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A/C takes 3-5 mins to start cooling

pnp

New member
Location
Portugal
Hello,

Here's my problem: since a few months ago my 07 R32 air conditioning has consistently taken 3-5 minutes of the car either idling or running before any cool air is generated, regardless the outsider temperature.
It usualy only starts cooling after engine temperature reach 70ºc.
It's not a question of cooling the car down or even blowing the hot air out of the ducts, it is positively NOT allowing the compressor or some part of the system that must kick in for cooling to happen at all, until some sensor or switch flips, then it cuts on and immediately puts out frozen solid air.
In other words, its not something to do with a gradual change in the temperature of the air coming out of the vents; it operates for a few minutes as if it is on fan-only and then, in a fraction of a second it seems, the air suddenly turns extremely cool and stays that way for up to 6 hours continuously (longest I've run it without stopping). Once it has kicked in and operated normally for at least, oh, 5 minutes or more, it will usually start putting out cool air within 30 seconds or so after re-starting. It takes being off for something like 6+ hours before it reverts back to delaying the a/c from coming on for that 3-5 min. delay.

I took it to the dealer and they have checked for errors - not one.
They also checked the coolant level but it was fine.

Does any one know what is causing this?

I tried searching this thread and could not find anything like what I am experiencing. I find it hard to believe I have the only R32 that has ever done this, and hoping someone here has some ideas for me. I'm very grateful to you.
 

WJHSydney

New member
Location
Sydney
I have the same issue, my air con possibly takes longer than that to get cool. And at no point does it get really cold. Not good when you've got a black car with full leather interior!
 

M0riarty

Newbie
Location
Tampa, FL
I had this same issue about 6 months ago. For me it was more like 8-10 mins before the cool air would kick in. Turned out to be a valve inside the A/C compressor that would "stick", preventing the HVAC system from working properly. Required replacement of the entire compressor to fix, unfortunately. Living in Florida, I couldn't live with the annoyance. A/C is a must here.

Air blows colder than ever now though!
 

pnp

New member
Location
Portugal
M0riarty,

The explanation about that valve inside the compressor is consitent with the explanation on the following links:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5282812-Air-conditioning-takes-a-while-to-get-cold/page2&

http://volkswagenownersclub.com/vw/showthread.php/30118-MKV-A-C-Compressor-Control-Valve-Replacement

If the valve is the culprit it appears that it can be changed without the need for a new compressor. Here is the link for one:

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...lve/100159_269096531.html&af=cj_3323800&vd=30


Any other ideas?? I'm a little lost here, specialy because my dealer doesn't have a clue about it...
 

M0riarty

Newbie
Location
Tampa, FL
M0riarty,

The explanation about that valve inside the compressor is consitent with the explanation on the following links:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5282812-Air-conditioning-takes-a-while-to-get-cold/page2&

http://volkswagenownersclub.com/vw/showthread.php/30118-MKV-A-C-Compressor-Control-Valve-Replacement

If the valve is the culprit it appears that it can be changed without the need for a new compressor. Here is the link for one:

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...lve/100159_269096531.html&af=cj_3323800&vd=30


Any other ideas?? I'm a little lost here, specialy because my dealer doesn't have a clue about it...

Interesting. Too bad those two posts didn't exist when I faced this problem. Would have saved me the expense had I known this is the best way to fix this issue! I was told by the dealer that the valve itself could not be replaced. It sounds like you are facing the same issue, but are in a position where you can purchase the valve and have a qualified shop flush and recharge the refrigerant whilst installing said valve.

Based on the DIY linked above this does not sound like something I would want to tackle myself.
 

BgHeadTodd

New member
Location
Phoenix, AZ
So this whole thread seems to describe my situation exactly, and it's summer in Phx and that first 5 min of warm air is brutal!
Can someone please tell me where I can find this solenoid switch in the engine bay? Looking straight down I see a plastic electrical connector about an inch directly behind the main fan. It's attached to the compressor...am I close?
 
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