Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

colinstone on Sat November 09, 2013 6:38 PM

Year: 2001
Make: VW
Model: Golf TDI
Engine Size: 1896cc
Refrigerant Type: R134a
Ambient Temp: 12C
Pressure Low: NK
Pressure High: NK
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

In Aug 2012 a/c system was degassed, vacuum tested and recharged with UV dye and all worked well. By Apr 13 all the gas had run away and low pressure fault was showing on Climatronic self diagnostic.
After a few months away, took car into a/c service centre today for full diagnosis. Due age of car was expecting to find holes somewhere, probably condenser.
System was degassed - not much left - and held vacuum after an hours sucking! Passed vacuum test. Then pressure tested with nitrogen at 10 bar. Passed pressure test. System inspected with UV light and nothing found externally on pipes/joints/compressor etc.
Service centre reckon all is fine but cannot explain why the Aug 12 recharge has disappeared so quickly.
Car currently left with just residual nitrogen while I ponder next move. I am doing cambelt change this week, so thought to replace any a/c components whilst front of car is dismantled.
Any tips on what might be amiss gratefully received.

Chick on Mon November 11, 2013 10:28 AM

if the service hoses were attached during the tests, you might have leaking shrader valves.. Use an electronic refrigerant tester on the service ports..Or the pressure relief valve?? hope this helps.

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

colinstone on Thu November 14, 2013 1:32 PM

Thanks. Decided to replace condenser, receiver drier and all seals - pressure switch, service ports and compressor shaft seal.

Also thinking of using PAO 68 oil as it is non hygroscopic.

TRB on Thu November 14, 2013 4:31 PM

These compressors are known for control valve issues. Better make sure it is even working correctly before wasting money on a shaft seal and such.

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