A3 AC Compressor Problems: Troubleshooting Guide

'On my car (A3, manufactured in 10/1998, engine 1Z), I'm experiencing the following problem:'

After the compressor is activated by the Climatronic system, there are slight noises coming from the area of the compressor. If the compressor is manually switched off, the noises become very loud and grinding (and can even be clearly felt as vibrations when touching the compressor housing with a metal rod!).

They feel like they might be caused by storage damage (like with a bra), or something similar. I would rule out a defect in the compressor pistons, because the noises become significantly louder when the compressor is disconnected.

The cooling performance is present and, I would say, not necessarily worse than usual - but I only ran the component for 2 minutes...

I then tried disconnecting the magnetic coupling connector as a test. Now, no unusual noises occur at all.

The noise only reappears after turning the compressor on and off again via the Climatronic system. Therefore, I suspect the defect is related to a clutch that is no longer closing or opening completely.

Unfortunately, there wasn't quite enough space in the A3 to allow me to perform a visual inspection of the clutch. I'll leave the connector disconnected and do another test run, and later I'll also read the error codes.

Has anyone else experienced something similar (especially the effect with the loud noises after turning it off)?

Thank you very much, and best regards.

Jörki.

(A3 1Z and T3 syncro AFN)

Hello,

Perhaps this might be the problem:

Loud noises coming from the engine compartment.

Cause:
By reducing the tightening torque from 25 Nm to 17 Nm for the magnet coupling connection, the magnet coupling may become detached from the compressor shaft.

Solution:
Because the loose magnetic coupling is damaging the gears on the compressor shaft, the compressor needs to be replaced.

Hello,

Perhaps this might be the problem:

Loud noises coming from the engine compartment.

Cause:
By reducing the tightening torque from 25 Nm to 17 Nm for the magnet coupling connection, the magnet coupling may become detached from the compressor shaft.

Solution:
Since the loose magnetic coupling damages the gears on the compressor shaft, the compressor must be replaced.

Well, great. ---

However, since the engine only ran for maybe 5 minutes with that noise, and I only checked it at low speed or idled my way home, perhaps it's not all lost yet.
Taking out the screws, removing the magnetic coupling, checking the shaft, and then putting in new screws (possibly with locking mechanisms) and hoping for the best is also a possibility, right?

'Would anyone happen to have a sketch or similar diagram of the relevant pages of a REP guideline (doesn't necessarily have to be A3 size) that I could use to visualize the process? (I'm happy to cover any associated costs).'

You're welcome.

Jörki.

another question:

How does that relate to things like good will or concessions?

In our case, this would be classified as a manufacturing defect, because the fault with the failing clutch is likely due to VAG (Volkswagen Group).

Sure, here are some hints:

* The text is about a specific topic.
* The text is written in a particular style.
* The text is intended for a specific audience.

If you can tell me more about the text, I can give you more specific hints.

CU Gremlin.

If this is a manufacturing defect, Audi "usually" covers the costs.
I would remove the magnetic coupling. If the shaft is damaged, it needs to be sent to Audi for inspection.

You were right, the magnetic coupling had come loose. The teeth on the coupling were actually no longer there, and they had been corroded away from the compressor shaft.

Upon inquiry at the Audi workshop, they confirmed that they had encountered this issue a few times before. Unfortunately, their system rejected the warranty claim, so they recommended that I contact Audi AG directly. I then did so.

The car is admittedly 6 years old, but it has only been driven 78,000 kilometers. I wrote to Audi about this, asking them to consider that the damage is not due to the age of the car, but rather to the total mileage – which, in this case, is below average.

Conclusion: a standard form rejection letter from Audi, stating that they would deny the goodwill claim due to the age of the vehicle. Did they even read my letter?

so long

Jörki.