Aircon fault

Chiefmechanic

Active Member
The aircon compressor on my 2004 1.4tdi has seized and shredded the auxiliary belt. Is there a way to fix them or are they scrap. Is there a diy fill and drain for the aircon gas.
Brian
 
Not repairable. Most likely cause of failure, especially as the A2 compressor runs all the time, even with ECON, is lack of, or poor quality refrigerant, because the refrigerant is also the lubricant. No, low, or cheap top up (just gas, no iube) is the killer. Best get the replacement fitted by an aircon specialist, who will refill the system before running it. If you fit the compressor at home, it'll run dry, and sustain damage.
I'd go with a used replacement. Check the integral control valve N280 with VCDS. It controls circulation, and maintains essential (approx 2%) flow through the compressor to keep it lubricated and cool.
Mac.
 
Morning Brian,

Had a the same problem some 6 months ago where mine seized and stripped the belt.

After some searching for a reconditioned unit or looking to repair the failed compressor it seemed more economical to purchase a new compressor.

I got one from Eurocaroarts, be aware this link is to the part I purchased for my 2003 1.4 petrol BBY. Just go to the home page and insert you VRN and navigate to heating/cooling and you’ll find the unit for your car. Of note I didn’t pay that much which is shown on the link. I purchased on one of their normally priced days (they call it a sale) so you may want to hold out for another ‘sale day’. I got 50% off, think I paid £280 which included the replacement belt.

The Denso compressors come pre-filled with the correct amount of oil so be careful when fitting as you could loose a little. You would of course need to get someone to fill the system with the correct amount of R134A refrigerant. A local plumber who fits domestic aircon units should be able to help at a fraction of the cost of a local garage.

There is a very helpful website to get the weight measurement of said refrigerant which I’ll add shortly once Ive found it. I put in 500g along with the pre-filled PAG oil and gave me prefect results.

Fitting the new belt afterwards is a very simple process which is covered on the forum. I would be more than happy to FaceTime to talk you through step by step. Just PM me.

Hopefully this helps you out.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
I have a used aircon pump here that you can have if you cover postage....
Inbox me and we'll sort something....
 
Here's some info on Denso compressors and Pag oil, if you go the Clackers route. The refill will use the "new" refrigerant. So, contrary to what I said earlier, if you do the DIY compressor swap, (and add oil if used) you're OK to drive it, before re-gassing.


Mac.
 
I have a used aircon pump here that you can have if you cover postage....
Inbox me and we'll sort something....
Sounds brilliant to me.
Here's some info on Denso compressors and Pag oil, if you go the Clackers route. The refill will use the "new" refrigerant. So, contrary to what I said earlier, if you do the DIY compressor swap, (and add oil if used) you're OK to drive it, before re-gassing.


Mac.
 
Here's some info on Denso compressors and Pag oil, if you go the Clackers route. The refill will use the "new" refrigerant. So, contrary to what I said earlier, if you do the DIY compressor swap, (and add oil if used) you're OK to drive it, before re-gassing.


Mac.
Take you up on your offer when I get it fitted. Thanks. Brian
 
Morning Brian,

Had a the same problem some 6 months ago where mine seized and stripped the belt.

After some searching for a reconditioned unit or looking to repair the failed compressor it seemed more economical to purchase a new compressor.

I got one from Eurocaroarts, be aware this link is to the part I purchased for my 2003 1.4 petrol BBY. Just go to the home page and insert you VRN and navigate to heating/cooling and you’ll find the unit for your car. Of note I didn’t pay that much which is shown on the link. I purchased on one of their normally priced days (they call it a sale) so you may want to hold out for another ‘sale day’. I got 50% off, think I paid £280 which included the replacement belt.

The Denso compressors come pre-filled with the correct amount of oil so be careful when fitting as you could loose a little. You would of course need to get someone to fill the system with the correct amount of R134A refrigerant. A local plumber who fits domestic aircon units should be able to help at a fraction of the cost of a local garage.

There is a very helpful website to get the weight measurement of said refrigerant which I’ll add shortly once Ive found it. I put in 500g along with the pre-filled PAG oil and gave me prefect results.

Fitting the new belt afterwards is a very simple process which is covered on the forum. I would be more than happy to FaceTime to talk you through step by step. Just PM me.

Hopefully this helps you out.

Kind regards,

Tom
Thanks for the reply. Really informative. That’s the good thing about 5his forum. There’s always someone whose had the problem before.
 
Thanks for the reply. Really informative. That’s the good thing about 5his forum. There’s always someone whose had the problem before.

Brian,

If you do opt for a secondhand unit you will need the correct PAG oil. I have an unopened bottle here you can have FOC. Just cover postage please. I purchased it from Amazon (£19.95) at the same time as the new compressor and didn’t realise it come pre-filled.


I’m more than happy to help out and send it to you for the cost of postage.

Kind regards,

Tom


image.jpg
 
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Brian,

If you do opt for a secondhand unit you will need the correct PAG oil. I have an unopened bottle here you can have FOC. Just cover postage please. I purchased it from Amazon (£19.95) at the same time as the new compressor and didn’t realise it come pre-filled.


I’m more than happy to help out and send it to you for the cost of postage.

Kind regards,

Tom


View attachment 59824
Thanks Tom. I’ll take you up on your offer. Let me know how much you need and I’ll send you it. Pm sent to you.
Brian
 
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