No ECON light on?
First thing is first--check fuses.
Next, check the actual pressure. You can rent (or buy) a set of a/c manifold gauges. Without cracking them open to release any gas, you should be able to put the two gauges on their respective sides, and with the car running and a/c on, see if the pressure changes. The low side should decrease to about ~30 psi, IIRC; high side to ~160 psi. If the pressure is equalized, then the compressor is not compressing the gas.
Next thing I would check is the refrigerant high pressure switch, located on the driver's side of the condenser. Since you've indicated it has pressure, you're probably not leaking it out from the o-ring. It's possible this has gone bad. Though normally when this goes bad, you will get the ECON light.
If the switch is good, then I fear you probably need to replace the compressor. There is a solenoid in the compressor, which is what changes the angle of the swash plate, which in turn drives the actual pistons to compress the R134a. If you need a compressor, a wreck may be a decent option (though a ticking time bomb, in my opinion). I used discountacparts.com and got a brand new Denso compressor, orifice tube, o-rings (which were about useless), accumulator, and PAG oil for about $400. Compressor is relatively easy to install, but you'll need the system professionally evacuated and refilled.
If you can find someone close by with VCDS, this may help narrow down your issue quicker (can check the state of the high pressure switch, at least).
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Originally Posted by fly300kts
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