Detaching air conditioner compressor from holder/attaching (vehicles with 4 or 6-cyl. engine) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012)

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• Mark the direction of the ribbed belt (illustration shows layout for 4-cyl. engine).
• This illustration shows the layout of the poly V-belt on a 2.0 l FSI engine. The layout may differ on other 4-cyl. engines Engine, mechanics13
• After attaching the air conditioner compressor, check the routing of the refrigerant lines. They must be inserted in the holders provided (if fitted, depends on engine).

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove the top engine cover (depending on engine, not necessary for all types of engine) Engine, mechanics13.
2. Remove the centre noise insulation General body repairs, exterior66.
3. If applicable, remove the noise insulation frame (currently fitted for example on the Audi A3 Cabrio) General body repairs, exterior50.
4. Mark the direction of the ribbed belt (illustration shows layout for 4-cyl. engine).
5. Slacken off and detach the poly V-belt Engine, mechanics13. [Note: This illustration shows the layout of the poly V-belt on a 2.0 l FSI engine. The layout may differ on other 4-cyl. engines Engine, mechanics13]

6. Unplug the air conditioner compressor regulating valve N280 at the connector (1).
7. Screw out the three bolts (arrows) (tightening torque 25 Nm). — 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
8. Detach the air conditioner compressor and attach it to the vehicle with a piece of wire for example.
9. Before securing the air conditioner compressor, check the position of both bushings (arrows) in the holder or air conditioner compressor.
10. Fit one packing plate each at the bolts (arrows) (tightening torque 25 Nm). — 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. After attaching the air conditioner compressor, check the routing of the refrigerant lines. They must be inserted in the holders provided (if fitted, depends on engine).
12. After attaching the air conditioner compressor, also check the refrigerant lines and the corresponding holders for adequate clearance with respect to the other components, ensuring a sufficient distance between the belt, holder and pulley.

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