cool. Thanks. I'll keep you guys updated when I get codes

 

UPDATE:

Apparently my pressure in the low line was zero. There was no refrigerant in the system.

Took it to a shop to diagnose and guess what, a small pin whole leak in the condenser.

I wanna do this install myself...anyone have a write up on how to replace a AC condenser?

 

The replacement of the condenser is easy, but you'll never get the system to work properly. Once you open the system the accumulator will get screwed up from moisture in the air, so that will have to be replaced most likely. You also need to put the system under a vacuum for 45 minutes+ to remove it of air. Then have the system injected with R134-a and PAG oil. You cannot do this yourself, so don't even try.

 

damn, that sux. All that just cuz a tiny hole. wow.

How much am I looking for parts and labor if u dont mind me asking?

 

Any qualified A/C repair shop can do this job, the dealer will charge you a lot more.
It would basically cost $200 labor plus the price of parts, if you don't mess with it an A/C shop can salvage the A/C accumulator, and some will try to sell it to you. In my opinion you can do without the accumulator, but it would work better with a new one.

My best guess would be between $400-$600 everything installed, depends on who's doing it.

 

My ECON light was stuck on and no cool air was blowing out of the vents for my '02 A4 1.8T. The problem ended up being a bad thruster sensor. The A/C shop was calling it a pressure switch. I replaced the sensor for about $90. Labor and troubleshooting ran about $110. Attached are pictures of the sensor and it's location.

 

So what does this have to do with this guy that had a leak from the condenser? That the ECON light stayed lit? There are a myriad of things that will cause the ECON light to stay lit, it only means that the system is currently disabled because of a problem.

 

Hi Alex,

When these later Audi's/Mercedes/VW's go low on gas the ECU shuts down the compressor. I use a BOSCH KTS diagnostic unit to reset. It's not always straight forward as sometimes you can reset up to 6 or 7 times before it clears.

As a point of interest these cars with these types of compressor - the A/C is running all the time and when the economy light is on the compressor is disconnected. This is good in the winter as you are not running the A/C when you don't need it (saving on fuel).

Regards
Clive

 

my 2002 audi a4 Econ light stay on con't cut it off but the compresser dont come on what could be the problem help thanks

 

So my AC problem is now fix it was just a fuse thanks to me