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A/C not blowing cold air

Tiny
RICKY76
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 248,000 MILES
I charged the A/C system. The clutch engages when the A/C is turned on and stays engaged until I turn the A/C off. The air coming from the vents is 81 degrees. Does not get cold. Whats my next step?
Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 2:56 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
First step is to check pressures and make sure it is properly charged. If it is not then that is the first issue we need to resolve.

If it is properly charged then the compressor is most likely the issue. Basically it is staying engaged all the time because the pressure sensor is not telling the PCM that the pressure is correct on the high side so it leaves it running to try and gain the pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

If the pressure checks out then we need to replace the compressor but let's check what they are and confirm this so we don't get this wrong. Let me know if you have questions and we can go from there. Thanks
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Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
RICKY76
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  • 5 POSTS
I don't have a gauge set. We use a Robinair A/C machine for evac and charge. Can I use this machine to check pressures?
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Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
RICKY76
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I charged the system today to 20ozs of refrigerant.
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Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Most all Robinair machines have both gauges on them so they will definitely work. When you evacuated it, did it hold a vacuum for at least an hour? If not, you should be able to just check pressures as it sits, then evac it and hold a vacuum then recharge it again with the proper amount of refrigerant which appears to be 26 oz +/- 1.8 oz.

If you under charge this it will cause these types of issues. Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system
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Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
RICKY76
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It passed the vacuum test the machine runs on auto cycle. But it's only a 10 minute test. I'll try to set it for an hour. I originally charged it to 26 ozs. It did the same thing it's doing now. Local VW dealer told me I had it over charged. That's where the 20 ozs came from. If I get it back from the alignment shop in time I'll try the pressure check and vacuum test tomorrow.
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Thursday, August 13th, 2020 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Sounds great. If it holds a vacuum for 10 minutes then that would be fine. At this point the pressures will be critical for telling us next steps. Thanks for the update.
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Friday, August 14th, 2020 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
RICKY76
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Finally got the pressure test done. I'm guessing I need a compressor.
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2020 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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It sounds like it, but what were the actual pressures with the A/C turned on?
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2020 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
RICKY76
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  • 5 POSTS
The pic was taken with the A/C turned on full blast.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 12:03 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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Okay. Yeah. Even pressure on both sides shows the compressor is not engaging. Take a look at the attachment. Basically you are looking at the 100/100 line.

Clearly if the compress "engages" it has power so at that point it needs to be replaced. Here is guide to help in case you need it but it looks pretty clear that would be the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 5:43 PM

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