i can't get my A/C out of ECON mode. any ideas? it's hot outside!

 

Air conditioning compressor failure. Not extremely common, but not unheard of either. Call dealer and make appointment. Good luck.

 

Sorry if this is stating the obvious, but have you used the "-" button to turn the fans off, and thus, the ECON off? Then press the "AUTO" button.

 

Last month it happened to me. We took the A3 on a 4000mi roadtrip from Cali to Colorado and back. I think the altitude change must have stressed out the AC system.
What initially caught our attention was a high pitched sound like gas escaping. After that, the AC didn't work and remained in ECON.
Luckily the outdoor temps for the remainder of the trip were in range of 50F - the cooler wasn't really necessary for the remainder of the trip.
I had the car scanned at an Audi dealer in Boulder. The scan indicated that a pressure valve blew. The dealer assured me that the car would be OK for the rest of our trip back to Cali.
Once back at home, I brought it in to my local dealer who verified the initial diagnosis. I'm happy to report that it was fixed in half a day without much hassle. The AC delivers cool air immediately as soon as I turn it on.
Good luck and I hope your problem is as easily resolved as mine.

 

took it in for service friday and haven't heard back yet. "may be the compressor" is all i go out of them. i guess they're taking their time since i have a loaner, which leads to the next issue......


i really miss the A3. was stoked to get a 08 s-line 2.0 quattro A4 avant for the weekend. the honeymoon wore off quickly. it's sluggish and a gas-burner. very solid ride, just not much fun. i really don't like the MMI interface for the stereo. it's pretty comfortable and i do like the heated seats, though.