KCheng

Hey guys, I need some help. I have a friend who has a 2000 Jetta, and she is experiencing some A/C problems. It just started recently, and I just got a chance to drive it so I can describe the problem, but I don't know what's going on.

I started the car, turned on the fan and A/C, and it definitely felt a little warm, like the A/C is trying to work, but just can't hit its potential. Once I got out to the main road and moving, the A/C performed better and it was a little cooler. Once I hit some stops and red lights, I could definitely feel the A/C heating up again.

Later, as I drove it back, I noticed the temperature gauge was pushing a little higher than normal (190 is the middle...It was just a notch or 2 above 190). Do you guys know what the problem might be?

Also, I don't know if this is related, but the car will also randomly vibrate pretty strongly. It doesn't affect the driving, but it can definitely be felt through the seats.

Thanks guys!

dallison

part of it seems like it needs to be recharged(ac) that may be making the motor work a little harder when the compressor is kicking on ond off, but it also sounds like the cooling system needs to be flushed or some maintanance is required

Crazy Bimmer

Is the fan working?

dallison

ah

KCheng

Maybe I'm thinking too much about it, but if air is blowing out of the vents (hot or semi-cold), the fan's working, right?

If so, it's working

Crazy Bimmer

I have no idea, im not good with stuff like this.

Did you check out the VW forums? Maybe others had the same problem..

http://www.vwvortex.com/

Minch00

A she that drives a Jetta, who woulda thunk it?


Sorry I can't help you

dallison

if the air coming out of the vents is warm, the ac needs to be charged

Crazy Bimmer

^ what would cause the car to overheat?

dallison

um, it didnt over heat but it could be the fan

KCheng

Thanks a lot for your help guys. Any idea on how much a A/C recharge runs if that is the case?

dallison

i can get it done at a local garage for $40, but most will prob charge prob 75-100 for r 134

zamo

You might wanna check at the thermostat

I had a Jetta some time ago; it was HELL

to many freaking problems

KCheng

Thanks for all your help guys!

KCheng

I'm not sure if this is important, but I think it's just worth mentioning in case it helps further diagnose the problem.

The car is about 500 mi overdue for its oil change. Does this change anything? After driving it a little bit more, the basic problem is that whenever it stops (signs, red lights, etc.), the car will heat up a little bit. Once we are on the road again, the temperature drops back to a stable 190. Any clues?

Thanks a lot guys!

zamo

That means that there is either not enough coolant, or the fan is not working properly. Oil change has no impact, unless you are running very low on oil; you migt wanna check that too.

I had the same issue with my Jetta long time ago. It was the thermostat.

KCheng

zamo:

Thanks a lot for your help. Definitely important to figuring out the problem! I think I'm going to be taking the car into the dealer, so I'll keep you guys posted! Thanks again all!