Our 2008 Skoda Roomster, the aircon or fan only seem to blow on setting 3 or 4 (full blast), not 1 or 2. What could the issue be?

Also we are starting to get a high pitched squeeking noise from the fan that comes and goes whilst in use. Ball bearings or motor maybe?

How can you tell if your aircon needs regassing? Is it only if its not blowing cold?

We had this mouldy sort of smell from the aircon, I've tried a Autoglym AS150 Air-Con Sanitiser spray, which does seem to have helped a bit. What else could I do?

Thanks

I'm guessing that your Roomster has manual AC, so in that case, it sounds like the "hedgehog" resistor pack has failed - but as you also have a noisy fan motor, I'd reckon that it will be drawing more 12V current than normal, and that is bad news for these dropper resistor packs as more current = more heat.

So, if I were you, I'd sort out the fan motor first, then once that is running normally - either by cleaning and re-lub'ng its bearings or replacing it completely, then and only then replace the dropper resistor pack.

Smelly AC, make sure that the evaporator drain is clear and so still allowing collected water to drain out.

As for "does it need re-gassing" - if it is still cooling okay and not making hissing noises when in use, maybe leave re-gassing for later. There will be an optimal gas charge level which provides best cooling for least engine power - but I'd not think that you would notice that too much in terms of fuel usage.

Edit:- oh, and pollen filter, is it getting checked annually and replaced as and when necessary - that might affect the general hygiene/smell of the system as well in extreme cases, restricting the flow of air to/through the fan.

Edited 3 June, 20251 yr by rum4mo

Are the speeds 1 and 2 also not operating with the aircon turned off? If it is the case then its the resistor unit as rum4mo has suggested. The upper glove box lid has to be removed and passenger air bag has to be lifted up to replace the item. Mine went a couple of years ago and I had the dealer replace it as I did not fancy messing about with airbags.