How common is it???

[amanda]

For both the compressor and condenser to go at the same time?????? I know Audi/Vw compressors fail regularly but I have not heard much about condensers.
Seems it's a very very expensive repair.......about £1500 to fix as all the front end has to come off!!!!!!

[Shoduchi]

It can be much less expensive. Depending on the compressor brand, they have the control valve failing on Densos, or the clutch on Delphis. Those parts can be replaced so you don't have to buy a new compressor in most cases. You can also source an aftermarket compressor for half the price. When you replace the compressor you should also replace the condenser dryer. You can buy that dryer from online stores for less than 50 €. Some cost around 18 €, depending on the brand of your condenser.

You only need to replace the condenser if it's leaking gas. OEM condenser are much better built than aftermarket but aftermarket work well too. OEM are now silver (the black ones were replaced), so I preferred to buy a black painted aftermarket one.

[pudding]

Pretty unlucky for both to go at the same time.

I take it £1500 is the main dealer price?  They quoted me £800 just to replace the condenser!  So £150 for the part and £650 labour to remove the bumper, fit it, and regas!  Madness.

I'm getting my condenser replaced in July at AKS Tuning, along with some other work.  They've quoted me £157 for the part and regas, plus 2 hours fitting, which is much more reasonable.

Is your pump confirmed as seized up?

[amanda]

Pretty unlucky for both to go at the same time.

I take it £1500 is the main dealer price?  They quoted me £800 just to replace the condenser!  So £150 for the part and £650 labour to remove the bumper, fit it, and regas!  Madness.

I'm getting my condenser replaced in July at AKS Tuning, along with some other work.  They've quoted me £157 for the part and regas, plus 2 hours fitting, which is much more reasonable.

Is your pump confirmed as seized up?

Yes main dealer price but it seems just for the genuine parts alone including the oil pressure sensor in the sump it's £1098 so 400 for fitment and regas seems reasonable enough
Yes pump is seized and has been properly bodged!!!!

[Shoduchi]

You can buy a new pump/compressor for 300-350 € from the same brand that makes your factory fitted compressor. You just need to check what brand and model is fitted. You can ask VW what's the part number of your compressor and search online for the correct aftermarket one.

[amanda]

Thanks for that I will check but yes codenser is leaking gas hence why both faults were found.

[Octoparrot]

I'd find an AC specialist instead of paying main dealer prices.

[Sung]

Just to say, the AC compressors dont have a clutch on these units. They are always running, its the valve in the unit that operates either opening or closing dependent on the climate in the cabin. If you turn your AC off it just stops the valve from opening so no refigerant is circulating the system. Doing a bit of research online I have come to the conclusion that the part that fails most is this control valve.

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/vw-jetta-and-golf-sanden-ac-compressor-control-valve-replacement/

[amanda]

I'd find an AC specialist instead of paying main dealer prices.

Called a specialist and explained what's needed........seems there is a difference in price of about 250 for main dealer parts and aftermarkets ones, aftermarket are 12 mths warranty and Vw 24 mths and to put the cat amongst the pigeons my dealer is actually looking to be comparable in price

[pudding]

I'd find an AC specialist instead of paying main dealer prices.

Called a specialist and explained what's needed........seems there is a difference in price of about 250 for main dealer parts and aftermarkets ones, aftermarket are 12 mths warranty and Vw 24 mths and to put the cat amongst the pigeons my dealer is actually looking to be comparable in price

I did think the £1500 quote to change the pump and condenser was 'cheap' for a dealer.  Like I said, my dealer quoted me £800 just to do the condenser.  Bite their hand off.  Genuine parts and more reassuring after sales complaint process than any indie.

Give it another year or 2 and the oldest MK5s will effectively be written off from a job like this.

[neilw]

Second hand compressors are super cheap if you want to risk one. I got one for £23, but there are tons out there for £40ish

[amanda]

Second hand compressors are super cheap if you want to risk one. I got one for £23, but there are tons out there for £40ish

Thank you .....I understand the scrap yard solution but in my experience I prefere to fit new parts. I maintain my cars as and when new parts are needed and because I want reliability. THis isn't dissing anyone it's just the way I work and always have.
I have spoken to my dealer and they and I have reached an amicable price .....so she is now booked in.

[amanda]

I'd find an AC specialist instead of paying main dealer prices.

Called a specialist and explained what's needed........seems there is a difference in price of about 250 for main dealer parts and aftermarkets ones, aftermarket are 12 mths warranty and Vw 24 mths and to put the cat amongst the pigeons my dealer is actually looking to be comparable in price

I did think the £1500 quote to change the pump and condenser was 'cheap' for a dealer.  Like I said, my dealer quoted me £800 just to do the condenser.  Bite their hand off.  Genuine parts and more reassuring after sales complaint process than any indie.

Give it another year or 2 and the oldest MK5s will effectively be written off from a job like this.

Yes pudding I agree and it's quite sad really .......mines low'sh mileage hence why I am keeping her ;)

[amanda]

So the Gti has now gone in and being looked after and having some serious money spent on her!!!!
Looks like she is a keeper and I hope my local stealers treat her well 

[amanda]

Well I froze on the way home and that was at 17c
Picked her up and put key in and turned on and ekkk engine light was on!!! Returned into dealers who instantly took car back into garage .....40 mins later car was back with a new valve to accompany the new oil pressure switch at no extra cost