Starting Engine With Empty Refrigerant Circuit When Unavoidable
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2015 Audi S7, 2015 Audi RS 7, 2015 Audi A7 Quattro, 2014 Audi S7, and 2014 Audi RS 7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Risk of damaging the A/C compressor by running the engine with an unfilled refrigerant circuit.
- The A/C compressor is always driven when engine is running; there is no magnetic clutch. Engine is therefore not to be started unless refrigerant circuit has been properly assembled.
- For example; if the refrigerant lines are not connected to A/C compressor, the A/C compressor may heat up so much when the engine is running that the A/C compressor will be damaged by internal heat generation.
- Only start the engine when the refrigerant circuit is filled.
- Do not start the engine while evacuating the refrigerant circuit or when the circuit is already evacuated, refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, DISCHARGING WITH SERVICE STATION or REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, DISCHARGING WITH SERVICE STATION .
- The engine should not be run for longer than absolutely necessary.
NOTE:
The A/C compressor has an "Internal oil circuit" to ensure the A/C compressor is not damaged when refrigerant circuit is empty. There must be a residual amount of refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor for this.
- The refrigerant circuit must be fully assembled.
- There must be no vacuum in the refrigerant circuit.
- The engine speed must not exceed 2500 RPM.
- The engine should not be run for longer than absolutely necessary (for example, to move the vehicle into the workshop area).
- If the A/C compressor was removed: At least a quarter of the prescribed refrigerant oil must be in the A/C compressor.
NOTE:
If only the refrigerant was extracted (the A/C compressor was not removed), it is assured that there is enough refrigerant oil is in the A/C compressor to maintain the lubrication of the A/C compressor for a short operating period due to the design of the refrigerant circuit.