Help with diagnosing broken AC

[doylebros]

You need a crow foot spanner!! 

+1^^^^

The VCDS fault code as previously directed points to no gas.

I'm puzzled at the pressure sensor being an issue to change (I've done a couple and found them no trouble on 07 cars) but that has to be your starting point if your going to have the system regased.

You must do both the pressure sensor and the seal (the sensor is the common problem as the gas seeps though the plastic housing) as below States it changed part numbers a few times so they know it's a problem!

Now the sensor(G65 is it's technical description) was originally 1K0 959 126 A

Today that is 1K0 959 126 E - £61:36 full retail inc vat

Seal 8E0 260 749 - £0.77 part number remained the same thus no improvements needed!

Online parts catalogue details http://www.partscats.info/volkswagen/en/?i=cat_vag_models&brand=vw&number=1714&set=1728&ein=2007&f=474&hauptgr=1234567890&hg=2&grf=026041409&bf=26041&hgug=260&ug=60&parent_id=2341754&detail_id=2341814

Now when the system is recharged "request they fill it with the dye mix" cause some people don't so they can charge you again!
This allows fault finding using a UV. Light after a period of usage (typically 14 days).
Now major leaks are normally quite obvious and show at the time of recharging if a stone has holed a condenser etc.
However, sometimes you can get leakage so small without the dye you would never detect the fault!
A recharge in Newcastle can be undertaken for £35:00 including the dye.

Now the system can suffer from many problems but this re-gassing should really be undertaken every 24 months (as both system oil and gas loss is expected) so for it to be an efficient system they recommend this!

[coolhandluke]

Mines 2006 and aircon seems to be still working fine.
Have never had it checked or regassed,am I better just leaving it alone rather that have someone start poking about at it?

[doylebros]

My next move would be:-

Using VCDS do an output test which will run the system and you'll be able to check it at various stages.

[akbarirfan]

Hi Julian,

I am getting the AC looked at next week (I bought the car from Julian) - what's strange is that cold air does eventually start coming out of the vents.

I also took it to kwik fit as they have a guarantee system, so I was able to get it leak tested and recharged for free. There was approximately 400g of gas already in there.

From what I understand, you had the compressor and drier replaced - are you able to confirm this please? I recall you mentioned that the expansion valve never got replaced.

I'll report back once diagnosed/fixed.

Thanks,

Irfan

[J400uk]

Compressor and G65 valve were replaced last year. Not sure about the other bits as I don't have the paperwork anymore, but should all be with the car. Unfortunately the lady who had it before me never used the AC so I don't think that helped. Good luck!

[akbarirfan]

Ok cheers, will report back once solved!

[akbarirfan]

It turns out the compressor was on the blink, so had a new one put it.

I am really impressed with the climatronic system - I have been advised never to use ECON mode unless I really want to save fuel, however the A/C system we have is meant to be very efficient. I used it all weekend and not noticed a major drop in mpg.

[J400uk]

Strange the compressor failed so quickly as that was brand new last year, guess it must have been faulty from day 1. Glad you got it sorted anyway!

[doylebros]

Keep this in mind if you want to repair your compressor yourself at a faction of the cost of a new compressor:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-AUDI-SEAT-SKODA-A-C-COMPRESSOR-CONTROL-VALVE-SANDEN-1K0820803-PXE14-PXE16-/191413381173?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c91206835

Easy to remove and check then if you see the filter choked solid buy one of the above.

[Matthewsimone]

Can deffinately confirm the ac system on our cars is very eco friendly
My mate is a aircon specialist and says use it all year round

On a recent 400 mile journey i lost 0.2mpg with the aircon on 

£230 to supply and fit a pressure switch is a absolute rip off
My mate charged me £60 to diagnose, change switch and regas system, ok that was mates rates but said even to a usual custemer he only charge about £80-£90 for that job
No crows foot spanner needed either as a watched him change it with a stubby spanner with ease 

[akbarirfan]

Strange the compressor failed so quickly as that was brand new last year, guess it must have been faulty from day 1. Glad you got it sorted anyway!

I know, strange really but I agree in thinking that the replacement you had fitted was broken from the start!!

Loving it now though 

[omeydz]

If AC not flushed properly, bits can get into the new compressor and could cause premature failure like that