VW Passat Hybrid AC Dead, No Cold Air or Compressor

Had almost the exact same issue with my 2018 VW Golf GTE hybrid last summer. As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I first suspected a refrigerant leak but it turned out more complex. The symptoms matched yours perfectly, blower motor running but no cold air, AC not engaging. After taking it to a certified workshop specializing in hybrid vehicles, they diagnosed a faulty pressure switch and defective valves in the AC system. The cooling system needed a complete valve replacement along with a thorough AC maintenance check. Total repair cost was 1000€, which included: Pressure switch replacement, Valve system overhaul, System evacuation and recharge, New refrigerant The workshop mentioned these valve issues are somewhat common in VW hybrid models from that generation. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Any unusual sounds when trying to engage the AC? Does the AC compressor clutch engage at all? Have you noticed any refrigerant leaks under the car? When was your last AC maintenance service? This information would help determine if you are dealing with the same underlying issue I experienced with the cooling system.

Just had my 27205km service done last month and experienced a similar issue. Turned out my AC noise was coming from a failing pressure switch, not the compressor as initially suspected. The repair actually fixed both the engagement problem and the strange sound. A certified workshop found the refrigerant leak near the compressor seal during routine AC maintenance. Total cost for parts and labor came to 850€. After the fix the cooling system has been working flawlessly. Worth checking these components before replacing more expensive parts.

Thanks for sharing those details about your repair experience. Your situation sounds nearly identical to what I encountered with my Golf GTE, though yours was caught during regular service which likely saved some money. The pressure switch failure causing AC noise is a classic symptom I also experienced. These switches are crucial safety components in the cooling system, when they fail, the system often refuses to engage as a protective measure. My AC diagnostics also revealed issues around the compressor seal area, which seems to be a common weak point in these VW hybrid models. Your 850€ repair cost was actually better than what I paid (1000€), probably because you caught it earlier before additional components were affected. The refrigerant leak in your case matches the typical failure pattern, these seals tend to deteriorate at similar mileage points across many vehicles of this model. Would be interested to know if they found any debris in your system during the repair? In my case, the failing pressure switch had started to deteriorate internally, which could have caused bigger problems if left unchecked.

Thanks for mentioning the debris check. The technician did note some small particles when they flushed the cooling system during AC maintenance. They said this was likely from the deteriorating pressure switch, which apparently is a known issue. The AC noise completely disappeared after they cleaned everything out and replaced the faulty components. The workshop explained that debris in the system can actually cause poor AC efficiency and potentially damage other parts if not addressed. My blower motor is now whisper quiet and the cooling is actually better than before, probably because the system was slowly degrading before failing completely. The refrigerant leak they found near the compressor seal was also causing the system to run below optimal pressure, which explains the weak cooling I noticed in the weeks before complete failure. For anyone reading this with similar symptoms in their VW hybrid, get it checked sooner rather than later. Waiting too long can turn a simple pressure switch replacement into a much more expensive repair when other components get damaged.