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.
Test Requirements
- Ambient temperature greater than 15 °C
- Clean radiator and condenser (clean if necessary).
- The ribbed belt, which drives the A/C compressor, is OK and is tensioned correctly. The ribbed belt is actually driving the A/C compressor.
- All air guides, covers and seal OK and properly installed.
- Air flow through dust and pollen filter not obstructed by dirt.
- Air intake apparatus (in fresh air and recirculating air mode) is not impaired by soiling or components installed as retrofit.
- Vehicle not exposed to sunlight.
- Engine is warm.
- The A/C control module DTC memory was checked and erased and a basic setting was performed using Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 under "Guided Fault Finding".
Adjustments on vehicle
- Open all instrument panel vents.
- Close hood.
- Set the lowest possible temperature (temperature rotary switch turned all the way to cold) on A/C control module.
- Switch on the A/C compressor using the AC button on A/C control module (indicator lamp in AC comes on)
- Switch A/C system to recirculating air mode by pressing recirculating air mode button on A/C control module (indicator lamp in recirculating air button lights up).
- Set the air flow direction to instrument panel vents via the air distribution rotary switch on A/C control module.
- Set speed 4 on fresh air blower rotary switch.
Functions with engine running:
- Fresh Air Blower -V2- runs at maximum speed.
- A/C system initiates recirculating air mode, the fresh air intake is closed and the recirculating air intake is opened (Fresh Air Blower extracts air from passenger compartment under instrument panel / glove compartment).
- The Coolant Fans -V7- run (activation and speed depends on pressure in refrigerant circuit and on the engine temperature).
- Depending on version of A/C control module, coolant fan is switched on immediately or only from a certain pressure in refrigerant circuit (from a pressure of 9 bar at this time). The coolant fan activation is displayed in the measured values block using Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 under "Guided Fault Finding".
- If one of these test requirement is not met, check the DTC memory, perform an output diagnostics test and read the measured values block using Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 under "Guided Fault Finding".
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
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.
Rather have a pro handle this?
A certified mobile mechanic comes to your home or office. They bring the tools, you stay comfortable. No tow truck, no waiting room, no surprises.
No obligation. See pricing before you book.
