Audi Q3: Clean Working Conditions

Even slight contamination can lead to defects. Therefore observe the following rules for cleanliness when working on the A/C system:

• Immediately seal the open lines and connections with clean plugs, for example from the Engine Bung Set -VAS6122-.
• Place the components that have been removed on a clean surface and cover, using lint-free shop rags.
• Carefully cover opened components or seal if the repair cannot be carried out immediately.
• Only unpack replacement parts immediately prior to installation. Do not use any parts that have been kept out of packaging (for example, in a tool box).
• Do not work with compressed air when working on an open system.
• Protect the separated connectors against dirt and moisture and only connect them when it is dry.

General Information

• The applicable wiring diagrams are found in → Wiring diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component locations.
• A data plate in engine compartment indicates the refrigerant used and capacity. Refer to → Chapter "Type Label".
• For further information on repairing vehicles with an Air Conditioning (A/C) system and handling refrigerant, refer to → Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General Information. (A/C system with refrigerant R134a, General Information)

General Repair Information

  Caution

Remove the appropriate fuse(s) before working on electrical wires.

  Note

Disconnect the battery before performing any electric welding on the vehicle. Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.27; Battery; Battery, Disconnecting and Connecting.

The refrigerant circuit for the A/C system may only be discharged and opened when:

• it is necessary due to safety precautions (refer to → Chapter "Handling Refrigerant Safety Precautions"),
• it is necessary to remove other components,
• refrigerant circuit components for the A/C system must be removed or replaced.

When performing all other usual vehicle repair work, the refrigerant circuit of the A/C system should remain closed.

  Note

The connections for the senders/switches described in this workshop manual are fitted with a valve which closes automatically when the switches are unscrewed. These switches can thus be replaced in any workshop even though the refrigerant circuit is fully charged.

If it is necessary to discharge and open the refrigerant circuit for the A/C system for certain repair work on the heating and air conditioning system, this is described in the respective work procedure. Certain tools are required to discharge the refrigerant circuit. These work procedures must only be performed by trained personnel as well. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; Refrigerant Circuit (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit, Using Service Station).

  Note

If the necessary tools are not available or no qualified personnel is present, do not perform repairs on the refrigerant circuit for the A/C system that require the refrigerant circuit to be discharged and opened. If necessary, the vehicle must be transferred to a workshop that has the necessary tools and equipment and where the work can be performed by qualified personnel. There the refrigerant circuit can be discharged and opened according to the legal specifications. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General Information Refrigerant R134a Servicing, A/C System, General Information).

Contact Corrosion

Contact corrosion can occur if incorrect fasteners (bolts, nuts, washer, etc.) are used.

For this reason, install only connecting elements with a specific surface coating.

Also, rubber or plastic parts and adhesive consist of materials that do not conduct electricity.

Always use new parts if there is ever a doubt in quality. Refer to the Parts Catalog.

  Note

• Only original replacement parts are recommended as they are checked and are aluminum compatible.
• The use of Audi materials is recommended.
• Damage due to contact corrosion is not covered by warranty.

Routing and Securing Lines

• To avoid mistakes and to remember the original installation location, mark the lines/hoses for fuel, hydraulics, vacuum, Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system or electrical wires before removing. If necessary, make a sketch or take a picture.
• To prevent damaging the lines, make sure there is sufficient clearance in the engine compartment for all moving or hot components because of space limitation.
• Check the routing of the refrigerant lines after attachment. They must be inserted into the provided brackets and must not come in contact with other components.

Cooler and Condenser Assembly

• The radiator and condenser may have small indentations on the fins even when installed correctly. It is not damage. Do not replace the radiator or condenser because of those small indentations.
• Slight deformations on the side securing straps on the condenser (for example, due to an accident), can result in an unparallel flow from the condenser and radiator; this can be resolved by pulling the straps back as long as the function/condenser sealing is not impaired. The straps on the condenser do not need to be replaced if there are small deformations.
• A slight bending of the condenser (up to 4 mm) is permissible as long as there is sufficient distance (minimum 4 mm) between the condenser and the radiator and the function/sealing of the condenser is not impaired. The condenser does not have to be replaced if there are slight deformations.

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