Refrigerant Circuit, Repairs

Refrigerant Circuit, Repairs

Before working on electrical system (wiring), remove relevant fuse(s).

• Disconnect battery before starting electric welding work on vehicle.

The A/C refrigerant system may be drained and opened only if it is for safety reasons. Refer to=> [ A/C and Refrigerant Safety Precautions ] A/C and Refrigerant Safety Precautions or if components of the A/C refrigerant system must be replaced. Refer to=> [ Refrigerant Circuit, Draining ] Refrigerant Circuit, Draining.

When performing all other usual vehicle repair work, the refrigerant circuit of the A/C system should remain closed.

• The connections for the senders/switches described in this Workshop Manual are fitted with a valve which closes automatically when the switches are unscrewed. These switches can thus be replaced in any Audi and Volkswagen workshop even though the refrigerant circuit is fully charged.

Service work on the A/C system that require the refrigerant circuit to be discharged and thus cannot be performed in every Audi and VW workshop are described in => [ Refrigerant Circuit Components Overview ] Refrigerant Circuit Components Overview. Certain tools are required to discharge the refrigerant circuit, these work procedures must only be performed by trained personnel as well. Therefore, bring vehicle to a workshop that has the necessary tools and in which the work can be performed accordingly by qualified personnel if necessary.

Work on refrigerant system should only be performed in a ventilated rooms (workshops). Ensure that with in 5 meters circumference are no working-pits, basement staircases or shafts. Extraction systems are to be switched on.

Reason:

The refrigerant emerging is not only colorless and odorless, but also heavier than air and thus displaces oxygen. If refrigerant gas does escape even though all the safety precautions have been followed, there is a risk of suffocating in poorly ventilated areas and in workshop pits - even if it is not noticeable.

• The escaping refrigerant/air mixture should not be inhaled, but should be sucked out via an existing exhaust ventilation system.

Do not attempt repair on filled air conditioning systems by soldering, brazing or welding. This pertains also for welding and soldering work on the vehicle, in the event that parts of the climate control system may heat up

Reason:

Exposure to heat creates considerable pressure in the system, which could cause it to burst.

Corrective action:

Discharge refrigerant circuit. Refer to=> [ Refrigerant Circuit, Draining ] Refrigerant Circuit, Draining.

• Damaged or leaking parts of the air conditioner are never to be repaired by welding or soldering them; they are always to be replaced.

When servicing air conditioner, all open components and pipe connections are to be immediately re-sealed.

Reason:

Moisture will enter into air conditioner components if they are left open for a lengthy period. If this is the case, air conditioners cannot be refilled without having to replace parts of the system.