Although clearly unrelated, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone here. Car is a 2.0 Octavia Estate. The radio reception is rubbish, but is a standard factory fitted unit. I've heard that after-market stereos can need the signal boosting, but the general consensus is that factory fitted units should be fine. Anyone know whether I need to get a cablr to boost the signal, or whether a wiring fault could have occurred elsewhere?

Second issue is the A/C. Doesn't work and the compressor doesn't even come on with the switch (switch lights up though). With that in mind, I'm assuming it's the compressor that's seized up due to not being used or something? The Haynes Manual says it's a main dealer job, which to me, suggests that at best it's an A/C specialist job and not one to be tackled myself (the manual doesn't even tell you how!). Any idea on cost? I know the compressor new will be around £300, but used, around £60 ish. Not sure on labour for a garage to do it though? Any ideas?

Thanks all!

RE: radio reception, its very common for the aerial amplifier in the base of the aerial to fail due to water ingress. This will cause poor radio reception on FM and little or no reception on MW. The easiest solution is to install an inline booster that you would normally use for aftermarket stereo units, otherwise its headlining down and replace the aerial base.

A/C compressor is bolted to the engine, so it should be a simple replacement. You cannot DIY it as once its done the A/C system needs to be evacuated of all air and moisture before being refilled.

The a/c problem could just be a bad connection or a bad fan controller.

When you switch on the a/c, do both fans run?

If so check the 4-pin connector that sits in a bracket attached to the starter motor. A broken wire is a common fault.

Thanks for advice guys. What do you mean about the two fans?

Thanks for advice guys. What do you mean about the two fans?

Radiator fans

Should you be able to hear something engage/come on when you turn on AC?

Should you be able to hear something engage/come on when you turn on AC?

Yes, should be able to hear the compressor cut in, which I don't on mine unfortunately, otherwise the most common cause was be a leak in the sytem or just a recharge no doubt.

Thanks for the info re the fans, I didn't know that, will look in more depth tomorrow!

i once had a mondeo, and if the pressure was too low in the air con system, then the clutch on the compressor would not engage. might just need a re-gas if you are lucky.

Yes, the engine note will change and the 2 radiator fans will start spinning (youll see this with the bonnet open).

Mine does bugger all, cant notice any change.

Sounds like it has an issue. 4c or below also it wont operate due to the temperature.

Have a search for my thread on AC problems, some good info in there.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Any idea if this aerial will fit? Seems to look about right clicky

When I changed the aerial base on my Octy there was just the single coax cable, so I am not quite sure what you would wire that red cable into.... I assume the amplifier in the aerial base did the power extraction from the coax.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Any idea if this aerial will fit? Seems to look about right clicky

I believe the correct one from the dealer is cheaper.