Amarok AC Compressor Fails, Complete System Shutdown

I had a very similar issue with my 2015 VW Transporter. The AC system completely stopped working, including the controls and compressor engagement. After some basic checks for automotive cooling problems, the workshop diagnosed a faulty AC control unit, not the compressor itself. The diagnostic process included: Complete refrigerant leak detection, Electronic system scan, AC pressure testing, Control unit communication check Initially thought it was the AC compressor, but the real culprit was the control module. The repair involved: Replacing the electronic control unit, System refrigerant evacuation and recharge, Full system testing Total cost was 980€ including parts, labor and fresh refrigerant. The repair solved all issues and the AC has worked perfectly since then. What error codes is your Amarok showing? Would be helpful to know: Engine size, Current mileage, Specific warning light pattern, Whether the blower motor still works, Any unusual noises when trying to activate AC This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with the control unit failure.

Last service was done at 133000km, and since then, I'm also getting the same symptoms as described in the thread. All diagnostic checks on my car air conditioning were pretty similar, with the exception that my mechanic found a significant refrigerant leak near the condenser connection. My error codes specifically point to low pressure in the AC system. The blower motor works fine, but there is a slight rattling noise when engaging the AC compressor. Interesting to hear about the control unit being the culprit in your case, my auto AC repair quote was actually higher at 1350€ because they recommended replacing both the leaking connection and the compressor as a preventive measure. Given the similar vehicle platform, would you suggest I get a second opinion focusing on the control unit instead? The car has been reliable otherwise, just worried about making the right repair choice for the cooling system.

Thanks for those details about your Amarok. My Transporter AC repair experience makes me think your case might be different from what I faced. The rattling noise when engaging the AC compressor combined with the confirmed refrigerant leak suggests a mechanical issue rather than an electronic one. The symptoms you described align more with classic AC compressor problems and refrigerant leaks. When the AC system loses refrigerant due to leaks, the low pressure can cause compressor damage, which explains the rattling sound. In my case, there was no mechanical noise and no refrigerant leak, it was purely an electronic control issue. Your quote of 1350€ makes sense considering they need to: Fix the refrigerant leak, Replace the failing AC compressor, Evacuate and recharge the system, Perform leak testing While getting a second opinion never hurts, the current diagnosis seems logical given the symptoms. Unlike my control unit issue, you have clear signs of mechanical AC problems. The preventive compressor replacement is actually a good call since running an AC system with low refrigerant often leads to compressor failure. The auto repair workshop approach to fix both issues at once should prevent future AC unit issues and is likely more cost-effective than doing repairs separately.

Thanks for the input. After getting a second inspection done, I will proceed with the complete repair package at 1350€. The additional diagnostic testing confirmed both the refrigerant leak and compressor wear. The workshop showed me where the vehicle HVAC system was leaking and demonstrated the compressor noise, which has actually gotten worse. Makes sense to address both issues now rather than risk further air conditioning repair costs down the line. The fact that the car air conditioning system has been reliable for 133000km until this point makes me feel better about investing in proper repairs rather than trying cheaper temporary fixes. Will update once the AC compressor and leak repairs are completed. Really helpful to compare experiences and understand the difference between electronic control issues versus actual mechanical problems with the cooling system.