2002 1.8L Turbo A/C Issues

[lovesmybug]

Ok - I am the proud owner of a lovely 1.8L Turbo Automatic New Beetle. Currently, I am at 101,600 miles. Over the course of my ownership I have had the motherboard replaced, all of the ignition coils replaced and gone through about 10 sets of light bulbs.

Just yesterday my A/C started acting up (I live in Texas and drive 50 miles one way to work - this is not acceptable). There was only hot air blowing out of the vents EXCEPT for 2 times while stopped at one of the MANY stop lights it decided to tease me and blow cool air for about 5 minutes.

Upon arriving home, my husband and I did the following:
1. Checked all the fuses (one was blown, we replaced and still no cold air)
2. Turned on the car with A/C and no and the compressor is not running
3. Tried to put Freon in but that didn't help either (umm probably cause the compressor isn't working)

Here is my question: Do you think it could be anything other than the compressor? Can you give me any suggestions on what to look at?

[veedubmechanic]

What fuse did you replace?

Can you/have you checked the ecm for codes? any code for coolant temp sensor will cause the compressor not to run.

[4stripes]

My 2000 Beetle had an intermittant problem with the AC. Turned out to be the 30 amp fuse holder located on top of the battery cover. Maybe corrosion caused a poor contact, but the holder began to distort. When this fuse is out, the fans & AC stop working! It was an easy fix. My holder just needed some contact cleaner and a new fuse (the old one was "fused" on one prong, so it broke on removal).
Cheers Eric