Climate Control not working

[Gazza747]

This is my first post here as I have just bought a 2007 Mk5 GTI.

I have tried the air conditioning on cold and the air is only cool and not cold i.e. air conditioning not working. My plan is to take it to my local garage and get them to check for faults and give me a quote for fixing. Is this the best plan?

Thanks..

[SteveP]

I would try a local air con specialist, could just need regassing or it could be worse and require a new compressor which isn't cheap.

[lee_]

Easiest way to check is to start the engine and pop the air con on, have a look under the bonnet to see if the cooling fan is running or not.
It should run at half speed with the AC on.

My compressor failed, main dealer charge came to about £1500 for parts and fitting!   

[andrewparker]

Yep, the compressor failing is pretty common, and as mentioned, if the AC is on and the fan is doing nothing then that is the likeliest cause.

I was lucky with mine. When it failed my car was just out of warranty so as a goodwill gesture VW provided the part FOC and contributed 50% of the labour. If your car wasn't bought from a main dealer and/or doesn't have a full VW history then I doubt you'll be as lucky.

[Gazza747]

Thanks for the advice 

I will check the fan etc. I bought the car from Breeze VW main dealer in Poole. It does not have a VW history but has a 1 year warranty but i'm sure the air con isn't covered but I will give them a call.

[andrewparker]

If its the compressor it will be covered under the warranty.

[Gazza747]

I have called Breeze VW and the service department will call me in the morning. I will check this afternoon The fan etc.

[dmac1969]

Remember the Aircon will not work if the outside temp is colder than 5C!

[Gazza747]

The temperature outside is 13 degrees C. Just started the engine from cold. Popped the bonnet. Put the climate on Lo and auto and had a look at the fans. There are two that I can see one larger one and the other smaller. Neither fans were turning. Looks like a compressor issue?

[andrewparker]

Yep, I'd say so.

[sandancer]

Not necessarily the compressor, the smaller fan could be faulty as it was on my car. Best let the dealers check it out.

[john87]

It is also worth noting that neither the compressor or fans will run if the refrigerant gas is below a certain level. Before shelling out for a new compressor, have the system checked for amount of gas first 

[Gazza747]

Have the car booked in at my local VW garage on Saturday. They are going to check it over and obviously i'm hoping it's just a re-gas.

[Gazza747]

Results are back from the VW garage. The problem was with the high pressure switch which needs replacing. This cause the gas to leak out. £200 bill but should be covered by the 1 year warranty. Apparantly things like the compressor are covered but no-where on my paperwork does it state air con is covered but here's hoping!