Do I have AC or not?

NewOwner99 · #1 06-02-2011, 08:24 PM

I am the new owner of a 1999 Audi A4 Quatro. Until recently, I have never had the use of the AC. But now, I'm beginning to wonder if I EVEN HAVE AC AT ALL? I've manipulated all the controls on the in-car air dashboard and all I get is more outside temperature air. I'm assuming if the car has an air compressor it would have AC? What's an easy fix to know if I have AC at all? (no owners manual included)

airguard350 · #2 06-02-2011, 09:11 PM

You probably need an R134a refill. You can buy it at Auto Zone, Advanced, Pep Boys, Wal Mart, etc.

Basic How-To video: Attaching line to can - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HkXP...feature=relmfu

Charging system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTa4f...1&feature=fvwp

This is a general video. The location of the refrigerant canister in your A4 might be different.

bradtyler02 · #3 06-03-2011, 09:36 AM

If the "ECON" button light is on, you are not using AC. If it's off, you're using AC. And like he said, you probably need a boost.

Apocalypse · #4 06-03-2011, 10:05 AM

my ECON light will not shut off? Does anyone know why?

überschnell · #5 06-09-2011, 10:09 AM

Could be any number of things, from simply low on freon to a failed high pressure switch to a failed climate control unit or compressor. A VAG would be the easiest way to diagnose the issue, but just having it charged up would probably be the cheapest first step. It's better to use actual gauges and fill the proper amount than to just dump in a can from a parts store. If you can find a buddy with A/C gauges, the cans (will likely end up needing more than one) are a-OK.

Huey52 · #6 06-09-2011, 10:30 AM

If you need a refrigerant recharge (likely) you're far better off having it done professionally (with a dual gauge system). Too much refrigerant (from a DIY can) can be worse than not enough.

Apocalypse · #7 06-10-2011, 03:32 PM

took it back to the dealership, bad compressor, getting it replaced for free this weekend!!!

auditech79 · #8 06-10-2011, 09:26 PM

I can't remember ever seeing an audi with no air conditioning, its needed to defrost the windshield in cold wet weather.
If the ECON light is lit and won't turn off there is a fault in the system, a vag com can pull the codes to see what the problem is.
Disregard anyones advice about recharging the system, A/C systems DO NOT LOSE REFRIGERANT over time, thats a myth. If it needs recharging, its leaking somewhere and needs to be repaired first. Do not attempt to repair your A/C system yourself.

bradtyler02 · #9 06-11-2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auditech79

Do not attempt to repair your A/C system yourself.

But I thought everything on my car was DIY!!!

My A/C works great after the car has been running for a bit (up to normal operating temp), and I'm at an idle for a minute (say at a light), or in really slow traffic. But, at highway speeds, it's just cool enough to make the trip not completely miserable.

I'm thinking a new compressor?

auditech79 · #10 06-11-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradtyler02

But I thought everything on my car was DIY!!!

My A/C works great after the car has been running for a bit (up to normal operating temp), and I'm at an idle for a minute (say at a light), or in really slow traffic. But, at highway speeds, it's just cool enough to make the trip not completely miserable.

I'm thinking a new compressor?

Probably not, when the compressor is bad you won't get any A/C at all. The pressures on both the low and high side would read 0. A slow leak can take up to 3 years to completely leak out, they generally leak at the thermostatic valve, (or orifice tube) evaporator, or a rock hits the condenser in front of the radiator and causes a pin hole leak. You probably have a low charge from a small leak, if you hook up a cheap gauge to the low side i would bet it would read 20 psi or lower.