Thread: 2013 D4 Air Conditioner Issue

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Is the heater completely closed off when the control is set to cool?

Mine is an HSE and I just set the desired temperature for passenger and driver via the dials either side of the console. Usually I just leave it on Auto and A/C and it does its own thing. To answer your question, I assume it is internally shut off as there is still cool air coming out of the vents. It was 41 outside and I had the temp set at 16 and then put it on 20 thinking the difference in temp might be outside its working range but it has handled heat before.

Martin

The bi annual checkup is a good idea - can anyone recommend a good place in Perth?

Originally Posted by veebs

The bi annual checkup is a good idea - can anyone recommend a good place in Perth?

I've had good service from Autocool on Lord st. I do my own work, but they've always been good for parts and advice. Old school tradies.

Originally Posted by BradC

I've had good service from Autocool on Lord st. I do my own work, but they've always been good for parts and advice. Old school tradies.

Quoted me nearly $800 to change the AC compressor valve. Got the valve for $100 and will fit myself. I’ll factor in a couple of hundred to scavenge and refill the refrigerant to change the valve myself. Couldn’t justify that sort of money for a relatively simple task.

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

Quoted me nearly $800 to change the AC compressor valve. Got the valve for $100 and will fit myself. I’ll factor in a couple of hundred to scavenge and refill the refrigerant to change the valve myself. Couldn’t justify that sort of money for a relatively simple task.

I've done 3 in my driveway. It can be a "relatively simple task". It can also turn into a pig of a job if things go wrong. Like I said, I can't vouch for their labor as I do it myself, but they've always been good for advice and parts.

if it's any consolation my brothers VW mech quoted him $800 for the same job. That one was a doozy as the valve got stuck and there's not much room between the valve and the radiator on a MK 6 golf.

Originally Posted by BradC

I've done 3 in my driveway. It can be a "relatively simple task". It can also turn into a pig of a job if things go wrong. Like I said, I can't vouch for their labor as I do it myself, but they've always been good for advice and parts.

if it's any consolation my brothers VW mech quoted him $800 for the same job. That one was a doozy as the valve got stuck and there's not much room between the valve and the radiator on a MK 6 golf.

I believe one trick is to scavenge, remove circlip on the valve, then pressurise the system with nitrogen. This literally blows the valve out of the compressor, then replace valve, scavenge to vacuum and refill refrigerant. Sound like a few trips to the AC place though. I’ll probably get them to scavenge and refill to 0 atm with nitrogen so I don’t have to fight the vacuum of the system when trying to remove the valve

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

I believe one trick is to scavenge, remove circlip on the valve, then pressurise the system with nitrogen. This literally blows the valve out of the compressor, then replace valve, scavenge to vacuum and refill refrigerant. Sound like a few trips to the AC place though. I’ll probably get them to scavenge and refill to 0 atm with nitrogen so I don’t have to fight the vacuum of the system when trying to remove the valve

Too much nitrogen and you push a load of oil out of the compressor when the valve comes out. It's a delicate balance, but yeah there is zero chance of getting the valve out under vacuum.

I wouldn't drive the car with a vacuum or nitrogen in there. Even at minimum displacement the compressor is still pumping gas and due to the serpentine belt you can't just pop the belt off to stop it. You'll end up ejecting the lubricant from the compressor and not having any gas to bring it back.

Once you've changed the valve you will be pushing humid air around the system. You'll want to get a vacuum on it as soon as is practical after putting the new valve in.

Presumably then Brad you’ve removed the gas yourself in your drive, else what’s your method?