Audi Q3: Clean Working Conditions
Even slight contamination can lead to defects. Therefore
observe the following rules for cleanliness when working on the
A/C system:
- Immediately seal the open lines and connections with clean
plugs, for example from the Engine Bung Set -VAS6122-.
- Place the components that have been removed on a clean
surface and cover, using lint-free shop rags.
- Carefully cover opened components or seal if the repair
cannot be carried out immediately.
- Only unpack replacement parts immediately prior to
installation. Do not use any parts that have been kept out of
packaging (for example, in a tool box).
- Do not work with compressed air when working on an open
system.
- Protect the separated connectors against dirt and moisture
and only connect them when it is dry.
General Information
- The applicable wiring diagrams are found in
→ Wiring diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component locations.
- A data plate in engine compartment indicates the refrigerant
used and capacity. Refer to
→ Chapter "Type Label".
- For further information on repairing vehicles with an Air
Conditioning (A/C) system and handling refrigerant, refer to
→ Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General
Information. (A/C system with refrigerant R134a,
General Information)
General Repair Information
Caution
Remove the appropriate fuse(s) before working on
electrical wires.
Note
Disconnect the battery before performing any electric
welding on the vehicle. Refer to
→ Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.27; Battery; Battery,
Disconnecting and Connecting.
The refrigerant circuit for the A/C system may only be
discharged and opened when:
- it is necessary due to safety precautions (refer to
→ Chapter "Handling Refrigerant Safety Precautions"),
- it is necessary to remove other components,
- refrigerant circuit components for the A/C system must be
removed or replaced.
When performing all other usual vehicle repair work, the
refrigerant circuit of the A/C system should remain closed.
Note
The connections for the senders/switches described in this
workshop manual are fitted with a valve which closes
automatically when the switches are unscrewed. These switches
can thus be replaced in any workshop even though the refrigerant
circuit is fully charged.
If it is necessary to discharge and open the refrigerant
circuit for the A/C system for certain repair work on the
heating and air conditioning system, this is described in the
respective work procedure. Certain tools are required to
discharge the refrigerant circuit. These work procedures must
only be performed by trained personnel as well. Refer to
→ Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; Refrigerant Circuit
(Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit, Using
Service Station).
Note
If the necessary tools are not available or no qualified
personnel is present, do not perform repairs on the refrigerant
circuit for the A/C system that require the refrigerant circuit
to be discharged and opened. If necessary, the vehicle must be
transferred to a workshop that has the necessary tools and
equipment and where the work can be performed by qualified
personnel. There the refrigerant circuit can be discharged and
opened according to the legal specifications. Refer to
→ Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; A/C System, General
Information Refrigerant R134a Servicing, A/C System,
General Information).
Contact Corrosion
Contact corrosion can occur if incorrect fasteners (bolts,
nuts, washer, etc.) are used.
For this reason, install only connecting elements with a
specific surface coating.
Also, rubber or plastic parts and adhesive consist of
materials that do not conduct electricity.
Always use new parts if there is ever a doubt in quality.
Refer to the Parts Catalog.
Note
- Only original replacement parts are recommended as they are
checked and are aluminum compatible.
- The use of Audi materials is recommended.
- Damage due to contact corrosion is not covered by warranty.
Routing and Securing Lines
- To avoid mistakes and to remember the original installation
location, mark the lines/hoses for fuel, hydraulics, vacuum,
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system or electrical wires before
removing. If necessary, make a sketch or take a picture.
- To prevent damaging the lines, make sure there is sufficient
clearance in the engine compartment for all moving or hot
components because of space limitation.
- Check the routing of the refrigerant lines after attachment.
They must be inserted into the provided brackets and must not
come in contact with other components.
Cooler and Condenser Assembly
- The radiator and condenser may have small indentations on
the fins even when installed correctly. It is not damage. Do not
replace the radiator or condenser because of those small
indentations.
- Slight deformations on the side securing straps on the
condenser (for example, due to an accident), can result in an
unparallel flow from the condenser and radiator; this can be
resolved by pulling the straps back as long as the
function/condenser sealing is not impaired. The straps on the
condenser do not need to be replaced if there are small
deformations.
- A slight bending of the condenser (up to 4 mm) is
permissible as long as there is sufficient distance (minimum 4
mm) between the condenser and the radiator and the
function/sealing of the condenser is not impaired. The condenser
does not have to be replaced if there are slight deformations.
READ NEXT:
Heating Output, Checking
Note
This repair manual only outlines the checking procedure.
Perform the detailed function test for the heating as described
in the Guided Fault Finding using
Cooling Output, Checking
Special tools and workshop equipment
required
Vehicle Diagnostic Tester
A standard thermometer (for temperature measurements, if
necessary a thermometer with two me
Procedure
The requirements for testing the cooling capacity are
fulfilled. Refer to
→ Chapter "A/C Cooling Output, Testing Requirements".
- Measure the ambient temperature (must
SEE MORE:
Fig. 85 Emergency release at the lower left
Fig. 86 Emergency release at the upper right
Depending on the version, the emergency release
will be located under the shifter boot, either to
the lower left or to the upper right.
The procedure differs depending on the version.
Emergency release at the
Connector Component Location Overview
1 - Right Front Door Cut-Off Connector
Disconnecting. Refer to
→ Chapter "Left Door Cut-Off Connector, Disconnecting".
2 - Right Rear Door Cut-Off Connector
Disconnecting. Refer to
→ Chapter "Left Door Cut-Off