I have finally got the air conditioning working on my vehicle after 6 months and have noticed a couple of things that are different.

 

The first is hard to describe, it just feels more comfortable like its regulating the temperature better, what comes out of the upper vents is a different heat to the lower outlets but it now seems neither too hot nor too cold, just right and I could leave them open all the time, I would not have done before.

 

The second is more obvious, there is a noise like a high wind blowing over a chimney or around a not prefcetly sealed window, not loud but apparent, it comes in cycles about 2 seconds apart starting low rising to a crescendo and going low again just like a gust of wind, only really apparent at a standstill at traffic lights etc, barely audible but noticeable, if i push the "Econ" button the noise stops.

 

The final question probably relates to the first observation, everyone says that leaving aircon switched on will dehumidify but how can it do that with the heating set to say 20°c? Surely the condensor must cool the air to close to freezing point for the moisture to condense? Thats what my home aircon has to do.

 

Is it that when it is working there is a hot heater matrix and a ice cold condensor matrix and it blends hot and cold air from both of them? I guess that would explain why it feels more comfortable, it can drop the temp much quicker than before.

 

anyone know?

 

Actually I might have a Climatronic self study guide saved on the computer from ErwinSkoda.

Pretty sure all incoming air is fed through the evaporator to cool/dehumidify it. It'll then pass some amount of air through the heater matrix if needed.

 

Not sure what the 'wind noise' is, I'd probably do a flap calibration to check everything is OK. The only time I tend to notice a change in sound is when recalculation mode turns on with reverse or the windscreen washers.

I have always had clicking due to a V71 airflap sticking (VCDS code 01274) but this is very different, cyclic every 2 seconds and sounds like high wind gusts, never heard it till the aircon was working and it stops when "Econ" is pressed, I guess its normal now the Climatronic is working as it should.

 

I see the logic about the air pasing over the condensor but that would not dry out the interior air and demist the windows, maybe there is always some recirculation going on?

 

My previous vehicles with working aircon would not steam up when I got in with wet clothing or would clear ver quickly, this car didnt and I have yet to be rained on during a run to put it to the test.

 

If it works I will be content even if I dont know how it does it!

4 minutes ago, J.R. said:

I see the logic about the air pasing over the condensor but that would not dry out the interior air and demist the windows, maybe there is always some recirculation going on?

 

Huh, incoming air passing over the cold evaporator would dry the air by removing moisture to help demist the windows. I doubt recirculation would help as people make quite a bit of moisture by breathing.

 

Just to point out, the evaporator is the part that cools air. The condenser is attached to the engine radiator and gets hot

 

Might be worth using VCDS to log all the flap positions, one might be constantly moving causing the wind noises? Does it happen on all fan speeds?

14 minutes ago, J.R. said:

but that would not dry out the interior air and demist the windows

 

It would, 'cos it will displace/replace the air that's already in the cabin, progressively, with drier air.

Edited 21 February, 20197 yr by Wino

Yeah I was struggling with the condensor/evaporator thing, 50/50 guess thinking that the humldity must condense on it!!

 

Good point re logging the flaps, it is a job that will some day have to do, I have nearly done all the other outstanding ones and it would be an achievement to get a 13 year old car back to 100% perfect condition.