MK5 TDI AC woes

[maelgwn]

So - my AC stopped working yesterday, sadly a few hundred kilometres from home in 30C + sunshine. (I guess not as bad as 40C and sunny ...)

My golf has been in storage for about 9 months - started about once a month and AC run occasionally.

The fan on the AC appears to work fine.

The thermo/radiator fan now appears to work all the time. Started the car this morning (engine cold) and even with the AC off, the thermo fans sound like they are going as fast as they can.

Some googling suggested the pressure sensor in the AC could be the problem (and account for both symptoms). Does this sound reasonable? Where is the pressure sensor and is there a way to check it?

OBD scan gives code 00229 from the AC module - low refrigerant pressure.

Thanks for your help!

[Umai Naa!!]

Low pressure means low gas.

Will need to be regassed with dye and leak tested.

The pressure sensor itself, is known to Leal, but don't rule out things like a failed compressor and holes in the condensor.

[maelgwn]

Thanks - sorry I tried to say the radiator fans run all the time. Even with engine cold and AC off.

I don't think this is normal?

[Umai Naa!!]

One should run at a medium pace, but if they're both running flat chat all the time, then there maybe another issue at hand.

[maelgwn]

Looked into it further...

Found the pressure sensor and disconnected it. Fans run as normal now and the sensor was all oily in the plug. So I need a new one of those, I guess I will still need an AC recharge after that.

Usefull info is VW TB 87-07-16L: https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&r...Y07WjDpNr0Cv5w

and here:

AC - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

If anyone happens upon this thread in their searching.

[Umai Naa!!]

Yep, good work.

[maelgwn]

Do you know the best way to access it? Bumper off/wheel off?

[Umai Naa!!]

I think you need to clear some space in the engine bay, so you can swing a spanner.

Stubby spanners and crows foot spanners would be ideal.

[Snail Style]

If your a beast you can get it from on top without pulling anything out. But expect some new cuts/scratches to go with it.

[maelgwn]

Well getting the sensor in and out without removing anything was actually not too bad. Just fiddly, definitely less than 30 min job. Standard open ended wrench was small enough too.

Fans work as expected now - no change on the AC tho. Ill go and get the leak test done and hopefully it will be all good for a refill.

Is there a way to check the oil level in the compressor? Do I need to worry?