Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Compressor, with A/C compressor regulator valve -N280
1996 Audi A4 Base, StandardSECTION Compressor, with A/C compressor regulator valve -N280
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 2005 Audi allroad, 2004 Audi allroad, 2004 Audi A6, 2003 Audi allroad, and 2003 Audi S6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
- Starting September 1998, there was a running change in production from the version 1 air conditioner to the version 2 air conditioner. See AIR CONDITIONING CHANGES .
- Always observe safety measures. See A/C SYSTEM, SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .
- A/C system components identified with an asterisk (*) may only be serviced or replaced after properly discharging refrigerant system.
- A/C system components not identified with an asterisk (*) can be serviced or replaced without discharging refrigerant system.
- Compressors supplied as replacement parts already contain the full quantity of refrigerant oil required for the A/C system (250 cm3
).
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.
HP = High pressure side
LP = Low pressure side
- A/C system cooling performance test. See A/C SYSTEM COOLING PERFORMANCE, TESTING .
- Do not add refrigerant to the A/C system. Always discharge, evacuate and recharge system. See A/C REFRIGERANT SYSTEM (R-134A), DISCHARGING .
- The tightening torques and O-ring diameters given also apply to the threaded connections for the refrigerant lines between components.
- Install only O-rings that are approved for use with refrigerant R134a (currently color-coded red, light purple and dark purple).
- Checking pressures in the A/C system. See A/C REFRIGERANT SYSTEM, CHECKING PRESSURES .
- A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280-
- Checking activation and function1) , see TEST STEP 6: ACTIVATION FOR A/C COMPRESSOR REGULATOR VALVE -N280-
- Compressor *
- Compressor to bracket, removing and installing1) , see COMPRESSOR WITH A/C COMPRESSOR REGULATOR VALVE -N280-, REMOVING AND INSTALLING FROM BRACKET
- When installing refrigerant lines/hoses and pertaining bracket, make sure there is a sufficient gap between belt, bracket and belt pulley
- Compressor type varies depending on engine (installed on right or left side of engine, 6 cylinder engine gas engine
- Compressor belt pulley/drive unit
- Replacing belt pulley, see COMPRESSOR BELT PULLEY/ DRIVE UNIT, REPLACING (COMPRESSOR WITHOUT A/C CLUTCH)
- Ribbed belt, removing-and installing:
See appropriate ENGINE MECHANICAL article.
- Ribbed belt-allocation:
- Checking, replacing compressor drive unit, see COMPRESSOR BELT PULLEY/ DRIVE UNIT, REPLACING (COMPRESSOR WITHOUT A/C CLUTCH)
NOTE:- A rubber element is installed between the belt pulley and drive shaft of compressor, this protects the belt in the event that the compressor is seized or does not move freely.
- The rubber element disables the power transfer to the compressor, if the compressor produces friction.
- Vibrations which may occur during compressor operation can be eliminated via the rubber element (dampening function during torque fluctuations).
- Oil drain plug *
- High pressure relief valve *
- Circuit with valve *
- High Pressure Sensor of A/C system -G65- 1)
- Removing and installing, see HIGH PRESSURE SENSOR -G65-, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
- Checking signal, see TEST STEP 5: PRESSURE SIGNAL FROM HIGH PRESSURE SENSOR -G65-
- Condenser *
- Closing cap
- with seal
- Always install
- Service connection *
- High pressure side to measure, discharge and charge refrigerant circuit
- Connectors in refrigerant line *
- Restrictor *
- Installed in connector position 11.
- Evaporator *
- Service connection *
- Low pressure side
- To measure and discharge refrigerant circuit
- Closing cap
- With seal
- Always install
- Catch reservoir (Accumulator) *
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.