2005 Astra Air Con problem

[jdl1981]

Hello,

Not posted on the forums for ages but i have a problem with the A/C on my car. Basically it doesn't work. The light comes on when the button is pressed but no cold air and the pump or compresser (i'm not that technically minded) doesn't appear to be working. i.e it's not making any noise.

Can i just regas it or would i need a whole unit? I've had the car about a year and it's not worked in that time. Thought i would sort it now so the new addition to the family can be kept cool in the summer.

Thanks in advance

[Crafty_]

When did you last use the air con ?
If the system is not used for some time the gas can basically disparate, leaving you with no gas in the system.
My Dad did this over a winter, come spring time the air con didn't work. Got it re-gassed and it was fine.

Go to a place to have it regassed but ask them to do a leak test too. They should be able to tell if its empty and if the system has any leaks.

[TGAoW]

One of my run-abouts is an 08 plate Astra Twin-top. The AC is doing exactly what you say yours is. The VX dealer told me compressor has failed. Regassing won't help in this case. New compressor then a re-gas. I am considering getting a compressor replacement as re-con or one off a write-off, as I am trading the car in in the next three months.

[S7Paul]

Crafty_ said:

Go to a place to have it regassed but ask them to do a leak test too. They should be able to tell if its empty and if the system has any leaks.

What he said.

My son-in-law had a similar problem with his 56-reg Astra. The most common problem is the condenser disintegrating. We bought a new condenser online (circa £80), I fitted it (no escape of gas because the system was already empty), and then he got the system re-gassed. Works fine now.

If your system is empty, make sure whoever re-gasses it adds some oil too, or the compressor will be the next thing that needs replacing!