'03 A4 1.8T Q

it's getting warmer around here and i had my first opportunity to use the A/C. tested it when i bought the car, but it was already cold outside so everything seemed OK. the air has plenty of velocity but doesn't blow very cold whether on auto (temp setting doesn't matter) or econ mode. it blows colder than outside temp, but not really cold enough to cool comfortably on 90+ deg days.

short of the obvious (recharging the system), why would the A/C not blow cold on a '03 vehicle?

is it common to need a recharge this soon?

 

Might just need a little more freon.

I would have the system checked for leaks, because it should not need this so soon. You must have a small leak somewhere.

 

the econ mode will automatically stop the a/c from being able to funtion, so dont try to set thetemp of the inside lower than the temp outside in econ, onlyin auto. mine was seemingly stuck on ECON and i figured that the levels were low and it was confirmed at the AUDI dealer, who added some freon and it is good as new.
also i did some reading, and the a/c compressor will automatically stop itself when under pressure from accelerating in order to shift the HP back to the engine. im not sure how long you have had your A4, or if you have the owners manual, but it does just sound like it needs to be topped off.

 

thanks, i'll have it checked. too bad, warranty just ran out last month. i wasn't sure if there was something wrong or if the HVAC just sucked.

 

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