compressor

[jango1968]

what signs on a mk3 (with the screen on the dash) ibiza are there that your ac compressor is broken

Thanks

[cupra16valveuk]

All depends on what you mean by broken? Is it noisy? could be bearings. Is it not cooling? could just need recharging or maybe a damaged pipe?

[jango1968]

by broken i mean it isnt cooling and the ac icon is flashing

[cupra16valveuk]

Thinking logically, the only thing that a sensor would be able to test is pressure, so either a seal or pipe could be damaged. if its not noisey I doubt if its likely to be the compressor its self, unless if anyone else has got any ideas. There are loads of mobile A/C people about that would go to your place of work to test it. Unless if its still in warrenty? Think they are meant to be
re-charged every 3 years longest, may even be every year.

[jango1968]

thanks for your help matey

i have heared that the siloette of the car on the screen flashes when the compressor has failed but that doesnt happen on mine i just get the ac icon flashing and no cooling, so hopefully it is low gas. does anyone know if they pressure test the system before they regas it as i dont want to pay twice for gas as it is 3 1/2 years old and out of warranty

[jango1968]

is it correct to have the compressor wheel spinning on the pully while the centre of the wheel with the bolts on is stationary all the time even when the ac is on

Thanks

[Ingy]

When the air con compressor is running the clutch should be fully engaged, both parts turning. When its off only the outer part should turn. When the pressure is too low the compressor will not run because of no gas in the system. The a/c flashing sounds like it just needs a re-gas and checking for leaks with a dye. It's possible to measure the pressure in the system with the a/c machine, it should also be possible to read the actual value in VAG-COM. (or 1551) whatever they call it now.

[jango1968]

so i isnt spinning because of low gas, should you be able to turn it by hand when the engine is off or should it be stiff

by the way what is vag-com is it a website, if so can you give me the full address as it doesnt do anything when i type that in

and has anyone else had any probs with there as icon flashing and if so was it just low gas or a compressor problem

and how much does a compressor costs

thanks for your help in advance

[jango1968]

the reason i am worrying is that i have only found out recently that the ac flashing is not normal and the compressor doesnt spin so it is ehther a new compressor or a re gas, big difference in money there

[danny842003]

sounds like the compressor is fooked to me. new compressor and re gas needed. ask for some goodwill seat may pay for the compressor and u have to pay labour. or they may pay a percentage.

[jango1968]

i have heared that the siloette of the car flashes when the compressor is broken is this true

[Ingy]

VAG-COM is the diagnostic machine seat, vw and audi use on their cars. You will not be able to turn the compressor by hand. The compressor will not turn without gas. I work in a Merc dealer and when a car comes in with a/c not working yhe a/c light just flashes on and off, the first thing we do is see if the compressor is running with the clutch engaged. If not we re-gas and check the system. 99% of the time its lack of gas hardly ever the compressor. It may be that the system hasn't been used in a long time and just needs a regas. An a/c specialist will be able to tell you. They should not just rip you for a compressor without checking the gas first. Hope this helps.

[jango1968]

thanks very much mate

so if its low gas the ac flashes :)

and if it was the compressor either the silloette of the car on the screen would flash or the ac would not come on at all.

could you also tell me what damage would accur to the system if the compressor hasnt been run for a long time? furring in the pipes etc?

[Ingy]

If you dont use the system, when you do use it you get a horrible stench in the car because of all the bacteria settled in the air ducts and vents.

[jango1968]

its been flashing for ages so i will ge the stench, will that go away after time ?


so u deffenatly think that the compressor will spin up when they re gas the system, maybe just a leak?

and do they add the oil in with the gas, they did say they will put some uv die in to check for leaks

should i ask for a pressure test also?

[Ingy]

The smell will go away, if not buy some a/c deodorant from a motor accessory shop. The compressor should spin up with a regas but untill its done you cannot be 100% sure. The oil is added into the system during the regas process. The uv dye will be enough to check for leaks. If its a big leak you'll know stright away. Best off to get it to an a/c specialist or dealer but a regas and a dye check will be a definite answer.

[jango1968]

thanks for all this valuable information matey

have you heared of many compressor clutch falures that dont spin after regas

[jango1968]

i got the car in on wednesday for a regas and check fingers crossed

[Ingy]

In a word - No. Its just a safety feature due to the lack of lubricant in the compressor. Clutches rarely fail.(in my exp)

[jango1968]

thanks once again mate

[jango1968]

Hi Ingy

Just thought id let you know my car was in the dealers today for a regas and put some uv dye in and it turns out to be a leak somewhere in the system, so im running the ac for a few weeks before i go back so they can replace the bit leaking. I was great to see the compressor spinning and a relief too

do most leaks appear in the pipework or do you get some compressor leaks ? maybe on the joint between the compressor and the pipe and can that just be replaced if it is the pipe going into the compressor


Cheers

[Ingy]

Most leaks are in the pipework or on the condensor ( looks like a radiator ) Seriously doubt its the compressor leaking.

[jango1968]

i can see black oil type stuff and the green dye that has leaked out of the join from the top pipe and the compressor and the dye is over the back of the compressor, is there a 'o' ring or similar rubber seal on the end of the pipe or is it new compressor time even though the comressor was running when it was filled up

[Ingy]

All a/c pipes are fitted with o-rings. Dont know if you can buy them seperate or if the're part of the pipe.

[jango1968]

just as long as i dont need a new compressor, pipes i can live with

[jango1968]

so u reckon if the leak is the join between the compressor and the pipe, if the pipe and 'o' ring is replaced that would be fine as the compressor was working when it was regassed and i would hate to have to replace it

thanks

[Ingy]

Yep, if compressor runs its ok. O-ring or pipe should cure the problem.

[jango1968]

thanks very much ingy, you have stopped me worrying and i loved it when i saw my compressor running before the gas ran out again, and when it gets fixed again with a pipe or just a seal it will be brilliant, just got to wait another few weeks before my car goes in again

Cheers