01 Golf 2.0 Air Conditioning cuts out, please help!

Hey guys,

I have had trouble with my 2001 Golf GL 2.0 since I bought it last year. The air conditioning cuts out randomly... and last summer it would cut out for 5-10 minutes and then come back on, without any changes to the controls or driving. This year it'll go all day and then that night come back on when i start it again. The compressor just randomly disengages from the belt and voila, no cooling... can happen parked or driving. As of this week, it just wont work at all anymore Sad

. When the compressor did engage, it worked perfectly, but the A/C controls have no effect on when it cuts out, or even bringing it back.

Anyone have an idea what it could be? Electrical... and if so, where? This is pretty bad timing when i just moved to hot and humid Oklahoma summers Razz

Oh yeah, and something's faulty with the computer hookup so the autozone guys get an error reading when they check lol.

Thanks in advance!

The A/C control module incorporates a self diagnosis function.
The A/C control module display will flash for 15 seconds after ignition switched ON if certain faults are recorded.
The A/C control module operates in emergency mode if certain faults are recorded.
The A/C control module fault memory can only be accessed and erased using diagnostic equipment connected to the data link connector (DLC)

If you can get access to a fault code reading machine i can tell you what the code is for as i have the full listing on the A/C fault codes. Hope this helps.

thanks damos, but the fault code reading machine is what i was referring to above (for the DLC) in that it just gives an error in trying to read anything. Figures. Thanks for the offer to help, i'm just kinda screwed in that department... was hoping someone here had the same kinda thing happen to them or would know how these symptoms likely arose.

When you turn on the A/C does the radiator fan come on? Did you try measuring the voltage at the compressor/clutch? Disconnect the connector at compressor and measure the voltage with A/C on. This is how A/C works: when you turn on the A/C and blower, the voltage goes through pressure switch and turns both radiator fan and compressor clutch on. If you don't have sufficient refrigrent, pressure switch doesn't see the pressure and will not give signal to fan and A/C clutch. If you see the fan on whenever A/C is turned on then something is wrong with the clutch. It could also be pressure switch. It has 4 pin connector. Two pins for fan and the other two pins for clutch.

awesome, thanks teal i'll look into those things. Last i checked, the fan doesn't come on when A/C is turned on at the control panel, and I think when the clutch did engage before (and as a result, A/C worked) I don't think the fan was necessarily on. I'm almost 100% sure that it's not a refrigerant problem... we recharged that once before with the same intermittent problems. Most likely a faulty sensor/switch it sounds like... and I'm hoping its not the compressor/clutch itself. I'm no mechanic, but with a manual I might be able to troubleshoot and check voltages. Any other input is appreciated...short of taking it to a garage where of course "everything needed to be replaced, here's your $$$$$ bill." Thanks!

Teal great info thanks. Im confused you kind of contradicted yourself by saying
This is how A/C works: when you turn on the A/C and blower, the voltage goes through pressure switch and turns both radiator fan and compressor clutch on.
Then follow up by saying
If you see the fan on whenever A/C is turned on then something is wrong with the clutch. It could also be pressure switch.
If you could clarify that for me.......I might just be having a brain fart here though!!!

trent777 wrote:

Teal great info thanks. Im confused you kind of contradicted yourself by saying
This is how A/C works: when you turn on the A/C and blower, the voltage goes through pressure switch and turns both radiator fan and compressor clutch on.
Then follow up by saying
If you see the fan on whenever A/C is turned on then something is wrong with the clutch. It could also be pressure switch.
If you could clarify that for me.......I might just be having a brain fart here though!!!

Pressure switch controls both a/c clutch and rad. fan. It has 4 pin connector, two for clutch and ther two for fan. It switches A/C clutch off when insufficient freon circuit pressure is present. Switcches on second fan when freon circuit pressure in increased. Switches off A/C system if pressure is excessive.
Email me at green854t@yahoo.com for electrical wiring diagram.