I've got a feeling that the aircon isn't working on our TDi Elegance with Climatronic. The car has been misting up more than it should, though the boost demist function still seems to clear it. The problem is that in cold weather the incoming air is the same temperature (cold) at "LO" whether it's set to AUTO or ECON.

The car's 4 years old, and I leave it set to AUTO all the time, so the aircon seals shoudn't have dried out - or is that as long as I can expect before needing re-gassing? Our Smart needed re-gassing after 3 years, but that was my fault for never using the aircon - prefer to drive with the windows open in summer!

Any advice on how to tell if the aircon's working without taking it to an expert?

You will be able to hear the pump kick in when on tickover (may need window open) the revs will also drop for a split second, that will tell you if its working. (but it may still need re gassing)

Even in winter you should be able to feel the difference in temperature with air con on, ie ice cold compared to just 'kin cold.

thought air con didnt work below 4 degrees ????

thought air con didnt work below 4 degrees ????

Yep it switches itself off to avoid any condensation freezing and damaging the system, hence you may find the car steaming up more I was advised by an air-con company that typical regassing interval is 3 years, however, if you use the system every day (like I do) then 2 years is a better interval. Cost £50-£60 and takes an hour to do

Chris

I thought the same - that the air wasn't chilled below 4 or 5 'C

Well thanks, guys, that could be the answer. I first noticed a problem after the car had been standing for a couple of days and the air temperature was definitely below 4C. But why doesn't the AC work at low temperatures?

And I've always been told that the way to keep your AC in good nick was to use it as much as possible, as the lubricant is integral with the gas and the circulation keeps the seals supple. Don't use it, they don't get lubricated, dry out and the gas escapes. Phut.

To check if it's working (when the outside temperature is well over 4C), stick a thermometer in your vent and stick it on LO with full fan speed. Close all the other vents.

The temperature should drop well below 0C.

I had a problem with my Climatronic on my Polo GTi (that turned out to be a plug that had worked loose in the engine bay), but this is the test that the A/C engineer did on my car once it was fixed and it went down to about -4C inside the vent!