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Inneffective A/C - badbusdriver

The A/C in my VW Caddy van does not seem to have much effect and i was wondering if it is likely to be anything other than simply needing to be re-gassed?. I don't mind paying for this, and as far as i am aware it is not that expensive, but before i do this i just wondered if there were any other, less obvious, potential causes?.

Thanks.

Inneffective A/C - RobJP

Other possibilities might be the AC compressor, the condensor being holed, even the drivebelt being snapped or loose.

Or even something as simple as a fuse.

Inneffective A/C - elekie&a/c doctor

As above.You will need to get the gas charge level checked first .Even a simple van has a fairly complicated a/c system operation.

Inneffective A/C - bathtub tom

I suggest you measure the temperature at the vents and compare it with the ambient.

If there's no difference, you've a problem and it may well be because the gas has leaked out through a hole and there's no chance of restoring it through a re-gas.

I've a car with a recognised 'poor' air-con and found it was working perfectly.

Edited by bathtub tom on 21/06/2018 at 23:57

Inneffective A/C - NARU

Also check the cabin filter. They can become blocked and restrict the airflow.

Inneffective A/C - badbusdriver

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm pretty sure i can rule out the fuse and the compressor as when the dash button is pressed the light comes on and i can feel/hear the subtle change in revs. as for the vents, there is a decent airflow so i don't think that is a factor. I guess i'll just get it re-gassed and take it from there, hopefully that will be all that is needed!

Inneffective A/C - elekie&a/c doctor

I would not rule out the compressor until you have had th gas charge checked. These run a clutchless pump where the operation is regulated by an electronic valve,controlled by the engine Ecu. The engine revs are increased as the ecu is "waiting "for the extra load on the engine.

Inneffective A/C - Chris M

ATS are doing a re-gas for £29.50 via Groupon at the moment. Used them for my son's Ibiza a few weeks ago. ATS just connect the car to the machine and leave it to do its stuff. They don't do air con repairs so there's no incentive for them to find unnecessary work. Took about an hour.

Inneffective A/C - expat

Check your hoses first. You don't want to put the new gas in and have the increased pressure blow a dodgy hose.