Not sure where to post this, but I thought here would be a good start as it is basically about skoda and a franchised garage.

Essentially my air con compresser went after 3 1/2 years (just under 50,000 miles) an dwas discover in the service in March. Hadn't used the Air Con all winter so never knew until then.

I complained to the garage servicing the car (Cambeley Skoda in Surrey) that it only just outside of warranty but the best they could do was offer a warrant to cover the broken part! How does that work? It did save me a packet but it waas a little dodgy.

Anyone else had air con problems? Mine was the pulley wheel (or drive wheel) had sheared off.

I even creatd a website for it at:

www.skoda-octavia.co.uk

I do know that compressor clutch failure is common across the VAG range and a number of our members have had to replace their aircon compresssors. As you realise, that can result in an expensive bill. I am very surprised that the warranty paid up in your case for a major fault which existed before you took it out, and admitting on an open forum like this that 'it was a little dodgy' could backfire on you and the dealer. The Owner's Manual does recommend switching the cooling system on at least once a month on the highest blower speed - even during the cool season - to help avoid odour problems. And it is good practice to operate the aircon weekly to help keep seals in the system in good order to avoid gas loss.

Its normally the nut that works loose & the clutch falls off, It can be fixed, ours was with s/hand clutch & nut, it was done on the car so no re gass required, If the splines are damaged as long as its not too bad it can still be done, cost 1.5 hours labour + the bits.

GOOD TIP for anyone with an Octy is make sure the nut is tight, ask the garage to check it when the cars serviced, ours is now fited with Loktite. Why Skoda dont fit a decent Lock nut I dont know, it would make sense as a recall mod or perhaps theres good money in compressors at £800 a go