1999 A4 SE TDi 110 Climate control problem

[imported_amimmortal]

Hi all - first post!

I bought a second hand A4 from vardy's last year and from the onset had problems with the aircon.

I got it in August last year, and on the first hot day I had it switched on, but all it did was blow warm air on the "LO" setting.

After much debate with vardy, It went into Audi (edinburgh) under warranty and they repressurised and tested the system for leaks etc, but by this time it was october and I had no need for aircon!

Now that the hot weather is here again, I'm finding that the aircon is not blowing cold - it seems only to blow the outside air in at the same temp.

I need to know that I'm not going bonkers here - surely at the "LO" setting the aircon is supposed to refrigerate the air? Also, if I set the temp to 18deg C, and its 27deg C outside, then it should cool the air down to that temperature and keep it there.

The compressor is definitely "ON" when trying to cool.

Anyway, now I'm about to get into another argument with vardy about whether or not they'll cover it on the warranty (since its probably been defective since purchased).

Can anyone give me advice on this one???

Ideas on what might be wrong, and how much it would be to fix would be helpful!

Thanks,
AndyC
(ammimortal)

 

[AndyMac]

So when they regassed it did it work?
Regassing costs about £80 and is needed every 3-5 years as part of AC maintenance.
However if there is a leak the system will only work for a short period of time so when they regas they'll include a dye so that it will mark where the leak is.
Most probably it will be a leak in one of the major components (compressor, dryer, heat exchanger etc), so you're looking at at least £300 for one of those fitted, maybe more if it's a combination.
Doubt very much you'll get it under warranty as they will say if it was faulty before and we repaired it then surely you would have tested it to check it was OK before the warranty ran out?
Which is kind of a good question really regardless of the time of year.
With climate control you shouldn't turn it off for long periods anyway as it will start to smell as the bacteria builds up, and it's better for the components to be used regularly. It also demists your windows really well in the winter.

 

[imported_amimmortal]

Thanks for the reply -

I tested the aircon as soon as i picked it up and phoned vardy's at the time to explain that I wasn't convinced that it was properly repaired.

When audi regassed it they did the dye test and found no leaks, and the unit does at least try to cool - it just doesn't do a very good job of it

The area manager at vardy agreed that if the aircon was faulty come the summer, there would be no quibble for a repair.

Whether or not he will keep his word is a different matter altogether!

if there are no leaks, are there any other factors that might be causing problems?

Cheers

 

[hop2407]

There have been many discussions on here re. audi CC.... It was almost agreed by all that it does not blow 'Ice Cold' air out like some other makes, however it should certainly be 'cold air'

A suggestion would be to get Vardy's email address and write to him, and try and get him to write back and confirm that he will 'sort in the summer' - at least then you have it in writing.....

I know it's more cost but if your not happy, take it to a Refrigerant specialist - they will also test the system (second opinion ? )

 

[AndyMac]

Audi dealer regassed my A4 3 times and still couldn't find the leak. Took it to an A/C specialist and they found it straight away. Audi aren't really into diagnosing Aircon problems.

 

[Markey]

How often should you get it regassed anyway to make sure the system stays nice and healthy.

 

[hop2407]

As Andy says above .....

[ QUOTE ]
Regassing costs about £80 and is needed every 3-5 years as part of AC maintenance.

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[Markey]

Crap must have skimmed past that bit....

Thanks

 

[imported_amimmortal]

Thanks for the advice folks...

I'll be talking to the area manager bloke on Monday when he's back from holiday.

Here's hoping!

 

[imported_amimmortal]

Can anyone recommend a specialist in the Edinburgh area?

Cheers for all the help!

AndyC

 

[ajmackie]

http://216.87.13.185/autoclimate/flash/servicebooking.html

i take no praise as someone else told me this site!

 

[imported_amimmortal]

Thanks for the link - looks more like domestic and commercial air-con information though.

I'll be having my scheduled argument with vardy tomorrow - hopefully in the middle of their new car showroom...

Cheers,
AndyC

 

[imported_amimmortal]

Righty - I have the car back - Audi found no leaks and regassed the system. Apparently the unit had only 20% of the gas it should have had.

Either way, there was a marked improvement in the aircon - and i mean significant.

Its still working nicely a week on, but I have noticed something which might be problematic.

When I switch off the ignition/ engine there is a noticable hissing coming from under the bonnett. I've checked under the bonnett and located the hiss somewhere to the left-rear of the window washer bottle.

The hiss dies away after a short while (say 2 mins)

Can someone tell me if this is normal, or if this might be the leak they've not been able to find!


Cheers,
AndyC

 

[mwarrey]

Thats normal, well mine hisses a bit anyway !

 

[Kevint]

Mine does the same, but the aircon has worked for well over a year since I bought the car.

Sounds as if something is leaking... but it can't be if it's still working!

Kev.

 

[hop2407]

The hissing after the engine is switched off - Mine does it as well and I have asked before.... this is normal I have been told....

 

[imported_amimmortal]

Cool - well its a nice day up here (25 deg C +) and I'm driving 120 miles from Edinburgh to Newcastle this evening. Should be a good test.

Thaks for all the help.

AndyC

 

[jdp1962]

Hissing is definitely normal. So, too, is a little puddle of water under the car a few minutes after you switch off on a hot day.

Don't fret, it's not a leak, just condensation.