AC not functioning correctly

[Stephen Santoliquido]

-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Santoliquido [mailto:santoli9 at cox.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2003 7:20 PM
To: 'George Selby'
Subject: RE: AC not functioning correctly


If it weren't for the sudden onset, I'd think your charge was low. But since
it happened quickly, and you still have some cooling, I suspect the
thermostatic switch or the high pressure switch. Jumper each one out
seperately and see what happens. If it's the thermostatic switch, try first
to adjust it (see the knowledge base
http://www.audi-quattro.org/cgi-bin/twiki/view/Audi/AdjustTemperatureSensor)
. If that doesn't help, replace it. If you get the compressor to run but
can't get significant cooling; check for sufficient air flow (I like Jim's
idea about the flapper valve) Both at the evaporator, and the condenser. If
all else is good, you've lost your charge.
HTH
Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of George Selby
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 12:19 PM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: AC not functioning correctly


Up until this past Wednesday, the AC in my Audi 80 worked fine, with temps
coming out the vent of 40 degrees F.  All of a sudden on Wednesday, I
noticed the air was a lot warmer.  I put the thermometer back in the dash
vent, and the vent temps are all of a sudden 60 degrees F.  Another strange
symptom is the air warms up as you drive, and it gets colder while you sit
at a light.

I started paying attention to the AC compressor cycling, and have come the
conclusion that the compressor isn't staying on long enough.  When sitting
at a light, it stays on about 30-40% of the time, but while driving it only
stays on for about 5-10% of the time, it comes on for a second or two, and
then clicks off.  I jumped the relay (you can hear it click each time the
compressor cycles) but the compressor STILL cut out at the same
frequency.  So I need to know what controls are in between the relay and
the compressor (like excess high side pressure sensor, or the like) and
where they might be located.  Car is a 4 cyl./2wd.

George Selby
83 Audi Coupe GT
89 Audi 80
gselby4x4 at earthlink.net