OBD2 codes.
A code identifies a signal or system that needs to be checked, not a part you should replace.
Got an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter? Read the codes straight from your car.1 code entry · 1 related fault
P2612Fault in the air conditioning compressor valve circuitUrgency low
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.
Original sources · Date indicated: 2026-10-12
View full entryRelated faults in the database
A/C not cooling: N280 valveClimate control
- Engine / equipment
- Air conditioning with clutchless compressor and N280 regulating valve (combustion VW, Audi, Seat, Cupra and Skoda from 2006)
- Period mentioned
- 2006–2026
- Symptoms
- The air does not cool or cools intermittently (for example only at motorway speed), and sometimes the compressor rattles with the A/C on. Codes 01232 (N280 valve), P2612 or 00898.
- Possible cause described
- The compressor regulates its output with the N280 solenoid valve, its most common failure point. Audi issued technical bulletins over a manufacturing fault in this valve on Sanden compressors. Its connector can also become brittle and corrode (especially without the engine undertray), or the wiring fails.
- Check for the garage
- Read the codes and N280 control current with VCDS or ODIS, measure its resistance (about 10 ohms) and check the connector and wiring before replacing parts. If the valve or compressor is replaced, the whole circuit must be flushed.
- Cost cited in the source
- N280 valve: a cheap part (about 30 dollars) where sold separately; new compressor with circuit flush: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.