Mechanic advice - is this right?

[DWBN]

My mk5 Jetta has the common problem with little to no cold air when using air conditioning. After researching, I found that the TX control valve in the compressor often fails and ordered a new one. I've just dropped the car off to a mechanic (recommended through here) and asked for the new valve to be fitted and a complete re-gas.

I've been told that the air conditioning 'filters' often fail and he would need to check if they were able to clean it or if they would need to be replaced - I've never heard of this? He then said that the condensor and compressor all could be shot if there was metal in the system?

I declined the air-con dye (for an extra $40) too.

Has anyone had any similar experiences to this? On a side note, I also asked for my front struts to be replaced (replacements provided) but they could not remove the spings on-site and would need to send them away ($150 for both sides + labour) - this suprised me as I have done them countelss times myself, but now living without a garage and not having the time decided to drop them off to a mechanic...

Finally, I also requested the DSG to be serviced and was told that it would need to be 're-programmed' in addition to the oil change. I queried this and was told that it would involve clearing any codes and making the gearbox re-learn?

thoughts guys?

cheers.

[Stanton]

Air con has a common problem of sh**ing itself.Metal through the whole system.
Big $$$$.
He's right with the DSG too.
Not all mechanics are crooks.

[brad]

My mk5 Jetta has the common problem with little to no cold air when using air conditioning. After researching, I found that the TX control valve in the compressor often fails and ordered a new one. I've just dropped the car off to a mechanic (recommended through here) and asked for the new valve to be fitted and a complete re-gas.

I've been told that the air conditioning 'filters' often fail and he would need to check if they were able to clean it or if they would need to be replaced - I've never heard of this? He then said that the condensor and compressor all could be shot if there was metal in the system?

Maybe he's right but what actual diagnosis has he done? Yes it's pretty common for MKVs to have a compressor fail.

Is this guy a specialist VW independant or "all makes"?

I would suggest for an AC issue you see an AC specialist as they will know where to get good value aftermarket parts for a repair.

The only AC filter is the cabin filter. They are easy to replace & available for <$20 off eBay & other sources.

I also asked for my front struts to be replaced (replacements provided) but they could not remove the spings on-site and would need to send them away ($150 for both sides + labour) - this suprised me as I have done them countelss times myself, but now living without a garage and not having the time decided to drop them off to a mechanic...

He must have a crap workshop if he doesn't own a strut spreader (you can make one with a 10mm bolt in 5 minutes) or spring compressors or a suitable socket to rattle the top nut off.

Finally, I also requested the DSG to be serviced and was told that it would need to be 're-programmed' in addition to the oil change. I queried this and was told that it would involve clearing any codes and making the gearbox re-learn?

That's kind-of B/S just for an oil filter change on the DSGs. VCDS is probably needed if you do a mechatronics change. There are plenty of oil/filter change DIYs on the internet - have a look so you can at least get an understanding of the process.


The guy doesn't know what he's doing with VWs and appears to be having a lend of you - run a mile & don't go back. Find yourself a decent specialist. What part of Sydney are you?

[GTI4ME]

Done plenty of compressor/condenser/Tx valve/receiver dryer jobs in my time, once there's swarf in the a/c system its a full flush and replace to clean it out effectively, cutting corners can leave some swarf deposits in the system, which will ruin your newly replaced parts quite quickly. The dye should only be used if there's a leak requiring detection, so personally I wouldn't bother with it either.
The DSG oil change doesn't need to have any basic settings carried out if it's just a service, unless that's something you have specifically asked for.
As above, the mechanic seems to be taking the piss a bit, I would look elsewhere for someone reputable to carry out all the work at the same time.

[DWBN]

Cheers guys,

I'm in north sydney, but work out parramatta way. I've dropped the car off at a mechanic in the inner west but yes, was concerned about him not being able to perform basics such as removing springs from struts on site.

With regard to the DSG, I'm sure I was being bent over, and told him not to do the "programming" but just keep it to the oil change which will involve VCDS.

I'm yet to hear back about the status of the air con... I'm not suggesting he is dodgy, but having performed most basic services (brakes, spring installation etc myself), I was suprised at some of what he was saying.

Can anyone recommend someone trusted who won't request my first born and gold as payment?

[brad]

There's a recommended repairers section with experienced workshops out near Parra & near Nth Sydney.
Have a browse
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f12/

[The One]

If he doesn't have a spring compressor then thats ridiculous, a basic one is $40, what workshop is he running? AC filter he is probably referring to the receiver/dryer. Which is located on/near the condenser. Need to replace that if swarf has gone through system (receiver/dryer filters all the swarf.) leave TX valve alone, can flush the lines if your pedantic.

6 Speed DSG oil and filter replacement does not need any reprogramming, anyone who says elsewise is on crack.

[Jmac]

$20 for a drier pfft. Its a Mk5 we are talking about here its an insert in the condenser. The comment on swarf around the system is correct without being anal at all, if you don't get it out , be prepared to cough up again. Dye, well not keen on that either as its a here is some dye bring it back in a month diagnostic. Not sure how the EPA see that these days. Fill the system with nitrogen and check for leaks. Ac compressors bad on these. DSG totally no programming whatsoever with a service.
Jmac

[gazzmo]

I believe the DSG programming referred to is actually the temperature used for checking final level by VCDS or other

[MHAuto]

Maybe he's right but what actual diagnosis has he done? Yes it's pretty common for MKVs to have a compressor fail.

Is this guy a specialist VW independant or "all makes"?

I would suggest for an AC issue you see an AC specialist as they will know where to get good value aftermarket parts for a repair.

The only AC filter is the cabin filter. They are easy to replace & available for <$20 off eBay & other sources.



He must have a crap workshop if he doesn't own a strut spreader (you can make one with a 10mm bolt in 5 minutes) or spring compressors or a suitable socket to rattle the top nut off.


That's kind-of B/S just for an oil filter change on the DSGs. VCDS is probably needed if you do a mechatronics change. There are plenty of oil/filter change DIYs on the internet - have a look so you can at least get an understanding of the process.


The guy doesn't know what he's doing with VWs and appears to be having a lend of you - run a mile & don't go back. Find yourself a decent specialist. What part of Sydney are you?

.


The filter he is talking about is the receiver drier in the gas system, not the cabin filter in the car.

You can check the operation of the control valve in the compressor with a scope (amp and voltage) and monitor the pressures while testing.

You don't need to reset the adaptation on the DSG oil services as the car will "learn" with normal driving.