No need to check, my information was only general based on systems used
through the 90s! Didn't mean to mislead anyone.

-Arthur

Woodchuck wrote:
> 2002 Passat's don't use a thermostat switch. On the Passat and most other
> newer VW's the clutch is controlled by monitoring the low side pressure and
> there's nothing connected to the "fins"! Check your information again. The
> pressure switch is really just a "in case" switch since the way the system
> is designed the compressor runs 100% of the time, at least here in
> Pennsylvania. Maximum air temperature should be in the range of 40-48*. As
> to why the engine stalls I would say you had a rare compressor failure.
> Under warranty I presume?
>
>
> "Arthur Russell" D> wrote
> in message news:hIK7d.1181$MU6.453@trndny08...
>
>>Hey John,
>>
>>I saw your other post too just now. The smell very well could be mold
>>growth etc, but you described air restriction and fading cooling
>>performance and generally what sounded like the evaporator icing up (as
>>some other folks also already mentioned).
>>
>>From this, I would suspect the thermostat on the evaporator has failed and
>>is allowing the system to freeze the evap core. This can quickly steal
>>enough moisture to block air flow (which would make things worse).
>>
>>Once this happens, the refrigerant which is supposed to be going back gas
>>phase is starting to stay more liquid, and that (unfortunately) will cause
>>your compressor to do the things you're noticing - too hard to turn means
>>slipping belt and stalling engine. It also may quickly cause your
>>compressor to fail.
>>
>>I would check the thermostat switch - they're suppose to open at like 34F
>>or something. Another cause of misbehavior is if the switch has come free
>>and isn't sensing the evaporator temp. I've seen them typically strapped
>>right to the fins.
>>
>>Good luck, hope your compressor is OK. I wouldn't run it at all until you
>>can check the switch.
>>-Arthur
>>
>>John Smallberries wrote:
>>
>>
>>>The issue has been going on for a while (smelly air, moisture blowing
>>>into the cabin, etc...) for a few days. This morning, the AC started
>>>to make a clicking sound that went away when I turned it off. I turned
>>>it back on and heard a belt squeal for a few seconds, then the car
>>>stalled.
>>>
>>>Now, the car runs fine as long as I don't turn on the AC. Stalls as
>>>soon as the AC kicks in if I turn it on.
>>>
>>>
>
>