Audi Q3: Service Connection on Low and High Pressure Side, Removing and Installing

  WARNING

Danger due to refrigerant coming out under pressure.

Danger of frost bite to skin and other parts of the body.

• Extract the refrigerant and immediately open the refrigerant circuit after that.
• If the refrigerant was extracted more than 10 minutes in the past and the refrigerant circuit was not opened, extract the refrigerant again. Pressure in the refrigerant circuit is caused by evaporation.

  Note

To discharge the refrigerant circuit, certain tools are necessary. These procedures may only be performed by trained personnel. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General Information (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing, A/C System, General Information).

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Refrigerant Sockets -T10364-

Removing

- Remove the sealing caps (with seal) -1- or -2-.

- Discharge the refrigerant circuit. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; Refrigerant Circuit (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit, Using Service Station).

- Remove the service connection -3- using the Refrigerant Sockets -T10364- and a suitable adapter.

  Note

For additional information regarding the service connection, refer to → Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General Information (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; A/C System, General Information).

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

- Evacuate the refrigerant circuit and fill it. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; Refrigerant Circuit (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit, Using Service Station).

- Operate the A/C system after filling the refrigerant circuit. Refer to → Chapter "A/C System, Starting Operation after Filling Refrigerant Circuit".

- Check the DTC memory and erase any displayed entries using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester in the "Guided Fault Finding" function.

A/C System, Starting Operation after Filling Refrigerant Circuit

Starting Engine with Empty Refrigerant Circuit when Unavoidable

  Caution

Risk of damaging the A/C compressor by running the engine with an unfilled refrigerant circuit.

• The A/C compressor is always driven when engine is running; there is no magnetic clutch. Engine is therefore not to be started unless refrigerant circuit has been properly assembled.
• For example; if the refrigerant lines are not connected to A/C compressor, the A/C compressor may heat up so much when the engine is running that the A/C compressor will be damaged by internal heat generation.
• Only start the engine when the refrigerant circuit is filled.
• Do not start the engine while evacuating the refrigerant circuit or when the circuit is already evacuated. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; Refrigerant Circuit (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit, Using Service Station).
• The engine should not be run for longer than absolutely necessary.

  Note

The A/C compressor has an "Internal oil circuit" to ensure the A/C compressor is not damaged when refrigerant circuit is empty. There must be a residual amount of refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor for this.

• The refrigerant circuit must be fully assembled.
• There must be no vacuum in the refrigerant circuit.
• The engine speed must not exceed 2500 rpm.
• The engine should not be run for longer than absolutely necessary (for example, to move the vehicle into the workshop area).
• If the A/C compressor was removed: At least a quarter of the prescribed refrigerant oil must be in the A/C compressor.

  Note

If only the refrigerant was extracted (the A/C compressor was not removed), it is assured that there is enough refrigerant oil is in the A/C compressor to maintain the lubrication of the A/C compressor for a short operating period due to the design of the refrigerant circuit.

Procedure for First Starting Engine after Filling Refrigerant Circuit

• All removed parts are installed once again.
• The refrigerant circuit is filled. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General Information (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; A/C System, General Information). After charging A/C system,

- Open all instrument panel vents and, if present, the vents in the center console.

- Switch on the ignition.

Vehicles with manually controlled A/C system:

• The indicator lamp in the AC or A/C button -2- does not light up.

- Start the engine with the A/C compressor switched off and wait until the engine idling speed has stabilized.

Adjust the following settings on the A/C Control Module -J301- control head:

• Turn the temperature knob -1- to the "cold" stop.
• A/C compressor is on - the indicator lamp in the AC or A/C button illuminates.

Vehicles with Automatic Climate Control System:

• The indicator lamp in the AC or A/C button -1- does not light up.

- Start the engine with the A/C compressor switched off and wait until the engine idling speed has stabilized.

Adjust the following settings on the Climatronic Control Module -J255- control head:

• "Auto" mode - the indicator lamp in the AUTO button -10- illuminates.
• Set the temperature preset "cold" via the temperature preset knobs -2 and 8- - "LO" for the driver and front passenger side in the display -6- on the Climatronic Control Module -J255-.
• The A/C compressor is on - the indicator lamp in the AC or A/C button -1- illuminates.

For All Vehicles:

- Let the A/C compressor run for at least five minutes with the engine idling.

  Note

Observe the information regarding operating the A/C system after filling. Refer to → Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General Information (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; A/C System, General Information). After charging the A/C system.

READ NEXT: