Air Conditioning Issues

[Ash 180]

Hi Guys - really has been a long time since I visited the site and have never needed to post either, so here goes.

I've got 2000 (w) A3 1.8t Sport and am having some trouble with my air conditioning - Its just not cold and doesn't hold the gas when topped up?

At my last service they checked it out and and told me it was the AC pressure switch which sat at the very back of the engine. I obviously didn't get them to fix it there and then but they refilled it anyway FOC.

I was just wondering if anyone has had the same issue too? Have you heard the pressure switch problem before? Is it an easy DIY fix?

 

[abdus]

have you got it checked for any leak?

 

[Ash 180]

Are there any common areas where the AC leaks on the 8L?

 

[abdus]

you will need to go to an aircon specialist to get it checked for leaks

 

[AndyMac]

Yes, unless the garage you use are an A/C specialist (unlikely) then all they do is top it up (like kwik fit) rather than give it a proper aircon service. Find a good A/C specialist and they'll sort it out.

 

[neil.c]

Most common problem is the condensor failing as it is parked right in front of the radiator (and it is usually damp in-between the two most of the time) so it rusts through.

 

[Bug_racer]

Wow , rust on the condensor , we never get those problems here in Aus . The pressure switch sounds feasible , Ive changed a few , and no you cant by pass it to check it . First things first though , does the A/C compressoor turn on ? If it does , also make sure that your fans turn on as well (its a common problem here that the fuse on top of the battery for the fans actually melts ! ) If that all works and your compressor is on the the actual compressor is kaput and isnt pumping the gas anymore . If the compressor isnt on then its a pressure fault , either caused by the switch or low on gas . Just be careful cause if its low on gas it will also say there is a pressure switch fault

Good luck :thumbsup:

 

[Ash 180]

Thanks Guys - I'll work through the list and hopefully I can start enjoying the summer!!

 

[PW-Motorsport]

As suggested above, you need to get the system pressure tested and carry out some tests.

Then if the system holds vacuum, refill with the correct charge of gas and oil. There is a sticker on the underside of the bonnet showing the correct weight of gas required. If when the system is charged it does not cool. You then need to check the power and the operation of the a/c compressor.
If you have voltage to the compressor pump say 12V and the pump clutch is not engaging the problem is with the clutch. If you don’t have 12v at the pump you have a problem with maybe the bulkhead-mounted pressure or A/C control.

 

[fleeson69]

pw motorsport- i have air con issues, my compressor doesnt kick in, have checked feed and earth, and have a permantent feed and earth whether air con turned on or off, and even with the ignition off. this obviously not right, is my ecu faulty or climate control module faulty?

 

[Y83OLK]

Never heard of an alloy condenser rusting before.