A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve Control Circuit Low
Many air conditioning compressors regulate their output with an electric valve (on VW group cars it is called N280). This code means that valve's control circuit has too low a voltage, usually from a short to earth.
What the car has detected
The control unit has detected that the compressor regulator valve's control circuit is shorted to earth or has a lower voltage than expected.
It doesn't affect the engine or driving safety, but the air conditioning stops cooling. It can wait, although without air conditioning the windscreen demists less well in humid weather.
Symptoms
- The air conditioning doesn't cool
- The compressor doesn't work
- Code stored in the engine or climate control unit
Possible causes
- Compressor valve wiring or connector shorted or poorly connected
- Failed compressor regulator valve (N280 on VW group cars)
Checks for the garage
- Check the compressor valve connector and wiring
- Measure the valve's resistance (on VW group cars about 10 ohms; it may vary by model)
- Check the control signal with diagnostics
- Replace the valve if the wiring is fine and the resistance is wrong
Next step
Have the compressor valve connector and wiring checked and the valve's resistance measured.
Go to a garage experienced with air conditioning. Replacing the valve usually means recovering and recharging the refrigerant, which needs a specific machine.