VW Passat: Climatronic Problems & Solutions

Hello everyone!
When I turn on the climate control, it starts to squeak, very loudly, regardless of engine speed. After 5-10 minutes, the noise disappears. Sometimes, it starts again at random. When switching to 'Econ' mode, the noise also disappears. Since I am currently in Austria and only come home on weekends, I cannot choose a VW workshop in Germany. Everything is more expensive here than at home. Can someone at least discuss the possible cause? So that I can also participate in the conversation during the workshop visit.

Has the air conditioning system ever been refilled? I also have (or had, damn leaky air conditioning ) a similar squeaking sound, but only when idling.

Best regards, WarLord.

No, it wasn't filled yet. The system is supposed to be MAINTENANCE-FREE! , right? By the way, what does it cost to have it filled here?

'Hmm, I have no idea what it costs for you. It always depends on the type of refrigerant used. I once got quotes from various places and services for my Passat 35i TDI, and it turned out that VW wasn't the most expensive. Bosch was the most expensive at €106, followed by VW at €80. Then, a guy who also works on air conditioning systems filled it for me for €50. Unfortunately, it's empty again now, so I need to find the leak. By the way, nothing is maintenance-free with this system; the refrigerant leaks through the seals and rubber hoses, sometimes even through a defective heat exchanger or radiator. If the system had been filled recently, I would have assumed that whoever filled it simply forgot to add the refrigeration oil. But now it's probably a faulty bearing on the compressor.'

Best regards, WarLord.

Or the belt tension is too low...