Jetta Hybrid AC Dead: Compressor & Cooling Issues

Had the same problem on my 2013 VW Passat Hybrid last summer. The HVAC system shutdown was caused by low voltage from a failing battery, which triggered a safety cutoff for the AC compressor. The main symptoms matched yours, no cooling and compressor not engaging. Initially thought it was a refrigerant leak or pressure sensor issue, but diagnostic testing revealed the battery wasnt providing enough power to maintain proper system operation. The fix required: Battery replacement, Reset of the AC pressure switch, Full system diagnostic to verify no damage to belt tensioner or compressor This is a known issue with VW hybrids from that generation. The original battery starts struggling around 100000km, causing voltage drops that affect multiple systems. The AC shutdown is actually a built-in protection feature. Would suggest finding a shop specializing in hybrid vehicles, as general mechanics often miss the connection between the battery and air conditioning problems. This repair needs proper diagnostic equipment to verify its the battery causing the AC failure before parts get replaced unnecessarily. The repair ended up being fairly serious since it affected multiple systems, but catching it early prevented damage to the more expensive AC components.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Exact same symptoms showed up on my Jetta too. Got it fixed about 6 months ago after the AC relay and pressure switch both needed replacement. The mechanic ran a full check on the A/C system and found the original relay had failed, likely due to age. Just wondering, how much did your battery and AC repairs end up costing? And has everything been working properly since the fix? My total came to around 850€ for parts and labor, which seemed reasonable given the diagnostic work needed.

Thanks for asking about the costs. The undervoltage issue causing the A/C compressor shutdown was fixed last month for 240€ total. The A/C system has been working flawlessly since then, no more compressor cutoffs or cooling problems. Looking back, I got lucky catching the voltage problem early before it could damage other components like the pressure sensor or belt tensioner. My repair bill was much lower than yours since we avoided having to replace multiple parts. These hybrid models really need proper diagnosis from the start. When the A/C compressor stops engaging, the root cause isnt always obvious, but proper testing can prevent unnecessary parts replacement. The main thing is finding a shop that understands how the hybrid electrical system interacts with the AC components. The cooling performance is actually better now than it was before the problems started, so the repair was definitely worth the investment.

I finally got my AC issues sorted about 2 weeks ago. After getting multiple opinions, I found a certified hybrid specialist who properly diagnosed the problem. The HVAC system needed a new pressure sensor and the A/C compressor had to be rebuilt due to wear. The total repair came to 1200€, which was more than I hoped but less than replacing the entire A/C system. The shop did a thorough job testing the pressure switch and all components before and after the repair. The cooling now works perfectly, even better than when I first bought the car. While it was frustrating dealing with the initial misdiagnosis, finding the right specialist made all the difference. They showed me exactly what was wrong and explained how the hybrid cooling system differs from regular cars. Would definitely recommend getting a proper diagnosis from a hybrid-certified shop rather than risking further damage at a general mechanic. Lesson learned on my end.