Problems with '58 plate VW Golf Mk5 1.9 TDI Heating and Air Conditioning

[malcolmsharp50]

I've recently purchased a '58 plate Golf Mk5 from the VW local dealer and was checking it out over the weekend. There appears to be a couple of problems with the heating and AC that I'm going have them fix under their 60 day used car warranty. Frankly I've not had a lot of good experiences with this dealership so I'm interested in any background to these problems so that I don't come over as a complete idiot if they try and fob me off with some excuse. The problems are:

The heating doesn't work. The blower runs correctly but the air temperature is always the same, i.e. cold, no matter the temperature set using the dial on the dashboard even after a long trip with the engine fully up to temperature. Coolant levels are OK and the engine comes up to temperature in about the time that I'd expect a diesel to. Is this a common complaint and is there a common solution, e.g. temperature sensor or dial going faulty.

When the AC is switched on there is perhaps a marginal decrease in the air temp but nothing more. When I look at the AC compressor I'm used to seeing the clutch engage and disengage as I switch it off and on but on this car both the belt pulley and the clutch at the end seem permanently engaged and rotating together. Is this normal for the compressor fitted to this vehicle or should I see the end plate rotate / not rotate as I engage and disengage the AC? Are there any further checks I can perform to check the AC is functioning correctly?

Any background information on the above would be appreciated!

[richard@thebrae]

You need a VCDS scan, it will show you if there is any faults in the heating/ac system, and if you have no record of the AC being regassed/pressurised then push for that under warranty.

[Teflon]

Standard system or the two zone climate control?

The former has a reputation for the temperature control cable on the round knob becoming disconnected, which is easily fixed. The latter has a reputation for all manner of faults with the various motors controlling flaps and vents. Either shoud be covered by your warranty. Air con problems add to the mix of possibilities.

Whatever the problem, get in quick and if fobbed off, make sure you get a printed confirmation of what your issue was in detail and what their (non) findings were. If unhappy, try another dealer. Some are great, others are pond scum. I drive an hour away from home to avoid my local dealer's service department 'cos I know the people I use can be trusted.

[malcolmsharp50]

Thanks for your responses.

A good start at the dealers. The car was in for the day for evaluation and is going back next week to have the 'heater box' replaced as well as the accessory belt for the A/C under warranty. They say they will have to have it for 2 days as the dash has to come out. I'm not convinced that the belt is the problem with the A/C but at least the heater problem is being fixed.

BTW it's the standard heater system.

I have a K-line diagnostic tool that I used with an old 2001 Polo I used to run and it identified a number of problems over the years so I am sorely tempted to get the VCDS tool that will work with later models. £260 or so is quite a sum but I guess it may pay off in the long run. What diagnostic information will it provide on the A/C I wonder?

[richard@thebrae]

The RossTech VCDS tool is the DB's for diagnostics on all later day VW systems from the K line onwards it will tell you everything about your AC system, what flaps are operating, is the compressor engaging ect. It is almost equall in capabilities as the dealer VAS diagnostic system, except for the "online connection" to VW HQ.

[malcolmsharp50]

Took the plunge a bought a VCDS unit from Gendan. There's a fault code for the 'Auto HVAC' DTC 01271 for the positioning motor for the temperature flap so that's the reason for the repair at the dealer later this week. I'll use the VCDS to check that the fault has been cleared.

Thanks for the advice!

[malcolmsharp50]

Update: The car spent 2 1/2 days in the dealers but came back with heating and cooling working. VCDS not showing any DTC codes so happiness and joy all round.

Thanks to all posters!