Audi Q3: Refrigerant Circuit, Discharging
Refrigerant is never to be allowed to escape into the
atmosphere, but rather it is to be extracted from the
refrigerant circuit using an Air Conditioning (A/C) service
station. The drained refrigerant will be locally recycled or is
send to an environmentally friendly recycling facility to the
manufacturer. Different or additional regulations may apply in
other countries. For this reason, bring vehicle to a workshop
that has the necessary tools and in which the work can be
performed accordingly by qualified personnel if necessary. Refer
to
→ Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; Refrigerant Circuit
(Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit, Using
Service Station).
Reason:
If refrigerant R134a is released into the environment, it
enhances the greenhouse effect.
Note
- Refrigerant R134a has far less of a greenhouse effect than
R12.
- Because R-134a does not contain chlorine atoms, the major
catalyst in ozone depletion, refrigerant R-134a has no ozone
depletion potential. Depletion of the ozone layer in the upper
atmosphere is however only brought about by the splitting of
carbon-chlorine bonds (as is the case, for example, with
refrigerant R12).
After discharging the A/C system, disconnect the connector
from the A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- or the
Refrigerant Circuit Pressure Sensor -G805-.
Reason:
The A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- is no longer
activated and the A/C compressor runs at idle. The A/C
compressor is designed so the lubrication of the A/C compressor
components at idle is guaranteed by an internal oil circuit as
long as there is enough refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor.
Working on the Refrigerant Circuit
WARNING
Risk of injury due to excess pressure in the Air
Conditioning (A/C) system during heating.
- Exposure to heat creates considerable pressure in
the A/C system, which could cause it to burst.
- Do not weld or hard- or soft-solder on sections of
the A/C system when filled. This pertains also for
welding and soldering work on the vehicle, in the event
that parts of the climate control system may heat up
- Replace damaged or leaking A/C system parts.
Caution
Malfunctions due to moisture entering the A/C
system.
- When servicing the A/C system, all open components
and pipe connections are to be immediately re-sealed.
- If the A/C system was open for a longer period of
time, check the components for corrosion damage and
replace as needed.
Caution
After switching off the A/C compressor in this
vehicle, it may take a relatively long time for the
pressure on the high pressure side to decrease. This is
because the expansion valve is cold and the pressure on
the low pressure side increases quickly after shutting
the compressor off, then the expansion valve closes and
the refrigerant flows slowly to the low pressure side.
General Repair Information
General Information for A/C Control Module -J301- Control Head - Manual
Climate Control System
- When the air distribution is set to "Defrost" (at top),
recirculating air mode is not possible. The switched on
recirculating air mode is turn off.
- For vehicles with Auxiliary Heater Heating Element -Z35-
(currently installed on vehicles with a TDI engine), a signal is
sent via the data bus to the engine control module at the
temperature setting "heat". Refer to
→ Chapter "Auxiliary Heater Heating Element -Z35-, Checking".
- Operating the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is not possible
when the fresh air blower knob is set at "0".
- Only the functions "Read Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
memory", "Output diagnostic test mode" and "Read measured
values" are in the "Guided Fault Finding" on the Vehicle
Diagnostic Tester.
- With the Start/Stop System, the stop function is disabled
depending on the setting on the A/C Control Module -J301- (for
example, the heater is on). As soon as there is a request for
heating, the engine is started. In cooling mode, the A/C Control
Module -J301- does not limit the stop function. Refer to Vehicle
Diagnostic Tester in the "Guided Fault Finding" function.
- For vehicles with the Start/Stop System, there is no
additional coolant pump installed for the start-stop function.
Depending on the engine, however, an electrical coolant pump may
be present, which is activated by the respective engine control
module. Refer to
→ Wiring diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component locations.
- The buttons and knobs are illuminated with LEDs, they cannot
be replaced individually
- The function indicator lamps in the buttons and knobs cannot
be replaced separately.
- Changed A/C system control heads (recognizable by the
labeling on the button A/C instead of
AC) are equipped for MY 2013 as a
running change in production; ensure correct allocation. Refer
to Parts Catalog.
General Information for Climatronic Control Module -J255- Control Head
- Automatic Climate Control System
- For vehicles with Auxiliary Heater Heating Element -Z35-
(currently installed on vehicles with a TDI engine), a signal is
sent via the data bus to the engine control module at the
temperature setting "heat". Refer to
→ Chapter "Auxiliary Heater Heating Element -Z35-, Checking".
- With the Start/Stop Function, the stop function is disabled
depending on the setting on the Climatronic Control Module
-J255- control head. If, for example, "Defrost" mode is
selected, the stop function is not possible or is cancelled and
the engine is started as soon as this mode is selected. The same
applies in the case of heating and cooling. The difference
between the target and actual temperature is greater than a
specified value. Refer to Vehicle Diagnostic Tester in the
"Guided Fault Finding" function.
- For vehicles with the Start/Stop System, there is no
additional coolant pump installed for the start-stop function.
Depending on the engine, however, an electrical coolant pump may
be present, which is activated by the respective engine control
module. Refer to
→ Wiring diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component locations.
- The Climatronic Control Module -J255- A/C control heads can
currently be exchanged as usual, the component protection is not
active at this time. Refer to Vehicle Diagnostic Tester in the
"Guided Fault Finding" function.
- The buttons have LEDs that cannot be replaced individually.
- The function indicator lamps in the buttons cannot be
replaced separately.
- If the Instrument Panel Temperature Sensor -G56- measurement
is incorrect, check the Climatronic Control Module -J255-
control head intake grille trim (it must not be closed) and the
function of the Interior Temperature Sensor Fan -V42-. Refer to
Vehicle Diagnostic Tester in "Guided Fault Finding" function.
- The selected functions are displayed when the LEDs in the
various Climatronic Control Module -J255- control head buttons
illuminate.
- If a new Climatronic Control Module -J255- control head was
installed and the basic setting was not performed, the
Climatronic Control Module -J255- control head regulation is
limited and is displayed as an entry in the Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) memory in the "Guided Fault Finding" on the Vehicle
Diagnostic Tester.
- Changed A/C system control heads (recognizable by the
labeling on the button A/C instead of
AC) are equipped for MY 2013 as a
running change in production; ensure correct allocation. Refer
to Parts Catalog.
- An OFF button exists on the
Climatronic Control Module -J255- A/C control heads with the
part number starting from the index "D". For these Climatronic
Control Modules -J255-, the function of the
recirculation and A-recirculation
buttons are combined in one button. The button labeling for
switching the activation of the A/C compressor on and off is
A/C instead of AC.
- For the Climatronic Control Module -J255- A/C control heads
with the part number starting from the index "F", the labeling
for the buttons, the trim and also the surface has been changed,
so make sure to note the correct version and allocation. Refer
to the Parts Catalog.
Always perform the following work after replacing the
Climatronic Control Module -J255- control head in the "Guided
Fault Finding" function on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
- Check the coding.
- Perform the basic setting.
- If necessary, check the adaption.
- Check the DTC memory and delete any currently displayed
entries.
Painting on Vehicles with A/C System
When performing paint work repairs, object temperatures of
80 ºC (176 ºF) are not to be exceeded in drying booths or their
pre-heating areas.
Reason:
Exposure to heat creates considerable pressure in the
system, which could cause it to burst.
Refrigerant Circuit Seals
- Always use O-rings only once, replace.
- Coat the O-ring seals with refrigerant oil before inserting.
- Make sure O-rings are seated properly on pipe or in groove.
- Perform the work under clean conditions (even the smallest
deposit such as a hair may cause a leak).
Note
- Install only O-rings that are resistant to refrigerant R134a
and corresponding refrigerant oil. The O-ring seals are
color-coded to avoid mistakes (currently "red", "light purple"
or "dark purple"). Refer to the Parts Catalog.
- The dimensions -a- and
-b- are different depending on
installation location of the O-ring seals. Refer to the Parts
Catalog.
- In addition to the color-coded O-ring seals, use is also
made at the factory of black O-ring seals for certain
connections.
READ NEXT:
Actuator Information
Caution
A/C system (heater) malfunctions
A/C system malfunctions can occur if the actuator
and/or the corresponding connectors are switched.
A/C system (heater
Refrigerant R134a Capacities
Refrigerant R134a and refrigerant oil. Refer to
→ Refrigerant R134a Servicing; Rep. Gr.87; Refrigerant R134a
Capacities, Refrigerant Oil and Approved
Component Location Overview - Heating
Component Location Overview - Components Outside of Passenger
Compartment
Note
At the start of production, only one Air Conditioning (A/C)
syst
SEE MORE:
Note
The headrests can be removed with the front seats installed.
Removing
- Move the front seat forward into the lowest position and
tilt backrests approximately 45º.
Note
The release button is located on the outer left of the
driver seat and inner left of the passe
Special tools and workshop equipment
required
Gauge - Gap Adjustment -3371-
Door Adjustment Template -T40038 /16-
Check the height adjustment using the Door Adjustment
Template -T40038 /16-.
- Place the template on top of the trim strip
-1- on side with the marking
-min.- as sho