VW Crafter AC Dead: Common Faults & Real Owner Tips

Had almost the exact same AC issue with my 2012 VW Transporter last summer. Being somewhat experienced with basic car maintenance, I first suspected a refrigerant leak, but it turned out to be more complex. The symptoms were identical, complete AC failure after working fine. The workshop performed thorough AC diagnostics and discovered defective valves in the air conditioning system. The pressure switch was still functional, but the temperature control unit wasnt receiving proper signals due to the valve issues. Total repair cost was 1000€, including parts and labor. The mechanic had to replace multiple valves and recharge the system. After the fix, the AC has been working flawlessly. To better assist with your situation, could you share: Any unusual AC noise before the failure? Did you notice gradual cooling loss or was it sudden? Has the AC system been serviced recently? Are there any other electrical issues in your van? These details would help determine if youre facing the same valve problems I encountered.

Thanks for sharing that experience. On my van with 113485KM, a similar sudden failure occurred right after the latest service. No strange noises beforehand, but I did notice the cooling system was slightly less effective in the weeks leading up to the complete shutdown. The AC maintenance history shows regular servicing, but I suspect the AC relay might be the culprit since the blower motor isnt responding at all. I checked the fuses which all appear intact. Before jumping to major repairs, could you share the diagnostic steps your mechanic took? Did they test the electrical components first before diving into the valve replacement?

Based on your additional details, it does sound quite different from my valve issue, especially since your blower motor isnt responding. When my AC failed in the Transporter, the blower was still functioning normally. In my case, the workshop did start with basic electrical diagnostics. They tested the AC relay and electrical components first, which all checked out fine. The pressure switch readings were what eventually led them to investigate the valve system more thoroughly. Since your blower motor isnt working at all, I would suggest focusing on the electrical system first. The AC relay is definitely a good place to start, particularly given the timing after your service. When my mechanic did the diagnostics, they followed this sequence: Tested all electrical connections, Checked AC relay function, Verified pressure switch operation, Tested temperature control unit signals, Checked for refrigerant leaks The complete lack of blower response in your case points more toward an electrical issue rather than the mechanical valve problems I experienced. A relay replacement is much less expensive than the valve repair I needed, so its worth checking before assuming the worst. Have you tried manually checking the AC relay by swapping it with a compatible one from another circuit? This might help confirm if thats the source of your problem.

Thanks for the detailed walkthrough of your diagnostic process. After reading about your experience, I decided to take a closer look at the electrical system, specifically the AC relay situation. I swapped the AC relay with a matching one from another circuit as suggested, but the blower still wouldnt activate. This at least rules out a simple relay failure. I also noticed during testing that theres no clicking sound when the AC button is pressed, which seems to point toward a deeper electrical issue. I contacted a local workshop specializing in cooling system repairs, and they can check for potential refrigerant leaks and do complete AC diagnostics next week. Given the progression of symptoms, from slightly reduced cooling to complete failure, and the lack of any AC noise or blower response, they think it might be related to the control module rather than mechanical components. The AC maintenance history and your experience have been really helpful in narrowing down the possible causes. I will update once the shop completes their assessment and let everyone know what they find, as it might help others with similar issues in the future.