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Thread: D4 AC Intermittently Cold – Compressor Clutch Engaging, Recently Re-Gassed (MY13 SDV6

  1. 16th February 2026, 08:55 AM #1
    tankwaste
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    D4 AC Intermittently Cold – Compressor Clutch Engaging, Recently Re-Gassed (MY13 SDV6

    Hi all,
    Looking for some advice on my MY13 Discovery 4 SDV6 air conditioning.


    The issue:
    The AC sometimes blows properly cold air, but lately it’s mostly just slightly cool rather than properly cold.


    What I’ve checked so far:

    • System was recently re-gassed
    • Compressor clutch engages when I press the AC button

    • Clutch spins when AC is on, stops when off
    • No obvious warning messages on dash

    • No clear pattern related to driving vs idling (although I haven’t done controlled testing)


    Other observations:

    • Air isn’t warm — just not properly cold
    • No unusual noises from compressor
    • Doesn’t seem to be rapidly cycling on/off
    • Cabin fan works normally

    A few questions:

    1. Could this point to the compressor control valve starting to fail (rather than full compressor failure)?
    2. Would a weak control valve cause intermittent cooling like this?
    3. Is it worth checking condenser fans / pressure readings next?
    4. Could an HVAC sensor or ECU issue cause this without throwing any faults?
    5. If it is the control valve, does the system need to be fully depressurised to replace it?


    Trying to work out whether I’m looking at:

    • Control valve replacement
    • Full compressor replacement

    • Sensor/electrical issue
    • Something simple I’ve overlooked


    Appreciate any guidance from those who’ve been down this road before.


    Thanks in advance ?
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  2. 16th February 2026, 09:08 AM #2
    BradC
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    When was it re-gassed? It's not unheard of for a service valve to leak after a re-gas. I've been caught with that twice over the years. Give it gas and it's all working great for a week or two, then it gradually drops off.

    It could also be the control valve. Do you have a GAP? Have a look at the system pressure both at rest and while operating and report back.
    MY08 D3 - The Antichrist - "Permagrimace". Turn the key and play the "will it get me home again" lottery.
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  3. 16th February 2026, 09:16 AM #3
    tankwaste
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    Quote Originally Posted by BradC View Post
    When was it re-gassed? It's not unheard of for a service valve to leak after a re-gas. I've been caught with that twice over the years. Give it gas and it's all working great for a week or two, then it gradually drops off.

    It could also be the control valve. Do you have a GAP? Have a look at the system pressure both at rest and while operating and report back.
    Hey Brad,

    It was re-gassed about 3 weeks ago, how would I check to see if it has a leak?

    I don't have a GAP tool yet, trying to pick one up second hand. I have a cheap mongoose cable from AliExpress and the SDD tool it comes with but it seems to be pretty unreliable.
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  4. 16th February 2026, 09:24 AM #4
    BradC
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    Unfortunately you need gauges really. If it's the compressor, the high side pressure will be low and the low side will be high. If it's short on gas the low side will be very low and the high side will be low.

    I bought my Gap direct from Gap in Canada. I paid full price and it arrived in 4 days. It has been the best investment I ever made for the car. Keep looking, they come up pretty regularly (particularly from SDV6 owners when they snap a crank and move the wreck on). If you plan on keeping your car, they are absolutely a worthwhile investment.

    For the A/C, unfortunately the Gap only shows what the car measures, and that's the high side. With either a gas leak or a stuffed compressor, the high side will be low, so that's not much of a help.

    I'd take a 6 pack round to the local car A/C guy on Friday arvo and ask if he can put a set of gauges on and have a look for you.
    MY08 D3 - The Antichrist - "Permagrimace". Turn the key and play the "will it get me home again" lottery.
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  5. 16th February 2026, 10:52 AM #5
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    Blknight.aus
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    it might also be the controls not stepping properly all the time, if the AC is on and the heater controls are open you get excellent demisting but suckful AC.
    Dave

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  6. 16th February 2026, 12:26 PM #6
    Graeme
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    Being so soon after the regassing, I would take it back to the person who regassed it who should put his gauges on to check pressures, which only takes a couple of minutes.
    MY21.5 L405 D350 Vogue SE with 19s. Produce LLAMS for LR/RR, Jeep GC/Dodge Ram
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  7. 16th February 2026, 01:21 PM #7
    tankwaste
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    Quote Originally Posted by Graeme View Post
    Being so soon after the regassing, I would take it back to the person who regassed it who should put his gauges on to check pressures, which only takes a couple of minutes.
    Hey Graeme,
    I had Raymond at Roverworks in Goulburn do the work on my D4 (I’m in Canberra, about an hour away). They weren’t licensed to carry out the A/C regas themselves, so they arranged for a qualified local technician in Goulburn to handle that part.
    I’m hoping to avoid another trip down there just to have the pressure checked, if possible.
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  8. 16th February 2026, 05:37 PM #8
    Graeme
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    I've always shied-away from A/C systems until very lately. I now have a set of ebay gauges that cost $76 which was cheaper than a single visit to a local mechaninc with gauges. I should have ventured into A/C years ago.

    Edit: I'm further away from you than Goulburn though.
    MY21.5 L405 D350 Vogue SE with 19s. Produce LLAMS for LR/RR, Jeep GC/Dodge Ram
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  9. 16th February 2026, 06:27 PM #9
    DiscoJeffster
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    Quote Originally Posted by Graeme View Post
    I've always shied-away from A/C systems until very lately. I now have a set of ebay gauges that cost $76 which was cheaper than a single visit to a local mechaninc with gauges. I should have ventured into A/C years ago.

    Edit: I'm further away from you than Goulburn though.
    How’s that working out for you? D4 AC Intermittently Cold – Compressor Clutch Engaging, Recently Re-Gassed (MY13 SDV6D4 AC Intermittently Cold – Compressor Clutch Engaging, Recently Re-Gassed (MY13 SDV6D4 AC Intermittently Cold – Compressor Clutch Engaging, Recently Re-Gassed (MY13 SDV6
    2010 TDV6 3.0L Discovery 4 HSE
    2007 Audi RS4 (B7)
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  10. 16th February 2026, 07:24 PM #10
    Graeme
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    Connecting the hoses is simple then open each valve at their line connections. No chance of getting the connections wrong because high and low vehicle connections are different sizes and the hoses and valves are colour-coded. I only wanted the gauges to see both sides, with no current intention of doing my own vacuuming and filling using HyChill.
    I've just collected a little oil to use on o-rings when reconnecting after removing and hopefully cleaning the valve tomorrow by slowly draining off some gas into a clean container, although I'll collect all that I can during the discharge.
    MY21.5 L405 D350 Vogue SE with 19s. Produce LLAMS for LR/RR, Jeep GC/Dodge Ram
    VK2HFG and APRS W1 digi, RTK base station using LoRa
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