Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

mfhjr on Sat June 25, 2011 6:58 PM

Year: 1999
Make: VW
Model: Beetle
Engine Size: 2.0
Refrigerant Type: r143a
Ambient Temp: 90
Pressure Low: 120
Pressure High: 120
Country of Origin: United States

Hello, I am trying to help a friend figure out what the problem is with her 99 VW Beetle 2.0 non-turbo. She said that A/C pretty much has not worked this summer. I thought she probably had a leak and needed some minor repairs on her system. First set the system to max cool and noticed the the compressor was engaged and running but no cool air. Hooked up the gauges and both the high side and the low side were running at 125 psi, did not notice any obvious leaks in the system. Could someone out there help us. I'm a pretty good mechanic and could handle swapping out the problem part or parts. I really need help figuring out if she has a bad compressor bad expansion valve or both. This is my first time on this site and it looks to be very helpful and informative. I appreciate and help and direction.

I hope I provided enough information on the car but would be happy to provide any additional info.

Mario

TRB on Sat June 25, 2011 9:27 PM

If you have a full charge and the clutch is engaging. Dead compressor. Very common issue with this Sanden compressor. I would have it checked out before doing anything drastic.

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mfhjr on Sun June 26, 2011 11:43 AM

TRB, thank you for the reply. The system appears to have a full charge. If you don't mind me asking what do you mean by having it "checked out"

Once again thank you for the reply.

Mario

tomw on Sun June 26, 2011 12:57 PM

You can visibly see the clutch engage and turn the compressor shaft. What happens afterward is in question. Do the suction and discharge lines change in temperature? Does the condenser pull out any heat from the refrigerant as shown by temperature differential across the inlet and outlet? Ditto on the evaporator lines.
IF the compressor is compressing, it would develop pressure if the system held refrigerant. It doesn't seem to based on your readings.
If you are confident the compressor is failed, seek a new or re-built unit.
TRB sells them here.
tom

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