FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Volkswagen/Golf/MK8.5 (2024-Present)/what causes the AC compressor clutch not to engage in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019)?

what causes the AC compressor clutch not to engage in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019)?

Volkswagen Golf MK8.5 (2024-Present)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
556 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix AC compressor clutch engagement issues in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with symptoms and solutions.

Component
HVAC
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect against refrigerant exposure.

Symptoms

  • •AC not blowing cold air
  • •Increased engine temperature
  • •No audible clicking sound from the compressor
  • •AC system failure warning light illuminated
  • •Poor fuel economy

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Check the AC system for refrigerant levels using a pressure gauge.
  2. 2Inspect the AC compressor clutch wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion.
  3. 3Test the AC relay for functionality using a multimeter.
  4. 4Scan the vehicle's OBD-II system for any error codes related to the AC system.
  5. 5Measure the voltage at the compressor clutch connector with the AC turned on.
  6. 6Verify the functionality of the AC switch and climate control module.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Disconnect the vehicle battery to ensure safety while working on electrical systems.

2. Check Refrigerant Levels

  • Connect a refrigerant pressure gauge to the AC service ports.
  • Assess the pressure readings to determine if the refrigerant is low.
  • If low, proceed to recharge the AC system with the appropriate refrigerant type (R-134a).

3. Inspect Electrical Connections

  • Visually inspect the wiring harness connected to the AC compressor for signs of damage.
  • Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the wiring and verify that there are no shorts or breaks.
  • Repair or replace any damaged connectors or wires as necessary.

4. Test the AC Relay

  • Locate the AC relay in the fuse box (refer to the owner’s manual for exact location).
  • Remove the relay and test it with a multimeter to ensure it operates correctly.
  • Replace the relay if it is found to be faulty.

5. Check Voltage at Compressor Clutch

  • With the vehicle turned on and AC activated, measure the voltage at the compressor clutch connector.
  • If voltage is present but the clutch does not engage, the clutch may need to be replaced.
  • If no voltage is detected, trace the wiring back to the relay and climate control module for issues.

6. Replace the AC Compressor Clutch (if necessary)

  • Remove the AC compressor from the vehicle following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Replace the AC compressor clutch assembly.
  • Reinstall the compressor, ensuring all bolts are torqued to specifications.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Multimeter
  • Refrigerant pressure gauge
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench

Parts Required

  • AC compressor clutch (if faulty)
  • AC relay (if faulty)
  • Refrigerant (R-134a)

Additional Information

Component

HVAC

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

3 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. how to fix P0456 code in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019)

    P0456

    Learn how to diagnose and fix P0456 EVAP leak in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instruction...

    Component:Fuel System
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Fuel odor near the vehicle
    • +{count} more
  2. my Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019) makes a whistling noise at high speeds

    Learn how to diagnose and fix whistling noise at high speeds in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and rep...

    Component:Body/Interior
    Symptoms
    • •Whistling noise increases with vehicle speed
    • •Noise is more pronounced at high speeds (above 50 mph)
    • +{count} more
  3. how to fix the manual transmission grinding issue in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019)

    Learn how to diagnose and fix manual transmission grinding issues in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures an...

    Component:Transmission
    Symptoms
    • •Grinding noise when shifting gears
    • •Difficulty in engaging certain gears
    • +{count} more
  4. why does my Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019) make a clicking noise when turning

    Learn how to diagnose and fix the clicking noise when turning in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and re...

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Clicking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel
    • •Noise increases with speed and turns tighter
    • +{count} more
  5. how to reset the check engine light on my Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019)

    Learn how to reset the check engine light on your Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic steps and tools required.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated on the dashboard
    • •Vehicle may experience reduced engine performance
    • +{count} more
  6. my Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019) headlights won’t turn on at all

    Learn how to diagnose and fix headlights that won't turn on in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with tools and procedures.

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •No headlights illumination when the switch is activated
    • •Dashboard indicator for headlights may not illuminate
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation