Mk3 Astra AirCon Existance?

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

<Snip>

Yes the a/c will deliver DRY air to the windows and demist a lot = lot -=
lot = lot = lot faster

 

which = mine with no ac a lot lot lot lot lot slower! cant stand the
misting - windows open in the cold! BRRRRR!

 

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.