A/C not working?

JSA20241

MEMBER
2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
2.5L
5 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
147,000 MILES

I have the vehicle listed above, 5 Cylinders 2.5L FI DOHC 151 CID. When I drive in the small street the A/C blows hot. When I go on the freeway it blows good and cold. If it is hot outside and I turn the A/C on it will not get cold at all unless I'm driving 60 MPH, but it will take time. Sometimes it goes from cold to hot back and forth. When it gets cold out the A/C blows good. There is nothing wrong with the heater.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,909 POSTS

This will be one of two things, either the system is low on refrigerant, or the A/C compressor is going out. The best way to tell is to follow this guide which you can get a simple recharge kit from the auto parts store or amazon. Please go over this video to show you:

https://youtu.be/uZrQCGwXfek?si=5oVhBCYxjD3b8VIh

If the level is okay then the next step, we will need a set of gauges to help see what's going on. Please go over this video for that and report back with the readings. If the system is working correctly the high side pressure should be about 225 PSI and the low side should be about 40 PSI.

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY?si=1CI6KxTEvWffNrdi

This video can show you how to find the low side port, the high side port will be on the line from the condenser to the evaporator/expansion valve.

https://youtu.be/ON2dYcmXIAw?si=JjsJ1R2SvroAuPbX

Please go over these guides and get back to us.