A/C manifold gauges?

[zuren]

My 2004 VW Passat has an A/C issue and rather than send it off to the repair shop, I was was going to take a stab at troubleshooting myself.

I suspect that I've either lost pressure in my system, so the A/C won't come on, or I have a bad relay. I see that Harbor Freight carries A/C tools like the manifold gauges and vacuum pumps, but wanted to know if that is what I should be looking at, or if there are better options?

I'm just a DIYer that does this infrequently, but don't mind buying decent tools (since I'm saving on the labor), but don't want to get ridiculous.

Thanks!

 

[jayoldschool]

I use the HF gauge set, works perfectly. There are how to vids on youtube that show how to use it.

 

[cvairwerks]

Might want to hit one of the VW/Passat forums for a troubleshooting guide before you get gauges. There are a number of things that when they fail, the AC quits.

I know on my TDI's, that a dead FCM or partially dead aux fans will keep the AC from working.

Chase everything you can without buying tools first...