Should i have frost on my AC pipes?

[keemaklan]

Hi,

just a quick couple of questions...

1) my air con doesen't seem to want to work after a hour into a long journey. I think its something to do with my pipes freezing up. Should my pipes look like this?? The white stuff is hard-ice/frost...like you see in a freezer.




Whats the problem? Cause?!

[NickPicks]

They get cold, but I've never seen frost on them, so I think there's definitely someting wrong.

Have you had anything done to the a/c system recently?

[keemaklan]

No,

Sorry i should mention, this has been happening since the day i bought it around 6 months ago. I had the AC refilled around 2 months ago, but thats all.

The cars AC works fine for the first half hour / hour. However once the pipes ''freeze'' up it doesen't let air through and into the vents in the car. The only way i can sorta get some air in is by revving the **** of the engine and hoping it'll melt some ice away....then i get a little bit of fresh air through!

...hope its a cheap fix!

[nevo]

I would say you've got either moisture in the R134a or the compressor regulator isn't working there's no cheap fix for that though,when it freeze's up try switching the econ on see if it thaws and gives you some cold air.In you pic the small pipe with the large union is the high press side can you hear it hissing.

[keemaklan]

Im afraid the ECON mode doesen't work when the pipes are frozen up, and there is no hissing noises either.

I was told when i got my gas refilled that my compressor was on the way out, so i suppose its that then ay?

How much are we talking for a replacement/refurb?

Thanks!!

[nevo]

If it works for about the first hour,possibly not,first thing to do is get the HVAC scanned for faults,could be one of the sensors inside the cab not controlling the temp.What temp do you run it at?

[keemaklan]

sorry for my ignorane, whats the HVAC?

I normally run it at around 22 degrees, though sometimes at 20!

Thanks for your help.

[nevo]

Hvac is just the air/con,just checking your not running at lo constantly,get a scan done then take it from there.See if there's anyone near your location with vag.com