Air Conditioner not working anymore!

[swong]

Hi guys,

I have an 08 GTI.

I was driving it last week with the air con on, and noticed a really weird odour coming from the vents, like some sort of chemical smell.

I reached my destination, got out then came back after an hour. I turned on the engine (with the air-con on) but cold air wasn't coming out. I then noticed a misty gas coming out of the front grill along with a hissing sound. I turned off the engine but the hissing sound still continued.

After a while the hissing sound and the gas stopped. However the air con has not worked since.

I'm taking it to a dealer for its regular service next week so they will look at it then, but has anybody ever encountered this before? Is there anything I can do in the meantime to fix this? (Or any idea of how much it will cost to repair )

Thanks!

[Umai Naa!!]

Something has punctured the condenser, causing the gas to leak out.

Not common, but it does happen.

[vdubmotorworx]

New condensor and gas and you will be up and running again mate...VDUB...

[swong]

Got it checked out at the dealer today during my regular service.

They used a lot of jargon but basically said they need to replace the compressor as well as some other parts, which will cost me $2,800 in total!!!

Does this sound right? Or should I get a second opinion?

[wai]

It could be the compressor seal, and it is not worth trying to replace the seal. By the time you dismantle things, replace the seal and then reassemble things, it will be cheaper replacing the compressor.

By all means, get a second opinion, but be careful as cheaper is not necessarily better.

[grtuned]

They most probably have quoted a few other parts of the ac system due to the fact that the compressor has failed. If the compressor has failed internally you can be guaranteed that swarf will be present in the system and if only compressor is replaced soon after you will have other issues. Shop around you may get cheaper quotes.

[brad]

Got it checked out at the dealer today during my regular service.

They used a lot of jargon but basically said they need to replace the compressor as well as some other parts, which will cost me $2,800 in total!!!

Does this sound right? Or should I get a second opinion?

That would be a quote at the top of the spectrum. Suggest you get a quote from an AC specialist or an independant VW specialist. You might wish to ask if they are amenable to you sourcing parts yourself as they are heaps cheaper from the USA.

[swong]

Yep I just read the quote he gave and it says the compressor had a mechanical fault, contaminating the rest of the system with metal fillings.
So the whole system will have to be replaced including compressor, condensor, valves, seals, etc.

He also told me that it's a common fault among 07/08 models, and that he will try and get VAG to pay for it (or part of it).
Is there even a remote chance of this happening? Or is it just false hope?

[lol.u.mad.bro]

Compressors aren't cheap. Mine was replaced a couple of weeks ago. Including service was $2000

[brad]

Yep I just read the quote he gave and it says the compressor had a mechanical fault, contaminating the rest of the system with metal fillings.
So the whole system will have to be replaced including compressor, condensor, valves, seals, etc.

He also told me that it's a common fault among 07/08 models, and that he will try and get VAG to pay for it (or part of it).
Is there even a remote chance of this happening? Or is it just false hope?

They should be able to confirm the level of VW "goodwill" before you commit to the repair. It takes a couple of weeks to get the VW HO approval.

[stickshift3000]

He also told me that it's a common fault among 07/08 models, and that he will try and get VAG to pay for it (or part of it). Is there even a remote chance of this happening? Or is it just false hope?

It is a common fault related to a manufacturing flaw in some compressors, plenty of info about it on the web.

VAG might come to the party so it's worth a shot, but they certainly wouldn't be obliged to cover any costs.

[swong]

Thanks for your replies guys...

I asked the person at the dealer what my chances were of this, and was told that they've had success before with this sort of goodwill claim but they won't guarantee anything. The fact that my car is almost 5 years old now probably lessens my chances by a fair bit. But they will put my case forward, and I'll await their response.. fingers crossed!

In the meantime can anybody recommend a reputable non-dealer mechanic I can see in Sydney to get a second quote for the ac repair?

[brad]

What part of Sydney are you? - no point driving for 2 hours in peak traffic if there's somebody local.

[swong]

Inner West Sydney

I'l give an update on my outcome when I get it in case there's anybody else with this problem.

[brad]

Inner West Sydney

I'l give an update on my outcome when I get it in case there's anybody else with this problem.

16 years ago I lived in the Inner West Sydney (Glebe) and that term covered about 10 suburbs. Now it covers about 30 /rolls eyes.

What about Wolfsburg Motors or Seb at Euromotive? There's a mobile guy around five Dock / Concord too.