Hey guys,

So I've got two Audi's, a 96 A4 and a 94 100S. Recently took both in to be recharged. According to my mechanic, both seem to be having the same problem, where the compressor will kick on for a second and then quit. If he give them direct power, the compressor will run without a problem. So, he says the compressor is fine but there is some kind of electrical problem. He is willing to try diagnostics for $70/hr, but admits he is no expert on the electrical aspects of the A/C.

Could he be doing something wrong here? It seems strangely coincidental for both cars to be having the same problem. I have been going to this mechanic for a while, and he seems to know his stuff, but like I said, he is no expert on the A/C system. His other suggestion is to take them in to the dealership, which I am sure will be extremely expensive and something I would like to avoid on such old cars.

Is it possible to check error codes (on either model) for the A/C system? He says he doesn't have the equipment to do so, at least on the 94 100S. I thought I remember seeing something about A/C error codes on this forum, but I couldn't find it today.

If anybody has an suggestions on what to look for or what could possibly be wrong I would really appreciate it!

 

the systems wont kick in unless the pressure is right and as he has done both and having the same problem perhaps another garage might be more successful, some thing not right there mate and it could be your mechanic though I will never point fingers

 

So if he didnt put the right pressure in for the recharge it would make sense for the compressor to not stay on? I just got off the phone with him again and he says there is not voltage to the compressor and he wants me to go to the dealership and get at least a diagnosis. He seems to think its some kind of electrical sensor malfunction or whatever but I just am leery that both cars would be having indentical problems.

His recharge machine is a fancy digital machine...how hard would it be for him to do it "wrong"?

 

simply setting the machine up wrong would be enough (did he drain it first??) did he add the correct oil?? I personally see something odd when it happens to 2 cars and the same problem

 

I do remember him mentioning that he drained it out first. He explained the whole process but I can't remember exactly what it was. He is a foreign car mechanic, but of course he does a lot of work on Japanese cars and whatever. Would there be anything he could have done wrong on an Audi vs. a standard Asian or American car?

If so, I could see that being the problem, but I would really be surprised if it was just a general problem of using the machine...

 

only problem I can see is if he didn't have the correct information which varies form maker to maker, using the wrong gas is enough where pressure is concerned it should be R134A depending on engine size the oil and gas content would be different

 

aircon quantity 1994-11.97 650-700 grams,
11-97 showa condenser = 700-750 grams,
11.98-12.98 AWG condenser = 550-600 grams,

oil type Zexel = GO52 154 A2
Denso = G052 300 A2

oil quantity = CM2 250-300

 

now you have the information to ask him what he used

 

Thanks Dave you are the man! So if he used the wrong stuff, would that do any damage, or just not work? Should I ask him to drain what he put in there and replace it with the right stuff? Thanks again for the info!


EDIT: BTW, is this general for Audis or for one car specifically?

The cars are:

1996 A4 2.8 non-quattro
1994 S100 (2.8 again, I think)

 

it just would not work and yes you have to drain the system again

edit: this data is for Audi