1996 Climate Control/AC Issues
#1
11-11-2012 | 04:35 PM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1
1996 Climate Control/AC Issues
I bought my 1996 Audi A4 Quattro back in August. The car is amazing, but it shows its wear. It's 16 years old; little quirks are to be expected.
My major issue is in the climate controls. The air conditioner has not worked since I bought the car. After starting the car, I can turn the compressor on by hitting the "Recirc," "Auto," or the "Compressor On/Off" buttons. But when the compressor does turn on, it only stays on for two or three seconds before inevitably shutting back off. And then after the compressor shuts off, the snowflake and recirc lights will only come on when I hold the buttons.
The original compressor in the car leaked. Bad. We replaced it before we were aware of the major changes that Audi made between '96 and '97 model years. But, after replacing the compressor, we came up with the same results as before.
We are unsure if the previous owner replaced the control head unit. The display flashes and eventually goes out while driving, but the controls still function, so could be a possibility.
So now the question comes up: how can I check if my compressor and control head are compatible? Can Audi diagnose this issue for little charge? If Audi diagnoses this issue, can we fix it ourselves?
I'm lost. We've been working to fix this issue since mid-September, and now with it being November, I need my compressor to work to defrost my windshield, which seems to have a permanent layer of condensation on it.
My major issue is in the climate controls. The air conditioner has not worked since I bought the car. After starting the car, I can turn the compressor on by hitting the "Recirc," "Auto," or the "Compressor On/Off" buttons. But when the compressor does turn on, it only stays on for two or three seconds before inevitably shutting back off. And then after the compressor shuts off, the snowflake and recirc lights will only come on when I hold the buttons.
The original compressor in the car leaked. Bad. We replaced it before we were aware of the major changes that Audi made between '96 and '97 model years. But, after replacing the compressor, we came up with the same results as before.
We are unsure if the previous owner replaced the control head unit. The display flashes and eventually goes out while driving, but the controls still function, so could be a possibility.
So now the question comes up: how can I check if my compressor and control head are compatible? Can Audi diagnose this issue for little charge? If Audi diagnoses this issue, can we fix it ourselves?
I'm lost. We've been working to fix this issue since mid-September, and now with it being November, I need my compressor to work to defrost my windshield, which seems to have a permanent layer of condensation on it.
#2
11-11-2012 | 05:50 PM
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 591
From: NC
I had this same problem.
My AC compressor was shot. Replaced that and it actually worked.
But since you have replaced it and it still doesn't work, I would think it is pressure related, or the HVAC switch itself assuming the system was vacuumed and all during the install process.
The trinary pressure switch could be bad. I am 95% sure replacing the trinary switch requires pulling vacuum on the system/recharging it at a shop.
If the HVAC switch is not the problem, then it obviously gets more expensive.
The shop will likely say they have to work in order, AC Compressor, hose to condensor, the condensor, the trinary switch, the drier, and finally the evaporator. The components up to the evaporator are relatively "easy" to replace if you are up for the challenge. A dealer will still charge you an arm and a leg for it. The evaporator will be expensive and will take the average DIY on this forum a couple days straight if they know what they're doing (5 hours to get to it, an hour to replace it/rest, and 5 hours to put it back together). The DIY is here AudiWorld Tech Articles
The thing is, if any of these parts are leaking, you'll basically be patching the system as you go and the cost will quickly accumulate
My AC compressor was shot. Replaced that and it actually worked.
But since you have replaced it and it still doesn't work, I would think it is pressure related, or the HVAC switch itself assuming the system was vacuumed and all during the install process.
The trinary pressure switch could be bad. I am 95% sure replacing the trinary switch requires pulling vacuum on the system/recharging it at a shop.
If the HVAC switch is not the problem, then it obviously gets more expensive.
The shop will likely say they have to work in order, AC Compressor, hose to condensor, the condensor, the trinary switch, the drier, and finally the evaporator. The components up to the evaporator are relatively "easy" to replace if you are up for the challenge. A dealer will still charge you an arm and a leg for it. The evaporator will be expensive and will take the average DIY on this forum a couple days straight if they know what they're doing (5 hours to get to it, an hour to replace it/rest, and 5 hours to put it back together). The DIY is here AudiWorld Tech Articles
The thing is, if any of these parts are leaking, you'll basically be patching the system as you go and the cost will quickly accumulate
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
