MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Jons1001 on June 07, 2021, 04:00:00 pm

Title: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 07, 2021, 04:00:00 pm
Hi everyone,

Any ideas what could be the problem with my air con?

Only blowing warm, clutch is engaging and the bolt in the middle is spinning with it. Fan isn't starting though. Been to Kwik fit and the car has no leaks according to them and is holding gas. Here is some info. From obdeleven...

(https://i.postimg.cc/NfH0xSwT/Screenshot-2021-06-05-11-07-18-082-com-voltasit-obdeleven.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kB79JjGX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/dVRtbC3V/Screenshot-2021-05-15-18-30-45-813-com-voltasit-obdeleven.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFt35Hc2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MTH6frDn/Screenshot-2021-06-05-11-06-50-030-com-voltasit-obdeleven.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8J8Qq4xG)

So going from above its saying the compressor is rotating but possibly not getting the current it requires? Or am I reading that bit wrong. Thanks
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: GVK on June 07, 2021, 08:57:31 pm
Code 16 not activating.

I know the high-pressure switch is common on mk5s.

Is there any fault codes in hvac?

https://euroautotraining.com/blog/late-model-vw-ac-compressor-shut-codes

16 = Compressor off (activation A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- implausible)

N280 fault maybe then?

(https://cdn.autodoc.de/thumb?id=7615191&m=0&n=0&lng=en&ccf=94077811)

Available on Autodoc.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 07, 2021, 09:19:35 pm
Code 16 not activating.

I know the high-pressure switch is common on mk5s.

Is there any fault codes in hvac?

https://euroautotraining.com/blog/late-model-vw-ac-compressor-shut-codes

16 = Compressor off (activation A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- implausible)

N280 fault maybe then?

Thanks, is there a way of testing the n280? Also I did have my thermostat changed around the time this happened, now wondering if this could have been disturbed/left unplugged etc.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: GVK on June 07, 2021, 09:26:17 pm
Don't know, I've only just learnt what a N280 is!  :grin:

Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 07, 2021, 09:42:17 pm
Don't know, I've only just learnt what a N280 is!  :grin:



Haha fair enough  :happy2:

Will do some investigating...
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 11, 2021, 04:12:56 pm
So, local Kwik fit have kindly offered to degas the system free of charge. Does anyone know how easy it is access/remove the solenoid on our cars? (Mine is 2008 standard gti).
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: FJB on June 11, 2021, 05:52:34 pm
I had to remove the compressor to replace my valve. Pretty easy once the compressor is off, and you will need some circlip pliers.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 11, 2021, 07:13:59 pm
I had to remove the compressor to replace my valve. Pretty easy once the compressor is off, and you will need some circlip pliers.

Ah so you do have to fully remove the compressor in order to change the solenoid valve? Was hoping I could just get under and remove it on its own   :scared:
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: FJB on June 11, 2021, 07:30:13 pm
You probably can but it is very tight for space.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: pudding on June 11, 2021, 10:46:13 pm
As per GVK, I'd start with the pressure switch as it's very common, and also the cheapest/easiest starting point.......even though said sensor is about 70 quid from VW!

Can you remember what the A/C was like before it broke though?  Even when fully operational it's pretty lame and inefficient  :grin:
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: GVK on June 11, 2021, 10:59:10 pm
Fault mode 16 points to the N280 being faulty or not being activated, which can be the pressure switch.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 12, 2021, 02:06:42 am
Decisions  :thinking:. It's working out about the same price to change either the pressure switch or the solenoid.

Pressure switch £70

Solenoid £20 plus regas £50

Assuming I can change both myself. Any ideas on what the most likely culprit is bearing in mind the shut off code I have? Or would the fact the compressor is not getting the correct current/fan not working point us to either the pressure switch or solenoid?
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Shoduchi on June 12, 2021, 08:54:44 am
Kwik Fit gained precious gas when they removed your AC gas. If they’re charging fully for a gas recharge, they’re making money twice from you. They should just charge you for the labour involved in that.

I’d replace the solenoid first. Good luck!
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 12, 2021, 09:23:40 am
Kwik Fit gained precious gas when they removed your AC gas. If they’re charging fully for a gas recharge, they’re making money twice from you. They should just charge you for the labour involved in that.

I’d replace the solenoid first. Good luck!

Hi, initially I took the car to Kwik fit for a recharge to see if that would solve the issue. It didn't and they didn't charge me anything, so at present I have a fully charged non working system. They said they will remove the gas free of charge (haven't yet) and they I just rebook for a recharge when I've fitted new pressure switch/solenoid. So only paying for one recharge which is pretty fair of them.

Thinking now is buy a cheap pressure switch £15 and try that first as easier to fit myself. If not then buy solenoid, get gas removed, fit solenoid (looks a pain and possibly have to remove compressor), recharge gas and hope that does the trick.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Shoduchi on June 12, 2021, 12:15:03 pm
You need to remove the gas to replace the pressure sensor too.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 12, 2021, 12:56:03 pm
You need to remove the gas to replace the pressure sensor too.

Thanks, most other forum posts I have read say otherwise though? Unless the pressure sensor has failed at the seal so is leaking gas.

Anyone clarify?
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: FJB on June 12, 2021, 01:18:48 pm
You do not have to remove the gas, the sensor is screwed onto a self sealing valve when removed. Just remove and replace, no gas will escape!
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Shoduchi on June 12, 2021, 02:04:37 pm
You do not have to remove the gas, the sensor is screwed onto a self sealing valve when removed. Just remove and replace, no gas will escape!
Oh, I didn’t know that. When I had mine replaced I didn’t see the valve. Thanks for clarifying.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: GVK on June 12, 2021, 02:55:03 pm
I thought that the pressure switch was on like a schrader valve so you can undo the switch and the gas doesn't escape - maybe wrong been 10 yrs since I did one at least. lol.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: maxamplitude10 on June 16, 2021, 08:03:36 am
Hi does anyone have the VW part numbers for the 2 components mentioned?
Cheers
Max
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: GVK on June 16, 2021, 08:26:51 am
I searched for a 2008 car - 1K0 959 126 A VAG Pressure Switch, air conditioning number 18 here

https://volkswagen.7zap.com/en/rdw/golf+variant+4motion/golf/2008-625/2/260-260041/#18

It appears that the N280 is part of the compressor, can't see it listed seperatley, but can get it from Autodoc aftermarket.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on June 16, 2021, 09:25:38 am
I've got the pressure switch coming any day now so will let you know if this solves it for me. If not gona buy the solenoid.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: nicolacam on August 03, 2021, 03:57:23 pm
Fixing stuff like this is a nightmare.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: wertyhas on January 10, 2022, 09:33:53 am
I still can't fix this.
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: maxamplitude10 on January 22, 2022, 05:21:55 pm
Code 16 not activating.

I know the high-pressure switch is common on mk5s.

Is there any fault codes in hvac?

https://euroautotraining.com/blog/late-model-vw-ac-compressor-shut-codes

16 = Compressor off (activation A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- implausible)

N280 fault maybe then?

Thanks, is there a way of testing the n280? Also I did have my thermostat changed around the time this happened, now wondering if this could have been disturbed/left unplugged etc.
This is very interesting as my Air-con decided to stop cooling at the same tine I changed the thermostat too, I wonder if there is a sensor/wire or similar been disturbed??
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: maxamplitude10 on January 22, 2022, 05:25:35 pm
I've got the pressure switch coming any day now so will let you know if this solves it for me. If not gona buy the solenoid.
Did this solve your issue?
Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: Jons1001 on January 23, 2022, 08:51:22 am
I've got the pressure switch coming any day now so will let you know if this solves it for me. If not gona buy the solenoid.
Did this solve your issue?

Hi, very sorry I never updated . Turned out in my case I was lucky as when I got under the car to fit an ac solenoid valve (pressure sensor didn't solve it and is fitted from above but reading on you'll see why it didnt solve it) I noticed the sensor for the solenoid had been left unplugged by the mechanic who fitted the thermostat a few weeks earlier! So this was why my ac wasn't working all along!

I have got a pressure sensor, the crows foot spanner needed to fit it and an ac solenoid valve you could have for a reasonable price though now if you're interested.

Edit: just noticed you had your thermostat changed too, get under and have a look. Mine was very obvious as the sensor was just hanging there disconnected.

Title: Re: Air con help
Post by: maxamplitude10 on January 23, 2022, 06:47:49 pm
Ah ok I'll have a poke around in that case and see what I can find?
Thanks
 :happy2: