Air conditioner not working

Tiny
MOMO5372
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
It never stops but just blows air. I checked pressure and was fine on both sides with car running. The gauge went straight to red when I hooked it up. Not for sure what to check next.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 7:02 PM

33 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,883 POSTS
What were the actual low side and high side pressures please? Were you using a regular gauge set or something else? Normally a gauge going into the red is a very high pressure.
Do the lines get cold?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
MOMO5372
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I apologize. I did not check high side low side went to 100 psi on the gauge you get with the recharge bottle and no tubes do not get cold.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,883 POSTS
No problem. It sounds like there is a compressor failure that is causing no actual pressure change. A compressor that was working should drop the low side pressure to around 30-40 psi. I would try unplugging the clutch and see if the compressor stops. Then check the pressure in the system with a regular gauge set, you can get them as loaner tools at many parts stores. Now reconnect and see if the low side pressure drops with the compressor engaged. If it doesn't the compressor has failed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
MOMO5372
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Is that why the clutch constantly spins? If I do have to change the compressor is it something I can do? I read something about vacuuming the system and I'm not for sure what that entails. Does that need to be done with me changing the compressor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,883 POSTS
If the compressor failed internally it could be calling for AC and turning on the clutch but the compressor isn't really working. The thing is that if it is internal failure you will likely need to replace more than just the compressor. When they fail they tend to spit fragments out that travel in the lines and condenser and cause blockages. The normal process is to verify the compressor failure and then remove the parts and flush the system then replace the compressor, condenser, drier, expansion valve and the seals and oil. That is to keep any debris from cycling into the new parts and causing a failure.
I attached a pic of the instructions that come with a new compressor. A kit with all those parts runs about $400.00 on RockAuto. Com depending on which compressor style you have. I would say you can DIY most of the parts but the front condenser isn't fun as VW made it's replacement very difficult without the correct tools. You have to remove most of the front of the car to get to it! The fenders and bumper come off as one piece, then you remove the radiator support, drain the cooling system and disconnect the radiator and tip the lock carrier out. Then you can remove the radiator and the condenser!

Now another approach if it is a bad compressor would be to get a used one, then remove the lines you can get to, flush the system a couple times in both directions, add half a charge of oil to the compressor turn it over a few times to be sure it works and install it. Charge the system with the rest of the oil and see if you have AC. Not the best way but I've seen it work.
All of those will require the refrigerant to be recovered and then once the parts are replaced you would need to pull a vacuum to remove anything left behind in the lines or drier. Then recharge the system by weight.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
MOMO5372
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
That helps out a lot. I got a junkyard of the road that has a few Volkswagen bugs in it. I'll check it out and see if they got any that will work with mine and then I'll go with that approach and see how it works.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,883 POSTS
Keep us in the loop, if you need more help just ask.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
MOMO5372
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,544 POSTS
STEVE W. Is one of our best! Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 15th, 2019 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
MOMO5372
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I will for sure.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 15th, 2019 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
ERIC5SCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 90,000 MILES
AC not working, compressor is getting power, but not turning on. Freon pressures are good and fan control module has already been replaced. Any ideas? I've read that the dash switches are usual culprits but would like more info. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
So your getting power to the clutch when pressing the ac button but the clutch doesnt kick on?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ERIC5SCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, that is correct.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Seems like a clutch issue, is there continuity across the coil?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Do you have a bulb test light to do some testing?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CRGHIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
I have a 2003 Beetle and when it is cold outside it will not start. The lights and radio come on but when you turn the key to start it nothing happens. It doesn't make any kind of noise showing that it is trying to start. When the outside temperture warms into the 30's it starts right up. What could be causing this?

Thanks!
Craig Hinze
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PANCAKES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Did you ever find a solution to your problem?

My girlfriend owns a 2003 beetle as well and it was doing the same thing this past winter. Would not start when it was below 40 degrees f, as soon as it would warm up to 50 or so it would start and run fine.

I took it to the shop and it turned out to be the starter.

They replaced it and it runs fine now.

A new/reconditioned starter with core (turn in your old one) will run you $150 if you shop it around. Installation shouldn't take longer than an hour since it is pretty accessible to any mechanic that knows their stuff.

Let me know if this worked out for you,

Thanks.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MARSA04
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have the same yr and having the same problem did you ever figure it out? Please let me know thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DSHELTON4
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 100,000 MILES
Where can I get a wiring diagram for 2002 Beetle air conditioning? It does not kick on at all. I have been troubleshooting and read all forums. I am a mechanic and will be glad to make a donation if you can supply.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Climatronic or rotary heater control panel?

Thomas
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links