Hi all, although new to this Forum i've had the Octy VRS estate for around 12 months now, ( great car). Just recently had the cambelt done along with water pump etc, but one things still annouys me is the air con. It was re gassed about 3 months ago, still not working. The garage that did the belt had a look and advised air con pressure switch. I told them i would do it myself, but now i've found it, how the hell do you get it out. Anybody experienced similar problem. Thanks all Wrigers!!!!!!

It depends how it has been read on the diagnostics they use. If it's flagging the hight pressure switch, it may be because it's the switch that's saying there's a fault not the switch is at fault. It's a while since I've had a look at one, but if I remember right many VAG systems require a fan to spin all or most of the time if the A/C system is in use. If the fan fails, the system creates too much pressure and it will shut down. That can happen before you even notice it in the car. If there's a circuit fault, the A/C compressor probably wont engage at all.

The Air Con stopped working on my Ex 07 plate Octavia Vrs (PD Tdi) The fans continued to run on after the Engine was switched off. (Air Con on) Sounded like a prop Plane coming into land. Dealer told me the High Pressure Switch had failed, new switch , regas, job sorted.

I thought they just unscrewed and it was a Schrader valve underneath so you don't even need to drain the system down?

Am I thinking of the correct valve, on the O/S/F right next to the radiator on the A/C pipework?

Apparently they can be a bit on the tight side to undo.

It right Andy, next to rad. Garage have said they use long plumbers basin wrench??. Looks like a job for the bank holiday.

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Yep - they are a bit awkward to get to and get a good grip on, and they tend to be quite tight from what I have seen. They also have a habit of going faulty! Try a search for G65 you may find some tips

Just noticed you are in Oldham - give Paul at Drury Lane a call - he is a dab hand with aircon issues (and does Hunter Suspension Geometry)

Oh boy did I struggle!!!, If anyone has tackled one of these, you know what I mean. You have sod all chance of getting a spanner or socket on the switch, the best thing I found was a 16inch plumbers basin wrench ( ebay £4.00). The adjustable jaws meant I could get a grip on it and twist it off. Anyway it cost me £60 for a new switch from Skoda and guess what, still no difference. I'm scratching my head now, I can hear the revs alter when I press the econ button, the flaps are working fine but still only normal cool air coming through. I am begining to think it could be the Compressor. Being as though Autum is round the corner i think i will leave it for now. By the way, anyone want to buy a brand new Air Con pressure switch for half price, BARGAIN!!.

Yes these aircon systems are a pain.

Mine was regassed, worked fine for three days, then lost the gas. Took it to someone and was told the compressor was duff. So bought a new compressor, had it fitted saturday, then regassed. Does not work at all. Zilch.

So don't know what to do now. Is the new one duff ?? Called Euro car parts, if it is faulty will have to do a lengthy warranty claim.

Cant find anyone who knows about these systems. The so called experts simply know how to regass. Its a shoddy system that fails after 77k anyway. I have had 3 or 4 cars with aircon and they have all done up to 200k with no problems at all.

Having a scan done this evening.

Phil Check your PM

It's easy to find out what's not working, how many AC systems give you a shut off code that tells you what is stopping it from working?

Phil Check your PM

Hi mark.

Replied and following your suggestion.

It's easy to find out what's not working, how many AC systems give you a shut off code that tells you what is stopping it from working?

So a VCDS scan will tell you this ??

Yes, data is in measured values

Update

It seems like the new compressor bought from Euro parts only a week ago is faulty - it gives a short to earth fault when the system is pressurised and the pressure switch says 'Go ahead circulate' - then the short is detected on the data line driving the internal solenoid valve and everything shuts down.

So will have to go through the hassle of doing a warranty claim to Euro parts, plus claim of fitting/diagnosis/gas filling. What a nuisance.

Co-incidentally the technician found a leak from the regas valves which made the system loose its gas.

He also found that my alternator pully is partially ceased making my belt tensioner leap around and noisy. Another Job to be done !!

The costs are escalating

Are you putting your old compressor back on Phil - if the leak was from elsewhere??

Are you putting your old compressor back on Phil - if the leak was from elsewhere??

Hi Andy

Well I dont know what to do. The compressor has to go back and they will probably want to replace it with another - so if its a good 'un - at least I know it has a good compressor. Ian has suggested putting on a short belt so I can remove the duff unit and send it back. He is also going to put on a new alternator clutch pulley for me - when I get it - £40 off ebay.

I'll tame this car yet. I wont let the b****r defeat me !!

I would probably put the old compressor back on so that moisture isn't getting in to the system.

I'll be over there Saturday about 10:30 ish for an hour or so if you are about.

I would probably put the old compressor back on so that moisture isn't getting in to the system.

I'll be over there Saturday about 10:30 ish for an hour or so if you are about.

Yes Ok Andy it would be good to meet you