isabellheld1
VW Suran AC Failure: Quick Diagnostic & Repair Guide
Summary of the thread
The 2012 VW Suran Spacefox experienced an A/C failure where the compressor stopped working, accompanied by a warning light. The issue was suspected to be either a faulty pressure sensor or a need for compressor replacement. A similar case with a VW Golf TSI revealed that such symptoms often stem from electrical issues, such as a failed A/C relay switch, corroded wiring, or a refrigerant leak, rather than compressor failure. The recommended solution was to have a certified shop perform a proper diagnosis to identify and fix electrical problems, which can prevent unnecessary compressor replacement. Following this advice, the issue was resolved with electrical repairs and refrigerant recharging, restoring the A/C functionality without replacing the compressor.
Did this summary help you solve your problem?
4 comment(s)
isabellheld1 (community.author)
Thanks for sharing that experience. It gives me hope since my Spacefox shows the exact same symptoms. The relay switch issue makes a lot of sense since my A/C compressor doesnt even try to engage. Would you remember roughly how much you paid for the complete repair? Just trying to get a ballpark figure before heading to the shop. Also wondering if you had any other issues with the air conditioning system since getting it fixed? Really hoping I can avoid a full A/C compressor replacement if its just the relay and refrigerant leak causing the problem. The warning light is still concerning though.
samuel_drache1
Wanted to follow up on the repair costs since you asked. The total came to 240€ for fixing the undervoltage issue affecting the AC relay and electrical connections. The price included diagnosing the system, replacing the faulty components, and ensuring proper voltage to the compressor. Since having the pressure switch and electrical problems resolved, the A/C has worked flawlessly. No warning lights have returned and the compressor engages normally now. The HVAC system maintains consistent cooling without any problems. Your concern about avoiding a full compressor replacement is valid. Based on my experience, when the compressor doesnt engage at all, its often an electrical issue or faulty pressure sensor rather than a failed compressor. The warning light typically triggers as a protective measure when the system detects abnormal electrical conditions. Getting the proper diagnosis will be key, electrical issues can be tricky to pinpoint without the right diagnostic equipment. But once fixed, the repair should provide reliable AC operation like it did in my case.
isabellheld1 (community.author)
I took my VW to a certified shop last week after reading the helpful advice here. The technician found similar electrical issues, a faulty relay switch and some corroded wiring near the A/C compressor. They also detected a small refrigerant leak at one of the connection points. The total repair came to 280€ which included: New AC relay switch, Electrical repairs, Fixing the refrigerant leak, Recharging the HVAC system After the repair, my A/C is working perfectly again. The warning light disappeared and the compressor engages normally. The shop explained that catching the electrical problems early likely prevented damage to the actual compressor unit. Really glad I asked here first instead of assuming I needed a full compressor replacement. The proper diagnosis saved me from unnecessary expensive repairs. The A/C system now blows ice cold air just like when the car was new.
rmh_community_comment_box_header
community_crosslink_scanner_headline
community_crosslink_scanner_intro
community_crosslink_scanner_title
community_crosslink_scanner_price
community_crosslink_rmh_headline
community_crosslink_rmh_intro
community_crosslink_rmh_title
community_crosslink_rmh_subtitle
community_crosslink_rmh_brand
VW
community_crosslink_rmh_model
SURANSPACEFOX
samuel_drache1
Last month I dealt with similar A/C issues on my 2015 VW Golf TSI. The symptoms matched exactly, no cooling, AC relay not engaging, and warning light illuminated. The diagnosis revealed multiple issues: Failed AC relay switch, Low refrigerant level from a slow leak, Corroded electrical connections at the A/C compressor The root cause was undervoltage reaching the compressor due to the degraded relay switch. This triggered the system safeguard to prevent compressor damage. The refrigerant leak was secondary but needed fixing to prevent future issues. Required repairs included: Installing new AC relay, Replacing corroded wiring connectors, Fixing the refrigerant leak, Recharging the A/C system This was a serious repair requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. The A/C compressor itself was fine, but leaving the electrical issues unfixed would have eventually damaged it. Suggestion: Have a certified shop perform a proper AC system diagnosis. Bad relay switches and electrical issues often mimic compressor failure symptoms. Getting an accurate diagnosis first can prevent unnecessary parts replacement.