Air Con repair advice request

[CaliKate]

Hi all,
I have a 2014 T5 Ocean and its Air con has packed up. On a recent visit to Halfords to get it checked and re-gassed, we were told that there are no leaks, but the ‘compressor clutch’ isn’t engaging.
Is this a known problem and can it be repaired, or do I need to replace the whole compressor?
Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[WelshGas]

Hi all,
I have a 2014 T5 Ocean and its Air con has packed up. On a recent visit to Halfords to get it checked and re-gassed, we were told that there are no leaks, but the ‘compressor clutch’ isn’t engaging.
Is this a known problem and can it be repaired, or do I need to replace the whole compressor?
Any advice greatly appreciated

Seems the clutch assembly can be replaced.

Yes, the clutch assembly can be replaced separately on a 2014 VW Transporter air conditioning compressor without replacing the entire unit.
Just like the 2015 models, the 2014 Transporter (typically the T5.1 generation) uses a mix of traditional magnetic clutches and modern clutchless, variable-displacement compressors (usually Denso or Sanden units). If the pulley is noisy or the internal shear rubber has broken, you can swap out just the front pulley/clutch kit, saving you from draining the refrigerant gas and replacing the entire pump.

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Key Diagnostics Before You Buy Parts
Before ordering a replacement kit, it is vital to check why the clutch or pulley failed:

• Test the Center Shaft: With the engine safely turned off, try to manually spin the center nut/hub plate of the compressor.
• If it spins smoothly: The internal pump is healthy. Your issue is just a worn bearing, broken rubber dampeners, or a dead magnetic coil. Replacing just the clutch/pulley assembly will fix the problem.
• If it is completely locked up: The compressor has seized internally. On clutchless models, the rubber hub is engineered to intentionally shear off to protect your engine belt from snapping. If the shaft won't budget, you must replace the complete AC compressor and flush the system.

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[CaliKate]

Thank you for your swift response. Could you possibly help me to locate the nut/hub plate you refer to. I’m not sure where to look

 

[CaliKate]

Thank you for your swift response. Could you possibly help me to locate the nut/hub plate you refer to. I’m not sure where to look

 

[lohr500]

Definitely worth doing the checks that @WelshGas has suggested first, but It may not be the compressor or the compressor clutch.

It could be one of several other problems.

Check all the fuses relating to the air conditioning system. In particular this one which based on a fusebox layout I found for the 2014 T5 which relates to the compressor relay :



The system will also have a pressure sensor in the pipework which could have failed or be reading low even though Halfords have regassed the system and confirmed it has no leaks.

If the fuses all look to be OK. then a competent auto electrician should be able to check that the compressor clutch is receiving 12volts when the climate control or manual a/c switch is calling for cooling. If it isn't getting 12 volts then the fault will probably be with the pressure sensor or the a/c control system. Again a competent electrician should be able to diagnose the problem quickly.

They may even temporarily run a 12v feed directly to the compressor to see if it kicks in, which then eliminates the compressor/clutch assembly as being the problem.

It needs systematic diagnosis so you don't end up with some garage randomly swapping out different components at your expense trying to track down the root cause by trial and error!!

 

[WelshGas]

Thank you for your swift response. Could you possibly help me to locate the nut/hub plate you refer to. I’m not sure where to look

Part 8

versa.

 

[CaliKate]

Thank you for your help.

 

[CaliKate]

Definitely worth doing the checks that @WelshGas has suggested first, but It may not be the compressor or the compressor clutch.

It could be one of several other problems.

Check all the fuses relating to the air conditioning system. In particular this one which based on a fusebox layout I found for the 2014 T5 which relates to the compressor relay :

View attachment 151199

The system will also have a pressure sensor in the pipework which could have failed or be reading low even though Halfords have regassed the system and confirmed it has no leaks.

If the fuses all look to be OK. then a competent auto electrician should be able to check that the compressor clutch is receiving 12volts when the climate control or manual a/c switch is calling for cooling. If it isn't getting 12 volts then the fault will probably be with the pressure sensor or the a/c control system. Again a competent electrician should be able to diagnose the problem quickly.

They may even temporarily run a 12v feed directly to the compressor to see if it kicks in, which then eliminates the compressor/clutch assembly as being the problem.

It needs systematic diagnosis so you don't end up with some garage randomly swapping out different components at your expense trying to track down the root cause by trial and error!!

Thank you for this. It will enable me to have a sensible conversation with a garage.

 

[sidepod]

Start by confirming your low speed fans work.
Find the temp switch and short it out.
If they do work then confirm you have 12v at the compressor clutch. If not, then it’s the control unit.