Air con golf mk5 2006

[Dazzler1973]

I am about to replace my air condenser and compressor myself on my mk5 2.0 TDI, once I have done this I will need to drive my car a few mile to a specialist to get it gassed, is it safe to drive with the air con empty or will it damage the new compressor?

[cuprabob]

Safe to drive as the compressor won't engage if the pressure is too low.

Even if it didn't you could disable it by selecting "Econ" on the Climate Control.

[va1o]

I assume it already doesn't have any gas then? As you need specialist equipment to empty it too since its illegal to release into atmosphere

[Dazzler1973]

Thanks for the advice

And no it's already empty that's why I'm fixing it 😄😄

[computamedic]

I would give a word of warning here based on my VERY bad experience of a similar situation.

The compressor failed on my 2006 Golf GT and was initially replaced without any other parts or flushing. Some months later it, too, failed.

A new compressor was fitted after a full flush along with a new condenser and dryer. A few months later, it, too, failed.

Two further compressors fitted - and both failed within months.

I've been told that flushing the system without removing the expansion valve is useless and will almost certainly guarantee a compressor failure due to the ultimate release of swarf from the expansion valve which will be collected in the compressor.

I have been quoted by a large VW Dealer £1600 for the complete replacement of the whole system to include a 2 year warranty.

[Dazzler1973]

Thanks for the tips, I'm replacing the expansion valve, pressure valve and doing a full flush.... Fingers crossed. I'll let you know how I get on

[the-photographer]

I really recommend people use VW for any compressor failure, an independent will be cheaper. But it fails, you only have one finger to point and a warranty.

[Dazzler1973]

Done it, replaced condenser, compressor, expansion valve, flushed all the pipes and just had it vacuumed and re-gassed at the local garage for £18 group on voucher. It took me a day and a half. I reckon I spent about & £400 on parts and bits and pieces but a lot cheaper than the £1300 I was quoted. loving the air con and just in time for summer.

[Dazzler1973]