Air conditioning compressor

[Giallorosso]

Have a problem with my 2008 9N GTI, which I believe is the A/C compressor.

Driving the other day, in about 30 degree heat with A/C on. Stopped somewhere for about 10 minutes, turned car off. Came back, started car, went to pull away and heard extremely loud screeching noises and white smoke blowing from engine bay. Also a strong burning smell.

Smoke was coming from the bottom right side, towards the back of the battery but I can't see much. Anyway, turned A/C off and car is fine, as soon as I turn it on it does it again.

Has anyone had this issue before? I spoke to ASV Euro Car parts (Sydney) and they say they only sell re-conditioned units and told me a new unit from VW is between $1500 and $2000, that's just the part with no labour. Are they really that much?

Any advice would be appreciated and if anyone could recommend somewhere in Sydney to do the job that would be great.

[Giallorosso]

And by the way, is it normal for a 4 year old car to have the A/C compressor fail? Seems like a very short lifespan to me.

The car is a year out of warranty and then this happens. Would it be worth complaining to VWA?

[Transporter]

It sounds like you've lost the refrigerant. Broken/rubbed through hose or similar.

[Bora Sport]

More likely that the compressor has seized and the smoke and burning smell is the belt slipping on the pulley. You should be able to do much better than $1,500 for a compressor. I could probably source one for around $500 but it could take a week or 2 and with Christmas around the corner it might create some problems.

[Giallorosso]

That's exactly what I'm sure it is.

Would that be for a brand new compressor mate, or a reconditioned one?

I'll PM you.

[gavs]

Air conditioning compressor

You can argue under Australian consumer law that the compressor has failed after an unreasonable amount of time. It is not reasonable to expect an AC compressor to fail after 4 years of use when cars built in the 80's will still have compressors running strong.

[Blitzen]

Air conditioning compressor

Go to the Golf 5 and 6 sections. Compressors failing after months.
Consumer Affairs would be able to do squat for a compressor that lasts 4 years.

[Giallorosso]

Go to the Golf 5 and 6 sections. Compressors failing after months.
Consumer Affairs would be able to do squat for a compressor that lasts 4 years.

Maybe, but four years is hardly reasonable, IMO.

[rgvlee]

I had a lot of issues with the A/C on my previous 2003 polo.

Recirc was fixed under warranty, then died again not long after.

A/C would either be hot or cold, nothing in between.

Sometimes the A/C would randomly just blow hot air, even when the controls were set to the coldest setting.

The compressor was very noisy.



It was something I checked out thoroughly before buying my GTI a month ago.

[gavs]

Air conditioning compressor

Go to the Golf 5 and 6 sections. Compressors failing after months.
Consumer Affairs would be able to do squat for a compressor that lasts 4 years.

You fork out $30,000 for a brand new car and expect the gearbox to implode upon itself after 4 years? I think not. If the OP is willing to challenge VW then go for it I say, now that I know the law I would fight it too.

[Giallorosso]

Took it into the dealer for diagnostic test today...now waiting to hear back from VWA about possible goodwill repair.

Service manager said there is a blockage somewhere and may have to replace entire AC components..."around $3k"

For a four year old car this is a joke.

[Giallorosso]

So inspection was done at dealer, dealer submitted request to VWA for goodwill repair.

VWA came back and offered 50% of parts. Total cost to me would still be approx $1870.

Have now put in official complaint to head office. Told them it is not reasonable for AC to die after four years and I shouldn't have to spend nearly $2K on a car that's barely a year out of warranty.

Complaint lodged and "case manager" will contact me within the next three business days to discuss.

[Giallorosso]

Today I was told by VWA that "the decision is final and can't be changed".

I have never come across such disgraceful and poor customer service. I first called on the 10th Jan and had to call back three times to eventually speak to someone today.

[Bflat]

Ombudsman time

[Giallorosso]

Ombudsman time

I have contacted the ACCC. They advised me to send a letter to VWA, then if no adequate response contact NSW Fair Trading and initiate a complaint through them.

A different person from VWA is set to call me in the next 24 hrs but according to the case manager I spoke to "will only tell you the same thing as I have".