Volkswagen Repair: 1999 VW Eurovan dash air, vw eurovan, air conditioning compressors


Question
My 1999 VW Eurovan dash air was low on coolant.  I added freon but it is not cooling. Compressor seems to be running as RPM changes when A/C is turned off and on.  Freon level is high.  Any suggestions?  Thanks-we are going to a wedding out of town on Wednesday and need A/C.  Van is configured as Rialta motorhome from Winnegbago.  

Answer
Eurovan air conditioning compressors can retain impurities, or contaminants, and lock up the "swash" plate, or block the high pressure outlet to the rest of the system.  Everytime I've seen this...so far....it has required the replacement of the compressor...huge expense!  Sanden compressors for the Eurovans are about $700.00, plus labor, plus materials.  If you have a shop, in your area, that specializes only in air conditioning service, and not the rest of the vehicle...take it there.  They probably offer a good warranty on parts, and workmanship, and are also familiar with the strengths, and shortcomings of the A/C system in your vehicle.  If there is no specialty shop nearby, then take it to the dealer you have closest to you.  Volkswagen dealers usually stand by the work in their shops for one year or...12 months, 12,000 miles whichever comes first.  Any small particles that dislodge within the A/C system build up in the compressors of VW systems...not all, but Eurovans, and some other models particularly, and they destroy the compressor.  Without being able to see your car myself, personally, that is my first, and best recommendation.