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Astra air conditioning broken

Hello,

Just before the heat wave the air con in our 56 plate Astra H was working. Then it stopped just as summer started. I took it for a re-gas, hoping that might be the problem. The a/c still does not work. When I press the a/c button the light comes on and on the compressor is a plug and socket and when the switch is on, there is about 13v across the plug and 0v when the switch is off. I've gone on google and that says that a clutch failure is common on the compressor on Astras. Is this your experience? Is this the most likely fault?

Can the clutch be replaced or do you change the whole compressor? I imagine that to change the compressor requires the system to be degassed, which will be a specialist job, so not DIYable. Is replacing the compressor a long/expensive job? And could I save money by having a reconditioned one fitted rather than buying a brand new compressor?

Thanks. Stephen.

Reply to
Stephen
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You can buy the whole pump from a scrappy/ebay for =A340, swapping the =

clutch insitu looks hard though.

Reply to
Duncan Wood

I shouldn't bother now; summer's over ;-)

You have proved there is voltage being switched to the clutch. If you can't hear the clutch engage, and it's a common fault, it's a fair bet that's the problem.

Autodata lists 2.0 hours to change the compressor, and 2.1 hours to change the clutch, so chances are that it's not do-able in-situ.

A local A/C specialist might be the best place to ask.

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

Double check with a headlamp bulb (something that will pull afew amps) at the compressor clutch plug that you do indeed have a good feed to it.

Also check there is no overheat cutout switch on the compressor which may have failed open circuit.

You next issue will be the rad fan controller handily located upside the wheelarch, which are famously unreliable!

Tim.

Reply to
Tim..

Stephen,

The clutch gap may have increased through wear to the point where the soleniod can longer pull it home. If so you may be able to insert some spacers at the the rear of the clutch to reduce the gap. I used the top off small food tubs, yoghurt as it happens, cut 3 strips, prised the rear gap open with a screwdriver. Switched on and 'click' away it went! The problem was once the clutch was pulled in the spacers flew out! but a dab of some sticky stuff solved that and it's been clicking away for the last 12 months or so.

cheers

bob furlonger

Reply to
Bob Furlonger

Thanks for the suggestions. I haven't had time to do anything about it. I was thinking of asking a garage to fit a reconditioned compressor for me, as I figured it will have to go to them to be de-gassed and re-gassed anyway. I've been busy with work and every day life but tonight there has been a catastrophic coolant problem with the car, so I'm starting a new thread but it may be the air conditioning is now the least of our worries! Thanks any way.

Reply to
Stephen

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