Need Automotive AC Experts

DaTT

Garage Moderator
Moderator
Feb 13, 2003
13,295
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2014 Audi S5

A/C has failed 3 times now. First time they replaced the High Pressure switch, worked for about 2 weeks. Took it back and they said the High Pressure switch was faulty again, assumed it was a faulty from the factory.

A/C just failed again today...same symptoms as before so I assume it is the High Pressure switch again. This one lasted about 2 months.

No leaks in the system as of 1 month ago.

What could cause the high pressure switch to keep failing?
 

crashtech

Lifer
Jan 4, 2013
10,578
2,146
146
Can you safely presume that it is the same part? Because AFAIK, a bad high pressure switch will prevent the compressor clutch from turning on, and the air will not blow cold, which is the same symptom of almost all A/C problems.
 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
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Its my assumption as it has failed ar least twice before.
 

Raizinman

Platinum Member
Sep 7, 2007
2,353
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91
meettomy.site
The times I have seen a high pressure switch fail was because:

1) Using a cheap part
2) Too much moisture in system - moisture getting in switch
3) Using the wrong refrigerant - Often happens when smaller shops or lazy mechanics don't use a refrigerant identifier and it causes the pressures to run higher than normal.

These switches don't often fail, but get blamed on quite a few other problems especially when mechanics don't know what they are doing.
 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
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All work is done at the dealer using OEM parts. I believe the system has been flushed twice with new refrigerant with each replacement.
 

TennesseeTony

Elite Member
Aug 2, 2003
4,235
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I didn't realize Canadians required air conditioning.

Seriously though, perhaps do a search for aftermarket parts, clearly the OEM part is garbage.

I sure hope you are not having to pay for these subsequent repairs, as the original repair was such a short time ago...
 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
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No, just the hassle of bringing it in. Usually get a laoner car too.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
126
There are too many assumptions being made.

You say the first replacement lasted two weeks and add later that you think the system was flushed and the refrigerant replaced.

You say the second replacement (where the repair facility suspected the original switch was bad) you think was also done with a flush and replacement.

These assumptions cast doubt on the whole situation from beginning to end. If it was the high pressure switch, there would be no need to flush the system unless there was a major failure of the compressor which would dictate the flush and would require replacement of several other parts. (They'd be expensive as would be the labor, you would know this.) Perhaps the refrigerant was topped off due to a leak which puts the replacement of the high pressure switch into question. You don't know so neither do we. You may just have a small leak.

I don't know how Audi does it, but most manufacturers these days have the high and low pressure switches threaded into a port with a schrader type valve contained in the port. You should be able to replace either of these switches with no loss of refrigerant or an extremely minor loss that would not require adding any refrigerant.

You've fallen into a trap that is very easy to fall into. We all have done it. Because two HP switches were replaced, you assume the problem is with the switch. It's akin to taking your car in with a rough idle and telling them to replace the spark plugs. You suspect it's the plugs, they may be more than willing to replace those plugs even though it doesn't solve the problem. If you're unhappy with the results, you can only blame yourself. You told them what to do and they did it.

It's sounding to me like the repair facility is less than capable. My suggestion would be to try another repair facility. Ask them to fix your air conditioning. Don't tell them it's not working and that you think it's the HP switch.
 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
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Firstly, I have not told them to fix anything. They diagnosed the problem both times. Secondly, the system has been checked for leaks both times it was in and no leaks found.

The only real assumption being made here today is that the pressure switch has failed again. I won't know until I take it in. The question I am curious about is what would cause failure of the pressure switch.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
126
Firstly, I have not told them to fix anything.
I didn't say you had, I was giving advice for your next visit which I suggested should be somewhere else.
The question I am curious about is what would cause failure of the pressure switch.
Post #4 answered that question where Raizinman also cast doubt on the competency of the technician(s) doing the work. I too, share those doubts which I expounded upon.

I wish you the best of luck.
 

Yuriman

Diamond Member
Jun 25, 2004
5,530
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German engineering.



Oh wait, MB is near the top. Must just be Audi and VW.
 

Yuriman

Diamond Member
Jun 25, 2004
5,530
141
106
How old is that chart?

Present, but they break data down into specific models and years, and explain what fails most commonly.

http://www.dashboard-light.com/

Mind you these are major mechanical issues which might take a car off the road. A/C failures don't contribute to this score. But, I think it reflects on VW/Audi's overall attention to reliability.

The older S5 is considerably above average for Audi, but there isn't enough data on the 2013-2017 version.

 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
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I hope it would be better as it has been said that the 3.0T is one of the best engines Audi has built.
 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
13,295
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Well, I do not believe it is the HP switch anymore as it blows cool then warms up. Went out about 30 minutes after a drive to work (drive is about an hour) and water was still dripping quite rapidly from underneath. Frozen evaporator I presume. Checked cabin air filter and it appeared to be clogged, zero light penetration when held up to the sun.

Replaced the cabin air filter just now, air was blowing cool and auto climate control seemed to be working as the fan speeds were dropping accordingly. Also, I feel there is better air flow as well....hopefully not a placebo effect.

The drive I just took was only about 15 minutes, so I can't be 100% sure if the issue has been resolved until the drive home.
 
Reactions: Yuriman

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
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Cabin air filter swap seems to have corrected the issue. I'll give it a few more days.
 
Reactions: crashtech
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