ECON button won't turn off. Help?

[AudiMat]

I searched but couldn't find really what I was looking for, so I am hoping that someone on here might have a similar issue.

Most of the time I drive around in ECON mode (AC system) because I have the sunroof or windows open unless its raining or whatever out, and then I turn the AC compressor back on (ECON button off). Today coming home from work I hit the button to turn ECON mode off because the windows were fogging up and the red light won't turn off. I assume the light on the button was faulty but the windows just kept fogging badly so I know that the AC compressor is not kicking on and its stuck in ECON mode.

I just got the car back Tuesday afternoon from having the timing belt replaced and they did have to do the accessory belt tensioner as well as this was starting to make noise. Is it possible the shop didn't attach something back up with the compressor and this is causing the AC compressor to not come on, and would the climate control unit actually detect this and hold the car in ECON mode or is it more likely a concidence with the service and actually an electrical problem?

(sorry that was kinda long...)

[hihosilver]

I searched but couldn't find really what I was looking for, so I am hoping that someone on here might have a similar issue.

Most of the time I drive around in ECON mode (AC system) because I have the sunroof or windows open unless its raining or whatever out, and then I turn the AC compressor back on (ECON button off). Today coming home from work I hit the button to turn ECON mode off because the windows were fogging up and the red light won't turn off. I assume the light on the button was faulty but the windows just kept fogging badly so I know that the AC compressor is not kicking on and its stuck in ECON mode.

I just got the car back Tuesday afternoon from having the timing belt replaced and they did have to do the accessory belt tensioner as well as this was starting to make noise. Is it possible the shop didn't attach something back up with the compressor and this is causing the AC compressor to not come on, and would the climate control unit actually detect this and hold the car in ECON mode or is it more likely a concidence with the service and actually an electrical problem?

(sorry that was kinda long...)

I had the same problem. Hold onto something or sit down; this will be an expensive repair, see attachment.

http://www.levineautoparts.com/13topoffhimi.html

This should do the trick, or pick some up at your local auto parts store. That's all it took to fix mine; hopefully you have the same issue.

[ridelikeme]

AC compressor pump..

[Turbo1A4]

mine did it too but it was only 2 blown fuses and there is an orphis in the high side i think that was getting clogged up and replaced that. i would just worry about checking the fuses first

[vinny.dtw]

Sometimes when you don't have any frion in the car, it will do that. But usually there is a leak that caused it. When I had a leak in my AC condensor, the econ will stay on constantly, so hopefully it's just a easy fix instead of the AC hardware.

[dougyfresh]

Scan the car with VAG-Com please.


Report back the DTCs for the air conditioning controller please. I am willing to be you are low on refrigerant and therefore the climate control system goes into ECON (does not turn a/c compressor on) as a safety measure. (what Vince said)

[AudiMat]

Thanks for your help guys, hopefully it is gonna be cheap. I'll get the car scanned this weekend and report back, dougy.

[Synthetik]

I too am having the ECON light staying on. But I just bought the car. Any ideas what's causing mine. I used the heat for the first time yesterday and that's when I noticed. I also noticed yesterday that my power steering is making terrible noises.

[dougyfresh]

I too am having the ECON light staying on. But I just bought the car. Any ideas what's causing mine. I used the heat for the first time yesterday and that's when I noticed. I also noticed yesterday that my power steering is making terrible noises.

see post #6

[AudiMat]

Ok, so I called the shop today, and they forgot to tell me when I picked up the car that i'm basically dry of refrigerant and needs to be charged up. The system needs to be bled as well, and have the dye put in to look for any cracks.

Problem solved... just need to go somewhere to have that done in the next few weeks. Thanks again for the help guys.

btw dougy, is that you riding cross in your avatar? EDIT: NM, just read your profile. Sweet... single speed. Balls!

[dougyfresh]

Ok, so I called the shop today, and they forgot to tell me when I picked up the car that i'm basically dry of refrigerant and needs to be charged up. The system needs to be bled as well, and have the dye put in to look for any cracks.

Problem solved... just need to go somewhere to have that done in the next few weeks. Thanks again for the help guys.

btw dougy, is that you riding cross in your avatar? EDIT: NM, just read your profile. Sweet... single speed. Balls!

Good to hear.

Yes, your ECU probably has a code for low refrigerant pressure. That causes the climate control to be stuck in ECON. Most refutable A/C places can take care of this. Worst case is your local dealership can do the work for you.


That avatar pic is me leaning up against my bike.

[Sodium]

There's 2 AC fuses. The AC Sensor fuse (#6 in my car) was the trouble I just encountered with the same symptoms.

[wheel366]

I just had this happen but had some others things happen at the same time. I heard a static sound coming form the car while driving. When I came to a stop the car turned off. I was able to start again and the sound come back a little then went away. I noticed the econ button was on even with heat and it wouldn't turn off. I saw a little coming from the front and a smell I have never smelled before. THink it is the same thing?

[CyberPMG]

Check fuses first. If those are good, then have the compressor checked. Could be the bearings burned out and seized up, which would then need replaced.

[lyates1987]

Good to hear.

Yes, your ECU probably has a code for low refrigerant pressure. That causes the climate control to be stuck in ECON. Most refutable A/C places can take care of this. Worst case is your local dealership can do the work for you.


That avatar pic is me leaning up against my bike.

^^^^This right here. First steps I'd take are check those fuses and get a bottle of AC Pro from vatozone or advance. AC Pro is the only one I recommend. ECON light not going off is most likely lack of freon.

[Docta_Giacomo]

My econ button wouldn't shut off, and I got nothing but hot air. Ended up being a bad A/C pressure switch (I've also heard it called a thrust sensor, condenser sensor, etc. It's the sensor on the drivers side of the condenser "behind" the headlight.). I purchased one online for <$40 from ECS. Took less than a half hour to swap out. Nothing but ice cold air now!

This was in my 2003 A4 1.8t.

Part: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-santech-...3r0959126~stc/

There's a tutorial on here somewhere if you need it. I didn't have to reset any fault codes, fyi.

[BARRY]

this thread is nearly 9 years old

[ErikG]

^^great insight. Even though its old, it still seems to be helping people.