Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

High Pressure Safety Valve HVAC: Testing and Inspection






A/C Compressor Regulator Valve, Checking Activation Signal

- Switch off ignition.

- Unplug connector at air-conditioner compressor.





- Reproduce the connection between connector - A - and connector - B - at regulator valve using an adapter cable from Connector Test Kit (V.A.G 1594 C).

The activation of the A/C Compressor Regulator Valve (N280) and the current flowing via the A/C Compressor Regulator Valve (N280) is measured by the Climatronic Control Module (J255) front A/C control head is displayed in the control head measured value block Vehicle diagnosis, testing and information system VAS 5051 in "Guided Fault Finding" function.

An adapter cable can also be used for this test. To do this, use one connector each - A - and - B - (part number 1J0 973 702 and 1J0 973 802 and relevant terminal contacts, two standard sockets for banana connectors - C - and two wires with 0.5 mm 2 diameter.





- Connect DSO Measuring Leads 1 & 2 (VAS 5051/8) to adapter leads.

- Measuring cable (signal wire) to terminal - 2 -.

- Measuring cable (shielded, ground) to terminal - 1 -.

- On Diagnostic Operation System (VAS 5051 A), set measurement mode: DSO (Digital Storage Oscilloscope)

- Setting 5V/Div = 0.5 ms/Div (5 volts DC and 0.5 milliseconds per unit)

- Start engine.

- Set pre-select temperature to "Lo" on front A/C control head Climatronic Control Module (J255)

- Use the "Audio" and "Off/On" buttons on the Climatronic Control Module (J255) front A/C control head to switch the activation of the A/C Compressor Regulator Valve (N280) on and off.

Shown on screen of oscilloscope, depending on setting of front A/C control head Climatronic Control Module (J255):

- No square wave signal (regulator valve is not activated) for operating mode "OFF".

- A square wave signal with an impulse width - A - between 75% and 100% (regulator valve is activated) for operating mode "Auto " and temperature setting "Lo".





The Fig. shows a signal with a duty cycle of approximately 80%.

Impulse width - A - is dependent on desired cooling performance, vehicle voltage etc. (over the width of region - A -, voltage is regulated via A/C Compressor Regulator Valve (N280) by front A/C control head Climatronic Control Module (J255)).

The signal distance - B - is always 2 milliseconds (corresponds to frequency of 500 Hertz).

The duty cycle is determined by the ratio of impulse width - A - and signal distance - B -.

- The impulse width of the square wave signal changes (duty cycle between 100% and greater than 30%, regulator valve is activated so that required compressor output is obtained to reach the specified temperatures) depending on setting at front A/C control head Climatronic Control Module (J255) and measured surrounding conditions.

For operating mode setting "Auto" and temperature setting " Lo", A/C Compressor Regulator Valve (N280) is activated so that the maximum permissible current of approximately 0.65 A flows via A/C Compressor Regulator Valve (N280) (maximum compressor output).

In control mode, actuation time is governed by required cooling output and vehicle electrical system voltage, for example. It is however always of sufficient duration to achieve a mean current of 0.3 A.