise above tick over speed even when aircon is off. So I guess it's probably a new compressor then.

Just a thought ....... as I don't use the aircon much (I live in UK! ), would it be practicable to remove the compressor altogether and use a shorter alternator drive belt from a non aircon engine?

Thanks,

Dave

(just wondering how to save shed loads of dosh!)

following this with interest as my aircon seems to have an intermittent hot/cold fault - blows fine one day, then later on or next day just blows warm air into the cabin (mainly seems to be on very hot days)

Had my compressor replaced 2 weeks ago - it just stopped blowing cold air - typically I am just out of warranty but got Skoda to cough up 70% parts and labour - so all in all cost me £389. Better than paying full whack though...

Further to my previous post ......

Sorted!!!

If you don't mind losing the aircon that is!

Took my Octy into DSB Autocare (Bulwell, Nottm) this morning just after 09:00 (without appointment!) and Dave and I had a discussion about alternative solutions. He was happy to replace the compressor/cleanse the system/regas etc. but I wasn't happy to fork out about 20% of the value of the vehicle on curing a fault on 1% of it's components. I must add that DSB's "off the top of the head" guesstimate for the full job was only 75% of what I've seen quoted elsewhere on the forum.

So, after some head-scratching, I decided to ask Dave to look at the option of just fitting a shorter (non-aircon) drive belt and by-passing the compressor pulley.

At 12:30 I had a call to say the car was ready to pick up. Sure enough, Dave had sourced a belt and fitted it - no problem. Cost? - 0.3hrs Labour + part ..... chicken feed!

OK, I don't have aircon now but I'd managed without it for 40 years previously so I reckon I'll survive! As regards the resale value of the car ..... irrelevant! It's not for sale! I'll just keep it until it's worth next to nothing and give it to one of my children - like I did with my Octy1.

Dave (happy to have saved lots of dosh!)

PS .... I have no connection with DSB other than being a very satisfied customer - great service and nice people.

got the part number for my compressor.

it is one of these,not sure of difference?

1KO 820 859S

1KO 820 859T

I don't know either but the following link might assist in your search:-

OCTAVIA 1.9 TDI PD, Diesel, Manual/Automatic, May 04 to / - Auto AirCon Parts (trading as Cool Car Ltd)

Dave

update on mine:

have noticed on mine that it sometimes 'resets' - switches it self to 22 degrees C, and then if you turn it down it cools

fiddled about yesterday - ran it on econ a bit and turned temp up to about 24 and then down again and it appears to have caused it to reset.

very odd - will see how we do. that link above looks useful though

might give that atry.

also heard somewhere that the relays are poor on 04/05 passats, wonder if these could be at fault.

Since last week I had been experincing aircon problems .did a lot of reading on the net and this forum.got my car checked at kwik fit & skoda conclusion was replace the compressor.

find below cronology of events

aircon not cooling when s/w on came on couple of times breifly not effectively .

no faults codes menifested .Fans also not coming ON

Full Aircon flushing & regas done no joy.

My comp was a valeo 1k0820859.

compressor turns freely ,confirmed not seized & limitor not broken.

could also hear the Regulator Soln clicking suspect not doing the job.

Looked for Sanden compressor not availably only after market compatable Behr hella & delphi.

setteled for Behr hella 450£ as a precaution condensor replaced.

System perfectly cooling.

conclusion Soln faulty but could not confirm p/n for valeo compaitable Soln.

stripped old compressor out of curiosity initially found no obvious signs of damage /failure. how ever on cleaning & detailed insp found

hardened coating in some areas flaked which would have resulted in those debris lodged in soln passages resulting in malfunction.