Climate control not working properly

**Aussie** · 13th November 2007, 00:03

My Vectra's climate control (AC) does not appear to be working properly. When I switch on the climate control the air coming out of the vents is not cold - it is rather warmish (in my old car, not a vectra, the air was cool immediately). I know that a common problem may be that the 'refridgerant level is too low' (according to the technical part of this forum). Any way of checking the level without having to take the car to the doctor?

**Duncan** · 13th November 2007, 00:06

Does sounds like it could be a low refrigerant level. Only way to check is using the right equipment - no DIY method really.

**Aussie** · 13th November 2007, 00:14

Thanks - I guess i will have to get it checked. It costs about $55p (about $150 aussie dollars) to get the refridgerant topped up and a/c checked/serviced. I spoke to a few mechanics the other day and they said that it was strange that the refridgerant needed topping up since the car is only a couple of years old - but i guess if it wasn't topped up properly to begin with what would one expect. Off to the doctor it goes.

**BlueRob** · 13th November 2007, 00:18

Don`t want to sound sttupid....but is the temp. knob down the blue side (coldest)

I ask this because time back felt that my A/C was not as cold as it had been...I was about to go to the Stealer and notice that when I cleaned the center console I had moved the knob little bit up(towards the red zone)

**Duncan** · 13th November 2007, 00:20

I'm assuming you use the Climate Control all the year round? If not, then the seals can dry up and then cause leaks when it's turned back on again.

The mechanic should also do a leak test in that service - they inject a dye and you can see any leaks in the system.

**Aussie** · 13th November 2007, 00:22

BlueRob - yeah all knobs are where they are supposed to be.

**Aussie** · 13th November 2007, 00:23

Duncan - yes, the climate control is used (by my wife) pretty much all year round

**Aussie** · 13th November 2007, 00:25

I forgot to mention that there was a bit of fluid coming from under the engine bay the other day when the climate control was being tested around the streets - this happened once the car was parked. I checked the hoses and they appeared to be good. It this supposed to happen?

**Duncan** · 13th November 2007, 00:28

That would more than likely have just been water. When the CC/AC removes the moisture from the air in the cabin, it has to go somewhere - and it is discharged from a little pipe under the car. If you sit in one spot with the engine running, and CC on, you'll see a pool of water collect under the car.