it blows air, but never cold. about 6months ago, it was on diagnostics and a fault code of something like refrigerant levels low was found.

was going to get it topped up, but I guess if it is something else I would be wasting money and I read compressors are a common fault

if there was another cause, would this show on diagnostics too?

is there anything I can look at to make sure the right parts are visually functioning. any help for mechanical idiots please? ie not check the compressor, but look at the box behind the thing that turns, or whatever. I wouldn't even know where the aircon gubbins is!

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Getting it topped up is the cheapest option.

Read somewhere that 30% loss of refrigerant each year, so depending on when yours was last topped up, may simply be empty. Most places charge around £50 - £60 for re-gas.

 

Also bear in mind that the gas contains a lubricant that keeps the seals from drying out and leaks forming. Worth topping up before further problems arise!

 

Regarding the compressor, could be a number of things. When you switch on the AC do you get a short drop in engine revs at tick over as the compressor clutch kicks in ??? The clutch is a common failure.

 

Also when  the engineer tops up the gas, get him to check the pressures on the low and high sides. the high pressure side is after the compressor and should give you an idea if the compressor if worn or not.

 

A re-condtioned compressor will be around £250 - £300 + fitting costs

 

If all else fails open the window !!!!!!!!!!!

Remember the compressor on Octavias does not have a clutch. so no drop in revs.   The tech who tops it  up will probably  give their opinion if anything is wrong.

Edited 25 July, 201312 yr by erindad

Thanks guys, although the temp has dropped to bearable, so I will wait for my 3 monthly service next week at the indy. He can look over it and let me know if it looks like it is all working before I take it to somewhere for a top up.

Easy and cheap, Kwik-Fit do a no fix no fee air con service/top up. They just connect it to a jig that tests pressures, vacuums out the old gas and refills with new. Took my wifes Mazda in which appeared to not work at all, now its good as new.  50 quid. 40 if you book online I think.

Just had my compresser condemned :(

Just had my compresser condemned :([/quote

how could you tell? were there are symptoms etc, or was it just no cold air

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My mate did it at his garage but there was no cold air :(

Just had my compresser condemned :(

Oh dear,your not having much luck with your new car are you.  :(

Gutted for you !

 

Compressor failure is quite common on many VAG cars. My old Ford Galaxy was very problematic with its AC, I ended up spending a fortune on new compressor pipework and condenser ! Common failure on galaxy.

 

Best of luck in getting a cheap repair

There are second hand ones on eBay for between £90 and £126 that come with 90 day warranty. I just got one for mine.

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The mrs wants rid of it Mikey, i like the car but it aint a patch on the old vrs...can see me defecting from skoda soon tbh

Getting mine fixed outside of warranty by Skoda who are covering 100% parts and 50% labour

Well done Skoda

The mrs wants rid of it Mikey, i like the car but it aint a patch on the old vrs...can see me defecting from skoda soon tbh

 

 

Stick with it. I went away from Skoda to BMW  ( 2009 - 320 D ) and regreted it for 8 months, cant wait to pick up my new Skoda and return to everything Ive missed. Lost a lot of money getting rid of the BMW, but will be worth every penny.

 

Lots of cars have problems with Compressors, it just one of those things. Given the current weather we`re having it wont be long before the wind, wet and snow return and you wont have much use for AC. Get it repaired in the winter when many AC mechanics are sort of business.

 

Whatever you decide.. best of luck

One of the causes of compressor failure is running them low or without gas, as that contains the lubricant.  The gas will just permeate through any weak spot, seals, joints etc.  Thats why they put an indicator dye in it.

Generally, a top and check every two years is considered a good idea  - just like changing brake fluid, its cheap insurance.

One of the main reasons for air con failure is lack of use.

I have never had a problem with any of mine in the past 10 years because i use it all year round.

 

Most people dont realise that the air con will blow hot air as well as cold.

Dakar,Thats a shame,mine is 5 years old soon & ive had it since it was 2 years old & have had 1 warranty repair & only had 1 minor fault which i fixed for £15 yet i had lots of faults with my mk1 & was glad to get rid of it,just shows that there is good & bad examples out there,Your mk 1 was a tidy car.

Mine normally seems reluctant to produce cold air just vaguely cool stuff. However this recent weather , up to 34C, showed all to be well. Even the centre vents in the dash were blasting away as I cruised down the French autoroutes at a true 130 (kph).

Pity I only got 40mpg at best with bikes etc..

Tried switching the air con off and on out of boredom on the empty roads but no obvious difference showing on instantaneous mpg thingy.

Dakar,Thats a shame,mine is 5 years old soon & ive had it since it was 2 years old & have had 1 warranty repair & only had 1 minor fault which i fixed for £15 yet i had lots of faults with my mk1 & was glad to get rid of it,just shows that there is good & bad examples out there,Your mk 1 was a tidy car.

Will do my best to keep it tbh,it was cheapish so gotta expect one or two probs i suppose