> Well, just as I was beginning to believe that my 93 EV GL was immune
> to most of the problems that plague EV owners, my A/C system tries to
> self-destruct. The following events transpired over the last week:
>
> Thursday - I noticed that the A/C wasn't cooling as well as before. I
> checked to see if the fans automatically come on when A/C was turned
> on. They wouldn't, so I figured it must be the infamous series
> resistors.
>
> Friday - Pulled the cover below the left headlight and, sure enough,
> they were both toast. Went to the dealer and bought two new revised
> 'D' suffix resistors (superseded the original 'B' suffix resistors).
> Installed both resistors. Both fans now seem to be working correctly.
> I checked pressure relief valve on the redrier(receiver-dryer) and it
> looked OK.
>
> Sunday - After driving for approximately 10 miles on the interstate, I
> exit and stop at the first red light. I see white smoke coming from
> under my hood!!!! I immediately exit to a parking lot and shut off the
> engine. The smoke and burning smell is coming from the lower right
> corner of the engine (either the alternator or the A/C compressor).
> The smoke doesn't seem to be coming from the alternator, and after all
> the EV Update articles about the A/C system, I suspect the compressor.
> I turn off the A/C and restart the engine, no more smoke. I drive home
> (2 miles) and pull the pan covering the engine. The A/C compressor
> clutch is charred and the compressor will not turn. I disconnect the
> wires to the compressor clutch to prevent accidental reengagement.
>
> Bottom Line - At least the compressor and clutch appear to be ruined.
> I don't know about the rest of the system. I'm going to leave it at
> the dealer tomorrow to confirm the diagnosis and give me an estimate
> to repair.
>
> NOW THE QUESTION  -  Has anything like this happened to anyone else?
> Is it possible for a failed series resistor to do this much damage to
> the entire system in the period of a few days? I intend to discuss the
> whole matter with the VW area rep if necessary. Based on the number of
> owners reporting A/C problems and Volkswagen's subsequent redesign of
> the series resistor, the original part seems obviously flawed and
> should have been a recall item. The A/C system SHOULD NOT
> self-destruct at 52,000 miles!
>
> If anyone was experienced this or a similar problem, please contact
> me.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tony Treace
> atreace@hasimons.com
>
> (404) 378-0635 (H)
> (404) 370-3294 (W)
>