A/C - Does Not Cool Sufficiently
87 Climate system is not cooling as desired87 10 07
2012886/5
September 2, 2010
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 87 number 10-04 dated August 6, 2010 for reasons listed below.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
CONDITION
The A/C system is not cooling as desired in hot weather areas.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
The following are suggestions to achieve maximum cooling efficiency in hot weather areas.
PRODUCTION SOLUTION
Not applicable.
SERVICE
1. Ensure that the scale on your R-134 A/C service tool is properly calibrated.
2. Discharge the A/C system as described in the ElsaWeb Repair Manual and measure the amount of refrigerant removed from the vehicle.
3. Refill the A/C system with the specified amount of refrigerant. Include dye for leak testing. (Ensure proper amount of refrigerant oil.)
Refrigerant capacity in grams
^ 2 Zone 700 +/- 50 grams
^ 4 Zone 1050 +/- 50 grams
4. If the incorrect amount of refrigerant is measured then take the appropriate steps to identify the leak in the system. Check service connections, A/C line joints, TXV connection, etc to ensure any small leaks are identified and repaired.
5. If the correct amount of refrigerant is measured, perform the A/C system cooling performance, checking test outlined in the ElsaWeb Repair Manual for the Audi Q7 front and rear A/C system.
6. Verify that the front and rear climate systems are operating within the specified operating range.
7. If the A/C system does not achieve the desired values, follow the diagnostic instructions outlined in ElsaWeb Determine malfunction if specified values are not obtained.
Tip: Ensure proper operation of the recirculating flap.
8. If the climate system is operating within the specified range, parts replacement is not necessary and will not improve the operation of the climate system.
If the climate system is operating within the specified operating range, explain that it is not uncommon in some areas with hotter climates (i.e. the southwestern area of the United States) for the climate system to take longer to bring the cabin to a comfortable temperature level. Parking the vehicle for a long period of time in direct sunlight will heat the cabin above normal levels. Therefore it will take a longer than expected to cool the cabin.
Here are a few pointers that will help to accelerate cabin cooling:
^ To prevent the cabin from heating up, we recommend to keep all sunshades closed (roof, tailgate and doors).
^ Allow hot air to escape by leaving a side window slightly open.
^ Open the rear sunroof to tilt position for the first 3 to 4 minutes after startup. This will allow hot air to escape faster.
^ An aftermarket sunscreen for front windshield can help keep the cabin cooler.
^ An aftermarket window tint foil applied to the glass roof can reduce the cabin heat.
^ Using only the front A/C system, if no passengers are in the rear cabin, will cool the front area of the cabin faster.
^ Avoid parking in direct sunlight if possible.
WARRANTY
When procedure applies to vehicles within 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever occurs first), use the following:
REQUIRED PARTS AND TOOLS
VAS 5051, 5051 B, or 5052
Appropriate R-134 Service unit
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All part and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Dept. and service manuals for the latest information.