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AC problem, need advice

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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 08:19 AM
  #1  
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Default AC problem, need advice

Anyone know of a good way to troubleshoot an AC leak?
I've had the car in the shop or at the dealer 6 times in the last two months for the same AC problem, every time they say they have fixed it (including replacing the evaporator core twice). It will work for ~2days, and after that it just blows unconditioned air from outside. It seems that it must be a very small leak, perhaps caused by some sort of flexing of the chassis, but the shop can't find any leaks. I'm at a serious loss and grasping for any leads.
TIA

98 A4 1.8TQ, 66K mi.
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 08:32 AM
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Default First they need to determine if it's actually a leak.

Have they confirmed that there is no refrigerant in the system after you bring it back (inoperable)? Or are they blindly recharging the system without even looking at their gauges?

The issue could be a poor connection/bad switch somewhere in the system. Have they done any continuity checks to test the electricals?

Sounds like you're at the mercy of a bad shop. If there is any way to get your money back and find a reputable shop, I would consider it.
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 08:49 AM
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Default Each time they say the system has lost a small amount

of charge. They also say they have found something wrong (loose fitting at firewall, etc) each time.
I'll suggest they test the electricals, unfortuntately the last five times it was at the Audi dealership, so I'm not sure there's any other place with more expertise.
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 09:19 AM
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Default Well, a small leak means it will gradually lose efficiency...

it won't suddenly stop working. I think they need to find out why it suddenly stops working, if that's what you're complaining about. Talk to the service manager, reiterate how much you've spent, both in money, and your time, to have them address this problem, and review what's been done to date. Ask them what they are going to do to get this resolved...because the progress (or lack of) is unacceptable.
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 04:17 PM
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Default Good point

Thanks for the advice
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