Air con help

[Jons1001]

Hi everyone,

Any ideas what could be the problem with my air con?

Only blowing warm, clutch is engaging and the bolt in the middle is spinning with it. Fan isn't starting though. Been to Kwik fit and the car has no leaks according to them and is holding gas. Here is some info. From obdeleven...







So going from above its saying the compressor is rotating but possibly not getting the current it requires? Or am I reading that bit wrong. Thanks

[GVK]

Code 16 not activating.

I know the high-pressure switch is common on mk5s.

Is there any fault codes in hvac?

https://euroautotraining.com/blog/late-model-vw-ac-compressor-shut-codes

16 = Compressor off (activation A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- implausible)

N280 fault maybe then?



Available on Autodoc.

[Jons1001]

Code 16 not activating.

I know the high-pressure switch is common on mk5s.

Is there any fault codes in hvac?

https://euroautotraining.com/blog/late-model-vw-ac-compressor-shut-codes

16 = Compressor off (activation A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- implausible)

N280 fault maybe then?

Thanks, is there a way of testing the n280? Also I did have my thermostat changed around the time this happened, now wondering if this could have been disturbed/left unplugged etc.

[GVK]

Don't know, I've only just learnt what a N280 is! 

[Jons1001]

Don't know, I've only just learnt what a N280 is! 

Haha fair enough 

Will do some investigating...

[Jons1001]

So, local Kwik fit have kindly offered to degas the system free of charge. Does anyone know how easy it is access/remove the solenoid on our cars? (Mine is 2008 standard gti).

[FJB]

I had to remove the compressor to replace my valve. Pretty easy once the compressor is off, and you will need some circlip pliers.

[Jons1001]

I had to remove the compressor to replace my valve. Pretty easy once the compressor is off, and you will need some circlip pliers.

Ah so you do have to fully remove the compressor in order to change the solenoid valve? Was hoping I could just get under and remove it on its own   

[FJB]

You probably can but it is very tight for space.

[pudding]

As per GVK, I'd start with the pressure switch as it's very common, and also the cheapest/easiest starting point.......even though said sensor is about 70 quid from VW!

Can you remember what the A/C was like before it broke though?  Even when fully operational it's pretty lame and inefficient 

[GVK]

Fault mode 16 points to the N280 being faulty or not being activated, which can be the pressure switch.

[Jons1001]

Decisions  . It's working out about the same price to change either the pressure switch or the solenoid.

Pressure switch £70

Solenoid £20 plus regas £50

Assuming I can change both myself. Any ideas on what the most likely culprit is bearing in mind the shut off code I have? Or would the fact the compressor is not getting the correct current/fan not working point us to either the pressure switch or solenoid?

[Shoduchi]

Kwik Fit gained precious gas when they removed your AC gas. If they’re charging fully for a gas recharge, they’re making money twice from you. They should just charge you for the labour involved in that.

I’d replace the solenoid first. Good luck!

[Jons1001]

Kwik Fit gained precious gas when they removed your AC gas. If they’re charging fully for a gas recharge, they’re making money twice from you. They should just charge you for the labour involved in that.

I’d replace the solenoid first. Good luck!

Hi, initially I took the car to Kwik fit for a recharge to see if that would solve the issue. It didn't and they didn't charge me anything, so at present I have a fully charged non working system. They said they will remove the gas free of charge (haven't yet) and they I just rebook for a recharge when I've fitted new pressure switch/solenoid. So only paying for one recharge which is pretty fair of them.

Thinking now is buy a cheap pressure switch £15 and try that first as easier to fit myself. If not then buy solenoid, get gas removed, fit solenoid (looks a pain and possibly have to remove compressor), recharge gas and hope that does the trick.

[Shoduchi]

You need to remove the gas to replace the pressure sensor too.