MK5 1.9 TDI Air Con problem

[russ21]

Hi All,
Notice quite a few threads on faulty air con compressors on MKV's. Just had my checked for gas and ok - but still not air con. (Econ button is off) Went back to local independent VW chap and he says that MKV's are notorious for going faulty - something to do with the combined clutch in the new unit from the much better and more relaible one in the MK4?

Anyway - two questions:-

1) Are any of you aware of a recall by VW on MK5 Air Con units - mine wasn't recalled but I might not have been contacted (wishful thinking or what!)
2) What sort of price are we looking at for a replacement compressor and is it a DIY job and just take it along to be regassed once fitted?

Your expereince/advice most appreciatted.
Cheers

[phil miller]

mine doesnt work but scan showed up i have a faultly aircon high pressure switch, so im gonna change that first, funny but when i phoned my local dealer they told me that switch has to be changed if the compresser is replaced, i wonder if most are faultly switches that are miss diag as the compresser lol

[daclyn]

Check the VW code on the Compressor.

There is a problem with some.

Let me know yours and I will try to help

[russ21]

Thanks - whereabouts do I find the code on the compressor?

[daclyn]

Remove the top engine cover and if you look directly down you will see the alternator. Below this is the AirCon compressor.

The VW code is on the front. Using a small mirror you will be able to read the code.

Google "VW Golf MK5 Air Con Compressor" and it will give the suspect Code Numbers.

(Mine is 1K0 820 803Q SANDEN) Letter S or > are generally OK I belive.

Hope this is helps.

(I went to Halfords for a free AirCon check when I thought I had a problem and they said it was faulty.

VW did a free check and confirmed it was OK. I now don't use the "ECON" button eg NO LED LIGHT. I find that COLD is not as chilled as my Passat

was.)

[Crasher]

If a fault code scan shows no errors then I have found it is the compressor at fault but this is not at all easy to test.

[russ21]

Took car to VW Agent and asked them to diagnose the fault for me. There test gear identified a broken wire on the connector into the compressor. Unfortunately VW want a further £150 to repair the broken wire which i think is a bit rich. Diagnosis was a seperate £50. Am getting my local VW specialist to repair the wire as it's buried under the compressor and may require the compressor to be removed to repair?