Testing aircon?

[Itguy]

Hi everyone

Is there an easy way to tell if our aircon is working properly?

We've only had our car 2 weeks and the weather has been cold so we've not needed to use it but over the last few days when it's been wet id have expected a little more demist power from it.

I don't have VCDS so wondered if there is a normal easy test, like putting the temps on low and pressing the Econ button on/off to see if the compressor clicks in and out maybe? Should the engine fan run all the time with the aircon on?

Thanks

[doylebros]

If it was me I would look at the pollen filter for the issue you've mentioned.

[skard]

You know you can use aircon for warm air too?

I would also check the pollen filter, I have found a few strategically placed 10g+ silica gel pouches also help absorb moisture in winter.

[Itguy]

Cool, will do.

I'm keen to see if there is a way to check the aircon too though, specifically as we've got a 3 month warranty with the car so if it needs a compressor or anything expensive I expect we can get it sorted foc

[skard]

If you turn off the aircon then look in the engine bay, get someone to then turn on aircon and see if the pulley on the compessor starts or stops depending on whether AC is engaged.

There is also some sort of heater panel reset/diagnosis by pressing a combination of buttons but I am unsure what they are having never done it manually.

[john87]

also remember that the aircon compressor is linked to a temperature sensor and will not run/engage if the air temperature is below 7 degrees celsius 

[adminkatana]

You know you can use aircon for warm air too?

I would also check the pollen filter, I have found a few strategically placed 10g+ silica gel pouches also help absorb moisture in winter.

Mine likes to mist up.. Where would you recommend placing the silica pouches??

[skard]

Anywhere really, I have some in door cards. As long as they get cabin circulation.

The wife's Altea is bad for it so last winter had her unused ashtray/cup filled with gravel cat litter and condensation very rarely occured.

[adminkatana]

Thanks, I'll give it a go!

[Itguy]

Anyone know exactly what fuses and relays are for the air con? I've looked in the owners book and it doesn't list anything other than 'blower' for which it lists two, although my car seems to only have one of those fitted?!

[doylebros]

Anyone know exactly what fuses and relays are for the air con? I've looked in the owners book and it doesn't list anything other than 'blower' for which it lists two, although my car seems to only have one of those fitted?!

This should help

http://home.comcast.net/~jeri534/fuses.pdf#page8

[Itguy]

Thanks - v helpful.

I don't seem to have a fuse in no.40 on the drivers side fuse panel just inside the door - which says it should be blower / Ac control?? Can anyone check for me to see if not having this filled is normal - ie have you got a fuse in there?? Ours is an 05 early car.

Thanks

[biglad65]

when you say put silica in door cards do you mean in door pockets or inside door frame behind cards cheers

[skard]

In door card pockets, or between windscreen and dashboard etc. Wherever you want but they have to be absorbing moisture from the cabin to have any effect