Yes it is on, actually the a/c hasn't been working so well recently, its like not as cold as it once was....
I'm going to try to switch if off see if it makes any difference...
Edited by Pugugly on 02/06/2009 at 23:06
|
Thanks for the reply. It turns out it seems to be the compressor, as when I turned off the a/c the noise ceases.
How many parts does the compressor comprise of? And can you get these parts second hand easily....do you know the likely cost of such part(s) and can it be fitted easily or does it require specialist tools and knowledge?
|
As the compressor was engaging and disengaging, cycling, and the noise was happening as the compressor clutch cut in and out, you *may* not be looking at a compressor fault.
Take the car to an aircon specialist, and get them to check the system pressures, and go from there. I expect you'll find the system is low on pressure.
If you get the system topped up, make sure;
a) that you get the system properly leak tested, or you'll be with this problem again, soon.
b) If the leak test finds a problem, fix it first
c) that the system has the right amount of PAG oil put back in it after any work is done, or the compressor won't last long.
|
I apoligise for late reply I've been working late recently.
I contacted Vauxhall and was surprised that the only system 'test' they will do is to re-gas the system and put a dye in it, to see whether it's leaking. But when I asked whether they could pressure test it, they replied it wasn't possible. At a cost of £90, it seems like an unsolvable solution.
However, as you state use an aircon specialist, strangely enough there's one not too far from me, but only manage to find one.
They said the opposite, that the system can be tested by taking out the refrigerant and seeing how much is in the system, then using a computer diagnostic they can look at the climate control on the car. Seems a bit technical for £15 but as they are the only people I have found doing car systems, does this seem along the lines? Its due in today at 5pm, so we'll see...
|
Without the correct figures to hand, IIRC, there should be either 600 or 700 grammes of refrigerant in the system, and about 150 cc of PAG oil.
|
Without the correct figures to hand IIRC there should be either 600 or 700 grammes of refrigerant in the system and about 150 cc of PAG oil.
Thanks for your quick reply. I've spoken to a couple more aircon specialists, it seems the majority of garages only dye the refrigerant and re-gassed the system. However as you said only the specialists actually pressure check the system.
One I just spoke to said that it sounds like the condenser is leaking, which is apparently a common fault on Astra's and Zafira's. And he usually replaces the condenser with a manufacturer called 'Patton', as they are better quality than the original Astra???? Though I have no way of knowing what make is better, he quoted me £275 for diagnostic, replacement and re-gassing of the new condenser, if that was the cause. However the diagnostic was £40.
How do I check the amount of PAG oil in the system?
|
>>'Patton',
I think he meant pattern, as in a non-original replacement.
The trade price for a genuine Vauxhall condenser alone is over £180, and, depending upon exactly what's fitted to your car, this can include the dryer.
The usual approach is to guess the required PAG oil amounts, as without stripping and flushing the entire system, you can't tell how much oil is distibuted around - I would imagine he will put about 1/3 of the total charge of oil, i.e., 50 grammes into the condensor.
|
I think he meant pattern as in a non-original replacement. The trade price for a genuine Vauxhall condenser alone is over £180 ....
SQ
Ok here goes....
The specialist was extremely helpful, originally quoted me £15 for a full diagnostic and pressure test. He came to the conclusion that the condenser is faulty but also said its not 100% until about a month if I came back and he puts a UV light to it, he can then definitely confirm it.
Also the pressure sensor seems faulty as he said that it wasn't switching off the compressor when the ignition was first on, so the compressor was going on at the incorrect times or something along those lines..
He regassed the system and specced PAG oil to correct amounts, but says it will probably last 6 months at best and as soon as the system gets noisy, I shouldn't use it otherwise I'll damage the compressor. He also quoted me about the same £260-270, fitting of the new condenser, regassing etc.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 12/06/2009 at 01:23
|
Another thing that came to my attention.
When I usually turn off the engine from running it, the engine feel's like it moves the whole car about for a second or so. this is very odd to describe. But after the a/c specialist regassed the system, when the ignition is now turned off the car shakes a hell of a lot less!
What could be causing this, or is it normal for diesel's?
|
>>Also the pressure sensor seems faulty
Depending upon condenser, you get a new pressure switch with the genuine Vauxhall part.
|
|
