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1996 Vision TSI (LH) AC Compresser

My son came back from school and said the AC on his '96 Vision TSI (3.5L DOHC LH) was not working properly. I took a quick look and the AC belt is completely gone! Based on the fact that the belt was only 2 years old and I found some of the belt's rubber left on the AC compressor pulley, I suspect the compressor may have seized.

Since I have only limited experience with automotive AC systems, I'd appreciate some info from someone in the know. Here are the symptoms:

- The pulley on the compressor and the idler pulley both turn fine/smoothly by hand.

- The clutch still energizes when the AC control is enabled and locks up the with pulley

- I can't turn the clutch on the compressor or the pulley when it is engaged at all by hand.

I am reluctant to install a new belt without knowing if the compressor is working properly. Specifically, should the outer clutch be able to turn by hand before it is engaged? How much force should this take? Is there any procedure to determine what specific component has failed?

Unfortunately, the FSM is away at the school so I don't have it here to help diagnose this problem. At this point, I suspect the system is still pressurized or else the AC clutch would not engage. I also suspect that the compressor may be seized since I can't imagine why a 2 year old belt would otherwise burn up on the pulley and then self-destruct.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. He is going back to school tomorrow afternoon, so I'd like to do further diagnosis and know what is bad before he leaves.

Bob

Reply to
Bob Shuman
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The compressor should turn easily by hand. It doesn't really matter which component in the compressor failed as they are replaced as a unit.

The system will need to be flushed. Compressor needs to be replaced, dryer needs to be replaced and the metering device cleaned well if not replaced (I would replace it).

Steve B.

Reply to
Steve B.

Steve B,

Thanks for the prompt reply. This is pretty much what I thought as well when I saw the belt had self destructed. I'll look for a rebuilt or salvaged compressor to hold down the expense and pick up new seals for it as well. If there is good news, it is that the component is easy to remove since it is right at the top of the front of the engine compartment.

As to the suggestion of replacing the dryer, can't I just pull and hold a vacuum once the repair is made since the system will only be opened for a brief amount of time and was working fine prior to the lock up? (The goal here is to minimize the expense since he is a college student and will pay for the repair himself ... he just needs a few more years out of this vehicle.)

It is too late to try to do anything before he leaves for school tomorrow...I'll ask him to bring back the FSM in Fall since it should have info on how much and type of oil I will need to add to recharging the evacuated system. By the way, I know I need to take it to a licensed technician to do the evacuation before I do the repairs.

Thanks again.

Bob

Reply to
Bob Shuman

The problem here is that the compressor locked up. Many times when it does this shrapnel is spread through the system. If you don't get it all flushed out one little piece can clog the metering device or, worse yet, eat the new compressor. My concern would be if anything has made it to the dryer... They are almost impossible to flush out and the time that it was open for flushing would most certainly saturate the desiccant.

Steve B.

Reply to
Steve B.

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