2020 Jetta Ac repair

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Cygnus
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Joined: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:47 pm

2020 Jetta Ac repair

Post by Cygnus »

Hi
I have a 2020 Jetta with no functioning Ac.
I had difficulty finding a shop to service the 1234yh refrigerant so I ended up at the dealer.
The quote was 4500 dollars Canadian.
Well i guess I am rolling the windows down.
Was told the compressor was getting power but had failed internally.
They recovered160 grams and charged with 460.
Found small leak at low Shrader. Recommend new line
New compressor,Ac flush ,insert,expansion valve,

I am very mechanically capable ( timing belts engine installs etc.) but I am not very familiar with Ac systems.
So I am trying to plan where to start .

Fist thoughts Replace compressor with reman OEM from eBay or used local salvage.the compressors were used in alot of models.
Replace low pressure line or can I just replace the Shrader valve or seal .
Replace expansion valve and filter.
Buy some proper gauges and fill with 134a.
With them recovering the 1234fy do I need to vacuum down the system?
The dealer told me I could save the 1200 for the flush,but they probably wouldn't warranty the compressor.
Is the flush required?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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JohnHere
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Re: 2020 Jetta Ac repair

Post by JohnHere »

Cygnus wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:23 pm I have a 2020 Jetta with no functioning Ac.
I had difficulty finding a shop to service the 1234yh refrigerant so I ended up at the dealer.
The quote was 4500 dollars Canadian.
Well i guess I am rolling the windows down.
Not surprised about the difficulty finding a shop that could handle R-1234yf. For reference, $4,500 Canadian works out to about $3,300 US. Windows down in the Summer will be hotter than you think!
Cygnus wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:23 pm Was told the compressor was getting power but had failed internally.
They recovered160 grams and charged with 460.
Found small leak at low Shrader. Recommend new line
New compressor,Ac flush ,insert,expansion valve,
If the compressor failed internally, then they probably shouldn't have recharged it (depending on the failure).

Doubt that you need a new line. Schrader valves normally leak a slight amount. It's the cap that ensures a tight leak-free seal.

If the compressor was indeed disintegrating internally (not just the clutch), then you'll need a new electronically controlled variable-displacement compressor, a new condenser/receiver-dryer assembly, possibly a new TXV, and a thorough flushing of the remaining components.
Cygnus wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:23 pm Fist thoughts Replace compressor with reman OEM from eBay or used local salvage.the compressors were used in alot of models.
Try to locate a brand-new compressor, rather than a rebuilt or one from a salvage yard.
Cygnus wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:23 pm Replace low pressure line or can I just replace the Shrader valve or seal .
Replace expansion valve and filter.
Buy some proper gauges and fill with 134a.
See comments above about the TXV and Schrader valve, but DO NOT attempt to re-charge the R-1234yf system using R-134a. The service ports and adapters are different to prevent that cross-refrigerant usage from happening.
Cygnus wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:23 pm With them recovering the 1234fy do I need to vacuum down the system?
Yes.
Cygnus wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:23 pm The dealer told me I could save the 1200 for the flush,but they probably wouldn't warranty the compressor.
Is the flush required?
Yes, flushing is required, as well as replacing the condenser/receiver-dryer assembly, to maintain the manufacturer's warranty on the compressor.
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Cygnus
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Re: 2020 Jetta Ac repair

Post by Cygnus »

thanks for on for the quick reply.

So would my next best move be to check impedance at the clutch and go from there?
If a compressor is needed do I have to stay with an OEM Denso or are their other options
Can a skilled Diy manage all or most of the tasks with vacuum/ guages etc including system flush or would i need to take it to a shop?
This platform/ motor came with a 134 a system in previous years. Would it be worth exploring retrofit of the entire Ac system to 134a( I am guessing not)
Ultimately the easiest move might be to buy another vehicle with a more serviceable Ac and park the Jetta for the three months that we get heat.

Again I appreciate your time and knowledge
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JohnHere
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Re: 2020 Jetta Ac repair

Post by JohnHere »

Cygnus wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 12:00 pm So would my next best move be to check impedance at the clutch and go from there?
If a compressor is needed do I have to stay with an OEM Denso or are their other options
The dealer said that the compressor was failing internally. Based on their statement, the compressor assembly needs to be replaced. If you can find a new one, Denso would exactly match what you have now. Other off-shore compressors might be available at lower prices.
Cygnus wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 12:00 pm Can a skilled Diy manage all or most of the tasks with vacuum/ guages etc including system flush or would i need to take it to a shop?
You can take it to a shop, or work on the system yourself as long as you have the proper tools and expertise. If doing it yourself, you'll need the vacuum pump and Manifold Gauge Set that you mentioned, in addition to a flushing cylinder and solvent, refrigerant scale, R-1234yf refrigerant, R-1234yf compatible PAG oil, Nylog Blue (to coat all the o-rings and joints to ensure a leak-free system), clean/dry compressed air, and miscellaneous hand tools. ACKits.com, this Forum's sponsor, can furnish most or all the parts and supplies.
Cygnus wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 12:00 pm This platform/ motor came with a 134 a system in previous years. Would it be worth exploring retrofit of the entire Ac system to 134a( I am guessing not)
I don't recommend switching because your system has been designed from the ground up to use R-1234yf. Besides the cost difference for the refrigerant itself (R-1234yf is more expensive, but your car takes only about one pound), there's really nothing to gain from going back to the older refrigerant, which also has a significantly higher Global Warming Potential. I don't know about the laws in Canada, but in the USA, it goes against the federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations to switch.
Cygnus wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 12:00 pm Ultimately the easiest move might be to buy another vehicle with a more serviceable Ac and park the Jetta for the three months that we get heat.
That's certainly an option for you to consider.

How much mileage has your Jetta logged?
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Cygnus
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Re: 2020 Jetta Ac repair

Post by Cygnus »

Very helpful Johnhere
My Jetta has 110000 km ( approx 66000 km)
Thanks again for all the help.
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