Year: 2002
Make: VW
Model: GTI
Engine Size: 1.8
Refrigerant Type: R134
Ambient Temp: 75
Pressure Low: 110
Pressure High: 150
Country of Origin: United States
Ac stopped working last fall, now that it is warming up it's time to fix it. Went to top off the system(never has been opened or serviced since new), found these irregular readings. Ac compressor comes on and all fans are running. What is the next step to fix this?
Thanks
Corradodave
Dead control valve in the compressor! Very common in that model compressor.
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Is there any way to test & be sure? Also can you replace just the control valve or am I looking at buying a new compressor? Could it be anything else?
Thanks
Corradodave
On that model you have to break down the compressor to replace it. Two things show your signs in our shop. One is a bad exp valve. This is mostly on repairs as there was a bad batch on the market last year and some may still be out there. Two is the control valve and we just replace the compressor.
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Can the expansion valve be tested?
Thanks
Hi Corradodave, do you drive a Corrado? Still a few of us out there...
If the expansion valve has not been replaced, 99% chance it's fine. Look at it to make sure it's not leaking. If it's not covered with green slime it's OK. I've only ever had them fail by leaking except for the ones in the bad batch last year.
The SD7V16 compressor does have the control valve quit pretty frequently. You numbers look like that, I've had a few quit. Don't bother with a rebuilt compressor, AC Kits' prices are better for NEW then other people's rebuilts.
Fasto,
Yes I still drive a Corrado, you have one as well? Is there any way yo know for sure if the problem is in the compressor ? There are no signs of a leak at the expansion valve.
Thanks
Hi Corradodave, yes I'm still driving a 1993 Corrado VR6, 220k miles, still makes 30 MPG and goes like crazy. I'm the original owner.
If the expansion valve is not leaking, and the system is reasonably close to fully charged, those pressures indicate a faulty control valve. It gets stuck at minimum stroke. To replace it you have to take the compressor out, remove the output manifold and the reed valve plate, take out the valve, and put in a new one. I'd just change the compressor for a new one, because the old compressor probably is about worn out anyway.
You could replace the expansion valve first if you really want to, it's somewhat cheaper, but it's not the problem. I've been down that road before.
Sometimes at high RPM and tapping on the side of the compressor it will free the stuck valve. The important part of this message is "tapping"!!!
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TRB,I tried the high rpm tapping method to no avail the other day. The expansion valve has no visual signs of issues. Sure wish there was a cheap fix for this !! Will be working on it some more this weekend. Fasto, as for my Corrado it is a 90 G60 70,000 miles, original owner.
Retested everything tonight, same results. Looks like I am in the market for a new compressor. Any suggestions? Trying to do the repair on a budget.
Thanks
ACKits.com will hook you up with a new SD7V16-whatever for around $250, which is super cheap for anything that goes on a VW. If you have the gauges & vacuum pump (it sounds like you do) you'll be all set. Consider replacing the receiver-drier at the same time, it's pretty cheap insurance. Even on the Corrado where you have to take the entire front end apart to get to the receiver-drier it's worthwhile.
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