Mk3 Astra AirCon Existance?

Discussion in 'Astra' started by DM, Aug 24, 2003.

  1. DM

    DM Guest

    Okay - AirCon novice here - this is the first car I've owned with AC (97
    Astra Mk3 CDX 1.6i 16v)

    The problem is simple; no A/C although it has a button which lights up when
    pressed. I've been told the normal solutions - have it checked for re-gas,
    listen for compressor noise when switch on (although I havent heard any AC
    related noises as I dont know where to listen!).

    I'm just wanting some details about the system - location of compressor/
    other AC parts on the car, switches, connectors, anything that I can check
    before going in for a £100 blind check at my local garage. The haynes manual
    simply refers u to the local vaux dealer.

    Any info/links etc grately appreciated!

    Dan.
     
    DM, Aug 24, 2003
    #1
  2. DM

    Gav Guest

    Take a look here.

    http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/garages/air_conditioning.html?page=aircon

    If it's never been re-gassed it's highly likely to be low on gas. At
    this age it's even likely that the compressor seals have failed. It has
    a gas pressure switch that only allows the compressor to run when there
    is gas in there.

    I don't think it's worth checking switches or anything, they can easily
    measure the gas pressure and if that's down they should do a pressure
    test to see if it has any major leaks before regassing it. If the
    compressor seals have gone you're looking at about o300 for a new one +
    fitting and gassing.

    It's worth chatting to a mobile air-con specialist, expect to pay o85
    for pressure testing and regass if it gets that far.
     
    Gav, Aug 26, 2003
    #2
  3. DM

    Alan Guest

    Are you sure it has air conditioning? This may sound silly but you are not
    confusing it with an air recirculation switch are you? The air con switch
    will have a snow flake logo on it.

    I would visit your local Vauxhall dealer and discuss it with them. Let them
    advise you and then consider whether you want them to do any work.

    They should offer an inclusive quote which you can haggle on.

    --

    Alan


    New & used Vauxhall cars & vans, servicing, repairs & parts
    www.steeles.co.uk

    Vauxhall CD players & handbooks
    http://www.stores.ebay.co.uk/vauxhallradiosales
     
    Alan, Aug 26, 2003
    #3
  4. DM

    DM Guest

    Yeah, it has the two buttons in the centre console, the air con and the air
    recycle switch.

    Ironically I have no actual functional air-con but it is the only light
    which works in my centre console - the rest have gone out :-(

    I'm very jaded about going to the dealer for anything - they seem to be the
    typical 'rouge dealers' as seen on many reality tv shows - trying to cause
    additional work and quoting for work that doesnt need doing.
     
    DM, Aug 28, 2003
    #4
  5. DM

    Ian Guest

    Thanks for that info also Kev,
    My MK III Astra has air con, do you find that the car steams up easily
    when its damp or raining? Turning the normal heater on makes it a lot
    worse too, I find the only way to de-mist my car it is to turn the air
    con on!
    Also are you supposed to use the air con with the heater setting on
    hot setting?

    TIA
     
    Ian, Aug 29, 2003
    #5
  6. DM

    paul Guest

    I WAS INFORMED THAT YOU COULD USE THE AIR CON ON ANY TEMPERATURE, THE REASON
    THAT THE WINDOWS MIST UP IS BECAUSE OF THE MOISTURE FROM OUTSIDE BEING
    DEPOSITED ON THE WINDOWS BY THE BLOWER. BY USING THE AIR CON UNIT THE AIR IS
    DRIED OUT AND THUS THE WINDOWS DEMIST QUICKER.
     
    paul, Aug 29, 2003
    #6
  7. DM

    Dave Guest

    <Snip>

    Yes the a/c will deliver DRY air to the windows and demist a lot = lot -=
    lot = lot = lot faster
     
    Dave, Aug 30, 2003
    #7
  8. DM

    DirtyDog Guest

    which = mine with no ac a lot lot lot lot lot slower! cant stand the
    misting - windows open in the cold! BRRRRR!
     
    DirtyDog, Aug 30, 2003
    #8
  9. DM

    DM Guest

    Thanks for the advice, all, but despite all your help it seems that the air
    con system is as dead as a dodo - not even any change in engine note/
    compressor noise when the air con switch is pressed.

    Well at least I've sweated out the summer!!

    Thanx
    Dan.
     
    DM, Sep 2, 2003
    #9
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