07 MKV GTI - Air Conditioning: Mixed results/

[tomgti]

Just wondering - Has anyone had any success by simply draining the refrigerant, removing the RCV and cleaning it, then reinstalling and regas? The reason I am thinking this is because for the last 10 days, the AC has been working intermittently - luck of the draw if it decides to work or not.

I'm thinking I'll take this approach - any tips?
If not - anyone in Melbourne that could help fix my issue or perhaps stock an RCV?

[jessv3]

The AC in my MY08 GTI has just started blowing hot air it works OK on the freeway but as soon as I pull into heavy traffic the cabin starts to heat up. I had one auto-elec take a quick look at it yesterday who said the compressor requires replacing and quoted me 1.1k. I don't know if I'm convinced considering it works ok when I'm not in traffic, my gut tells me it is more likely an intermittent failure of some part of the AC system, perhaps the RCV.

Does anybody know of any good aircon places on the Sydney North Shore? Someone who will thoroughly check it out without just telling me it needs a new compressor.

As a side question, has anyone had VW cover the cost of getting the AC fixed in an older GTI (car is over 8yrs old). It really is disappointing that an AC unit can't even last 100k, it appears to impact most mk5/6 owners. My parents had the same issue in their MK6 103tdi, lucky for them their car was only 2 months out of warranty so VW covered the entire 3k bill.

[xradioactiveman]

Had my RCV changed on Xmas eve and regassed. Blowing ice cold air now

[jessv3]

Had my RCV changed on Xmas eve and regassed. Blowing ice cold air now

Nice! Where abouts did you get it fixed/ source the parts and what was the cost?

Sent from my GT-N7105T using Tapatalk

[xradioactiveman]

I got mine of eBay but as others have said you can get it from polarbear or alibaba. It's a pretty easy job I think. I'm in Adelaide. Any mechanic that does ac work should be able to do it. There's few how to guides on the net. You need to evacuate the compressor, replace the RCV and then regas.

[Lams]

my mate's Jetta was also the RCV valve. It would take up to 10 min to start blowing cold air. No fault codes in VCDS
Was quoted a lot of money to replace a lot of components but in the end, the total cost was about $100 with the valve, labour, regas etc
For $100, it's worth a shot

[tomgti]

I am in Melbourne and trying to find a source for a RCV.. I cant find one on ebay and the polarbear website isnt working properly when I go to the Shopping Cart/Checkout.
I have been to 3 local AC mechanics - all have suggested a new compressor without even looking at the car. When I have suggested that it could be the RCV, they all tell me that they're not interested in the job.. Obviously it's not worth their time.

[tomgti]

I got mine of eBay but as others have said you can get it from polarbear or alibaba. It's a pretty easy job I think. I'm in Adelaide. Any mechanic that does ac work should be able to do it. There's few how to guides on the net. You need to evacuate the compressor, replace the RCV and then regas.

Hey - Could you please supply the ebay link to the valve you bought? I have found a heap of them on there now.. Some from Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States. The one on the PolarBear website makes specific mention in the pictures to a 'Round Post Top Centre' - Polar Bear, Inc. Webstore: Compressor Valves

The ones on ebay don't look to be 'round'.

Thanks!

[xradioactiveman]

Electronic Control Valve FOR PXE14 PXE16 Sanden Compressor NEW | eBay

If I bought again I would prob but from alibaba I think it's a lot cheaper. I had a sanden pxe16 compressor, I would check which compressor model you have first.

[tomgti]

Thanks. Have ordered. Will advise how it goes!