What precautions should be taken when disconnecting the battery and replacing the A/C compressor on Volkswagen Golf?

If the battery is disconnected, several systems must be re-learned before they will work properly. The refrigerant desiccant cartridge should be replaced whenever the compressor is replaced. Have the air conditioning system discharged. Remove the engine cover and disconnect the negative battery cable. Loosen the right front wheel bolts, then raise the vehicle on the hoist and remove the under-vehicle splash shield. Depending on the engine, it may be easier to remove the right inner fender splash shield. Remove the drivebelt and the air filter housing. On turbocharged models, it may be necessary to remove the charge air cooler pipes. Clean the compressor thoroughly around the refrigerant line fittings. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the top and back of the air conditioning compressor. Remove the compressor mounting bolts, detach the compressor from the mounting bracket, and lower it from the engine compartment. Disconnect the suction and discharge lines from the compressor, plug the open fittings to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture, and discard the seals between the plates and compressor. If a new compressor is being installed, pour the oil from the old compressor into a graduated container and add that exact amount of new refrigerant oil to the new compressor, following any directions included with it. Some replacement compressors come with refrigerant oil in them, so follow the directions regarding the draining of excess oil prior to installation. Installation is the reverse of removal; when installing the line fitting bolt to the compressor, use new seals lubricated with clean refrigerant oil and tighten the bolt securely, ensuring the alignment sleeves in the compressor bolt holes are seated correctly and the contact surfaces are clean and flat. Have the system evacuated, recharged, and leak tested by the shop that discharged it.

Genuine Volkswagen Golf A/C Compressor

Air Conditioning Compressor

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15 A/C Compressors found

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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 1K0-820-808-G
$594.74 MSRP: $749.98
You Save: $155.24 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaces: 1K0-820-803-R, 1K0-820-803-T, 1K0-820-808-E, 1K0-820-803-K, 1K0-820-808-C, 1K0-820-859-R, 1K0-820-859-G
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf | Base | 5 Cyl 2.5 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 1J0-820-803-N
$674.04 MSRP: $849.98
You Save: $175.94 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaces: 1J0-820-803-K, 1J0-820-803-L, 1JE-820-803-A, 1J0-820-803-F
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf | GL, GL TDI, GLS, GLS TDI, GTI 1.8T, GTI 20th Anniversary, GTI 337, GTI GLS, GTI VR6, TDI | 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS, 4 Cyl 1.9 L DIESEL, 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS, 6 Cyl 2.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 1H0-820-803-DX
$499.52 MSRP: $624.62
You Save: $125.10 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Compressor Assembly
- Replaces: 1H0-820-803-D
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1993-1999 Volkswagen Golf | Celebration Edition, City, GL, GTI, Jazz, K2, Limited Edition, Sport, Trek, Wolfsburg Edition | 4 Cyl 1.9 L DIESEL, 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 1J0-820-803-E
$741.76 MSRP: $935.38
You Save: $193.62 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2000-2002 Volkswagen Golf | GTI GLX, GTI VR6 | 6 Cyl 2.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 5K0-820-803-L
$780.79 MSRP: $984.60
You Save: $203.81 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf | TDI | 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 357-820-803-R
$812.83 MSRP: $1025.00
You Save: $212.17 (21%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Compressor Assembly
- Replaces: 357-820-803-RX
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1998 Volkswagen Golf | GTI VR6 | 6 Cyl 2.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 5Q0-820-803-K
$823.49 MSRP: $1038.45
You Save: $214.96 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaces: 5Q0-820-803-G, 5Q0-820-803-F
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf | Base, Launch Edition, S, SE, SEL, TDI S, TDI SE, TDI SEL, TSi, Wolfsburg Edition | 4 Cyl 1.4 L GAS, 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS, 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 5Q0-820-803-P
$823.49 MSRP: $1038.45
You Save: $214.96 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2020-2021 Volkswagen Golf | TSi | 4 Cyl 1.4 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 5Q0-820-803-Q
$823.49 MSRP: $1038.45
You Save: $214.96 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2017-2021 Volkswagen Golf | S, SE, TSi, Wolfsburg Edition | 4 Cyl 1.4 L GAS, 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 1K0-820-808-FX
$646.59 MSRP: $815.38
You Save: $168.79 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaced by: 1K0-820-808-F
- Replaces: 1K0-820-808-BX, 1K0-820-859-QX, 1K0-820-808-DX
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2013-2014 Volkswagen Golf | TDI | 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 3Q0-816-803
$863.14 MSRP: $1088.45
You Save: $225.31 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf | S, SE | 4 Cyl 1.4 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 1K0-820-859-T
$921.09 MSRP: $1161.52
You Save: $240.43 (21%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaces: 1K0-820-859-N, 1K0-820-859-J, 8J0-260-805
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf | Base | 5 Cyl 2.5 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 191-820-805
$56.88 MSRP: $79.00
You Save: $22.12 (28%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaces: 176-820-804-X
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1985-1992 Volkswagen Golf | Base, GL, GT, GTI, GTI 16-Valve, GTI 8-Valve | 4 Cyl 1.6 L DIESEL, 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS, 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 176-820-804-A
$232.26 MSRP: $325.30
You Save: $93.04 (29%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1989 Volkswagen Golf | GTI 16-Valve | 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Golf Compressor Part Number: 1J0-820-803-B
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1999-2000 Volkswagen Golf | GL, GLS, GTI, TDI, Wolfsburg Edition | 4 Cyl 1.9 L DIESEL, 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS

Volkswagen Golf A/C Compressor

Choose OEM A/C Compressor for superior quality and long-lasting durability. They match the Volkswagen's factory specifications exactly and pass strict quality control. If you plan to replace A/C Compressor on your Golf, put OEM at the top of your list. You'll get the right fit, reliable performance, and peace of mind. We stock an extensive inventory of genuine Volkswagen Golf parts. It is easy to find what you need. You will love our competitive prices that help you save. No more hassle with returns or guesswork. Every part includes a warranty straight from the manufacturer. Get trusted quality, strong durability, and real value today.

Volkswagen Golf A/C Compressor Parts and Q&A

Compressor
3Q0-816-803
Q: What precautions should be taken when disconnecting the battery and replacing the A/C compressor on Volkswagen Golf?
A:
If the battery is disconnected, several systems must be re-learned before they will work properly. The refrigerant desiccant cartridge should be replaced whenever the compressor is replaced. Have the air conditioning system discharged. Remove the engine cover and disconnect the negative battery cable. Loosen the right front wheel bolts, then raise the vehicle on the hoist and remove the under-vehicle splash shield. Depending on the engine, it may be easier to remove the right inner fender splash shield. Remove the drivebelt and the air filter housing. On turbocharged models, it may be necessary to remove the charge air cooler pipes. Clean the compressor thoroughly around the refrigerant line fittings. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the top and back of the air conditioning compressor. Remove the compressor mounting bolts, detach the compressor from the mounting bracket, and lower it from the engine compartment. Disconnect the suction and discharge lines from the compressor, plug the open fittings to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture, and discard the seals between the plates and compressor. If a new compressor is being installed, pour the oil from the old compressor into a graduated container and add that exact amount of new refrigerant oil to the new compressor, following any directions included with it. Some replacement compressors come with refrigerant oil in them, so follow the directions regarding the draining of excess oil prior to installation. Installation is the reverse of removal; when installing the line fitting bolt to the compressor, use new seals lubricated with clean refrigerant oil and tighten the bolt securely, ensuring the alignment sleeves in the compressor bolt holes are seated correctly and the contact surfaces are clean and flat. Have the system evacuated, recharged, and leak tested by the shop that discharged it.