A/C and other problems with 2003 Jetta GLS, 2.0 engine
 

Hey all,

I just got back from Afghanistan in April and I bought a used 2003 Jetta GLS, 2.0 engine, with 122K miles. Since I bought it, I've had some problems with it; check engine light, airbag light, and dead A/C. I finally got the A/C fixed last week; turned out to be a shorted out pressure switch, and it cost $250 to fix. The service guy also told me that my airbag harness needed to be replaced ($250), that my thermostat needs replacing ($350), and that my "headlights still on" beeper failure might be a cluster problem ($1100). A/C worked great, and the check engine light was off.

Nine days later (today), my check engine light is back on (expected) and my A/C is blowing hot air again. So, it seems that something systemic is causing the A/C to break, rather quickly, and I have no idea what. I'm going to swing by the dealership again when they open tomorrow hoping that they can squeeze me in, but in the meantime, I was hoping someone here might know what my problem could be. I don't want to spend $250 every week to fix the A/C; I'd like to know what the root problem is.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

Luke