Passat compressor failure?

[matt21]

Hi guys, would be grateful for your thoughts.

On Wednesday I had the AC regassed in my high mileage 2004 Passat TDI. The guy commented that the compressor kept kicking in and out, but over the next few hundred miles the AC worked perfectly

Fast forward to this morning. AC on cold, manouvering at slow speed around a car park, and there was a bang, and smoke coming through the vents and from under the bonnet. Smelt like gas. Car cut out and wouldn’t restart.

Eventually with some revs it’s started, and settled to a nice idle. Been fine since. AC not working now.

Can the compressor packing in cause the engine to cut out? I’ll get it looked at, but in the short term is it ok driving with a packed up compressor. I am assuming so.

Any other thoughts welcome. Coolant and all belts look good.

[Steve_D]

AC compressors have a tendancy to seize and lock up. Bang and smoke may have been this followed by either failure of the AC clutch or drive belt.
In any case you need to be sure all your drive belts are in place as the same belt often drives other things like alternator, water pump, power steering etc.
If you don't know how to check these things then don't drive it.

Steve

[jeremyh1]

I agree with Steve the seized compressor pulley stalled the engine Maybe it is running freely now all beit with a knackered compressor but if you drive it ,it could throw the aux belt off