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AC Compressor surging on and off - how to do I get to intake manifold to clean it?

1022 Views 38 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  billymade, 
bb.thebeetle
So i bought my beetle in the fall, used. And quickly after buying it I realized that whoever owned it before me did not give a single **** about maintaining it. One of the things I wanted to fix recently was the AC not being cold, so I charged it. It was at 5 PSI, charged it to about 40, and it was great. Compressor ran great, air was cold, perfect for the summer. But now, when I click on the AC, the compressor just surges on and off, revving the RPMs every time it comes on, and the air isn't cold.
So I did some research, and I was seeing a lot of stuff about carbon build up in the system. Specific potential causes for my issue were:
  • idle air control valve
  • throttle body
  • EGR valve
  • clean the intake manifold
Can someone please let me know what the best route of action to take to fix this on these engines would be? And if it is to clean the intake manifold, can you please explain in ridiculous detail how I'm supposed to get to the god forsaken thing? Thanks so much :,))
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billymade
First, what year, model, engine and trans; does the VW you are working with have?

Also, a good first step; would be to scan for trouble codes and post any you find.


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billymade

17535/P1127/004391 - Fuel Trim; Bank 1 (Mult): System too Rich - Ross-Tech Wiki

wiki.ross-tech.com wiki.ross-tech.com


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bb.thebeetle
billymade said:

17535/P1127/004391 - Fuel Trim; Bank 1 (Mult): System too Rich - Ross-Tech Wiki

wiki.ross-tech.com wiki.ross-tech.com


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I came across that too, should I address the check engine code before attempting anything for the AC compressor?
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billymade
First why was the maf replaced and what brand is it? We have found oem Bosch; is seemingly the only brand that works correctly.

If the car is running badly; the a/c and drivability issues could be interrelated?

A neglected 1.8T, may take some time, effort; to figure things out, untangle the mess and get things running right.

As to the surging problem; maybe take a video with your phone, post a video to youtube and post a link here? This way; we can see, what you are referring to snd be on the same page? Thanks.


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bb.thebeetle
billymade said:
First why was the maf replaced and what brand is it? We have found oem Bosch; is seemingly the only brand that works correctly.

If the car is running badly; the a/c and drivability issues could be interrelated?

A neglected 1.8T, may take some time, effort; to figure things out, untangle the mess and get things running right.


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I got the code read for me cause I don't have the tool, and that's what they suggested I replace, so I replaced it. And I did the air filter with it cause I saw how gross it was after taking it all apart. I bought one off car parts. Here's the link:
And the engine is running poorly, it struggles to get power at high speeds. I just wanna get it back to normal lol
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billymade
Well, you are going to need a scan tool; to diagnose and repair your car correctly. Reading trouble codes is the first step and then, viewing live data will help confirm problems, bad parts and after repair changes.

We can discuss the purchase of a scan tool but for now, you can typically rent one at most auto parts stores.

As to the maf, that is a low cost aftermarket part and these have a long history if causing problems. If you have the old original oem vw/Bosch maf; you might clean it with some maf cleaner and reinstall it back on the car. These poor quality mafs, can make the car run horribly and in some cases, make it not drivable and go into limp mode.

Here is the maf cleaner; that i use, available at auto parts stores or Walmart:

CRC MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CLEANER, 11 WT OZ

crc maf cleaner - Google Search

www.google.com

Tell us, about the history of the maf trouble code and what it indicated, that meant a replacement was required.


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bb.thebeetle
billymade said:
Well, you are going to need a scan tool; to diagnose and repair your car correctly. Reading trouble codes is the first step and then, viewing live data will help confirm problems, bad parts and after repair changes.

We can discuss the purchase of a scan tool but for now, you can typically rent one at most auto parts stores.

As to the maf, that is a low cost aftermarket part and these have a long history if causing problems. If you have the old original oem vw/Bosch maf; you might clean it with some maf cleaner and reinstall it back on the car. These poor quality mafs, can make the car run horribly and in some cases, make it not drivable and go into limp mode.

Here is the maf cleaner; that i use, available at auto parts stores or Walmart:

CRC MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CLEANER, 11 WT OZ

crc maf cleaner - Google Search

www.google.com

Tell us, about the history of the maf trouble code and what it indicated, that meant a replacement was required.


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Ok, so I'll work on getting a hold of a better MAF sensor. I replaced the MAF after getting it scanned and getting suggestions on what to do after talking to mechanic friends, but I don't think it's what is causing the issue. Whenever I accelerate quickly, or "floor it", the rpm's climb incredibly slow and there's this weird "hissing" noise coming from the engine. I figured it was a turbo or some kind of vacuum leak. The car has been doing this since I bought it. I wanna fix as much as I can on my own cause I simply can't afford labor costs right now.
Is there a certain type of scan tool that's best for me to rent? What's the first step I should take when it comes to getting my 1.8 back to normal?
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billymade
Well, the MAF is a big standout right now as a problem; a bad maf, can make the car run horribly and cause rich or lean codes, etc.

Do you still have the original maf(?); it maybe fine. You might clean it snd reinstall; see if the poor running problem goes away.

If you end up needing a new maf; stick with Bosch oem only, you can look up the right one here:

Home - Bosch Auto Parts - Liferay DXP

www.boschautoparts.com www.boschautoparts.com

Buy from a reputable company; as we seem to be seeing Bosch counterfeit parts from China from eBay and Amazon.

Lately, FCPEURO, has been a great VW parts supplier and they offer free shipping, lifetime warranty on everything they sell.

www.fcpeuro.com

As to the scan tool; a vw specific one would be ideal (VCDS, OBDEleven, “VAG” scanner etc).

For now, we need to read some basic info; like trouble codes and live data, for example the maf readings, fuel trim, etc. Any auto parts stores; should be able to rent you a scanner they can read codes and view live data.

If you want to purchase a VW specific scanner; let us know your budget and what you want to have, etc. The investment in a factory VW scanner; will save you money, enable you to diagnose things and complete repairs. Most VW shops and VW dealerships; are over $100 per hour labor rate and so, it doesn’t take much, to pay for the cost of the scan tool, then you have it for future repairs.
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bb.thebeetle
billymade said:
Well, the MAF is a big standout right now as a problem; a bad maf, can make the car run horribly and cause rich or lean codes, etc.

Do you still have the original maf(?); it maybe fine. You might clean it snd reinstall; see if the poor running problem goes away.

If you end up needing a new maf; stick with Bosch oem only, you can look up the right one here:

Home - Bosch Auto Parts - Liferay DXP

www.boschautoparts.com www.boschautoparts.com

Buy from a reputable company; as we seem to be seeing Bosch counterfeit parts from China from eBay and Amazon.

Lately, FCPEURO, has been a great VW parts supplier and they offer free shipping, lifetime warranty on everything they sell.

www.fcpeuro.com

As to the scan tool; a vw specific one would be ideal (VCDS, OBDEleven, “VAG” scanner etc).

For now, we need to read some basic info; like trouble codes and live data, for example the maf readings, fuel trim, etc. Any auto parts stores; should be able to rent you a scanner they can read codes and view live data.

If you want to purchase a VW specific scanner; let us know your budget and what you want to have, etc. The investment in a factory VW scanner; will save you money, enable you to diagnose things and complete repairs. Most VW shops and VW dealerships; are over $100 per hour labor rate and so, it doesn’t take much, to pay for the cost of the scan tool, then you have it for future repairs.
Click to expand...
I don't have the old one, but I think it was a cheap one too. It was replaced before I bought the car, and it looked like the one I bought and put in. But I'll look into scanner, and the better MAF sensor and putting it in
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billymade
Your MAF sensor, seems to be a bit of a oddball; I'm seeing this VW part # and cross reference with this Bosch MAF sensor but some discrepancies on the Bosch site, as to correct fitment:

VW Mass Air Flow Sensor - Genuine VW Audi 06A906461A

06A906461A - Mass Air Flow Sensor - Genuine Volkswagen Part

Genuine Volkswagen Part # 06A906461A (06A-906-461-A) - Mass Air Flow Sensor. Fits Beetle, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta Wagon
parts.vw.com

Bosch Mass Air Flow Sensors (63136)

Mass Air Flow Sensors (63136) - Mass Air Flow Sensors - Bosch Auto Parts - Liferay DXP

Bosch is an original equipment global leader in mass air flow technology. Bosch Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors ensure low levels of harmful emissions with greater fuel efficiency and improved engine performance.
www.boschautoparts.com www.boschautoparts.com

AutohausAZ has a good price:

Bosch 63136, 0280218002 Mass Air Flow Sensor - VW | 06A906461A 0986280205 30020 W01331832620

Find Bosch, 0280218002 Mass Air Flow Sensor 63136 at discount prices in our extensive VW auto parts catalog. AutohausAZ offers a large selection of Bosch parts online. Please verify Bosch part number (0280218002) or VW number (06A906461A) on existing unit prior to ordering - some variations may...
www.autohausaz.com www.autohausaz.com

Their description, includes this:

P/N: 63136 Bosch OEM
Description:
Please verify Bosch part number (0280218002) or VW number (06A906461A) on existing unit prior to ordering - some variations may exist due to VW factory changes. 1 per car.
Cross References:
  • 0280218002
  • 06A906461A
  • 0986280205
  • 30020
  • W01331832620
You might want to confirm the correct part #; by your VIN, you can search on the VW parts site (www.parts.vw.com) or Bosch parts site by VIN (Home - Bosch Auto Parts - Liferay DXP) or call Bosch tech support or your local VW dealer parts dept.

Bosch Auto Part USA: Tech Support:

Phone: 888 715 3616

In North America
8AM - 5PM CST Mon-Fri
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bb.thebeetle
billymade said:
You MAF sensor, seems to be a bit of a oddball; I'm seeing this VW part # and cross reference with this Bosch MAF sensor but some discrepancies on the Bosch site, as to correct fitment:

VW Mass Air Flow Sensor - Genuine VW Audi 06A906461A

06A906461A - Mass Air Flow Sensor - Genuine Volkswagen Part

Genuine Volkswagen Part # 06A906461A (06A-906-461-A) - Mass Air Flow Sensor. Fits Beetle, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta Wagon
parts.vw.com

Bosch Mass Air Flow Sensors (63136)

Mass Air Flow Sensors (63136) - Mass Air Flow Sensors - Bosch Auto Parts - Liferay DXP

Bosch is an original equipment global leader in mass air flow technology. Bosch Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors ensure low levels of harmful emissions with greater fuel efficiency and improved engine performance.
www.boschautoparts.com www.boschautoparts.com

AutohausAZ has a good price:

Bosch 63136, 0280218002 Mass Air Flow Sensor - VW | 06A906461A 0986280205 30020 W01331832620

Find Bosch, 0280218002 Mass Air Flow Sensor 63136 at discount prices in our extensive VW auto parts catalog. AutohausAZ offers a large selection of Bosch parts online. Please verify Bosch part number (0280218002) or VW number (06A906461A) on existing unit prior to ordering - some variations may...
www.autohausaz.com www.autohausaz.com

Their description, includes this:

P/N: 63136 Bosch OEM
Description:
Please verify Bosch part number (0280218002) or VW number (06A906461A) on existing unit prior to ordering - some variations may exist due to VW factory changes. 1 per car.
Cross References:
  • 0280218002
  • 06A906461A
  • 0986280205
  • 30020
  • W01331832620
You might want to confirm the correct part #; by your VIN, you can search on the VW parts site (www.parts.vw.com) or Bosch parts site by VIN (Home - Bosch Auto Parts - Liferay DXP) or call Bosch tech support or your local VW dealer parts dept.

Bosch Auto Part USA: Tech Support:

Phone: 888 715 3616

In North America
8AM - 5PM CST Mon-Fri
Click to expand...
I was looking at the autohausAZ one! I'll buy that one when I can and install it.
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billymade
Before buying it, you might want to confirm; it is the correct one by your VIN #.
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billymade
As to the VW scan tools; do you have any scanner at all? What would be your budget, for purchasing one?
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bb.thebeetle
billymade said:
As to the VW scan tools; do you have any scanner at all? What would be your budget, for purchasing one?
Click to expand...
Well now the car isn't starting. Again 🫠 it died on me earlier in the week. No electricity. I figured the alternator went. I had it towed to a shop, they tested me alternator and it was fine, but the battery wasn't. Replaced the battery, ran fine, and now it's dead again and I don't have a car
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billymade
Well if you can get it jump start; then I would drive it to a auto parts store and have them fully test the charging system and see if everything is in spec.


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bb.thebeetle
if I need an alternator, do I get a 90 or 120 amp? I'm gonna take the car over to autozone later when someone can follow me over
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billymade
On my 2002 new beetle turbo S; it had 120 amp Valeo original alternator; I bought a Bosch replacement at AutoZone and it worked out a bit of a tight fit compared to the Valeo but Bosch is OEM excellent quality no issues since then.


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billymade
PS: when you go to replace the alternator; remove the passenger side headlight and bracket/basket and you can remove the alternator out that way.


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billymade
This is also a good time to replace the serpentine belt and the tensioner if needed.


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