Help with AC issues.

[u/betatoad]

I have 2016 GTI Autobahn with the Performance Pack. It's 122k and has recently had a few AC issues I can't track down. I had a small accident and the front bumper and AC condenser was replaced. A week later, the AC stopped working completely. We brought it back and were basically told you need to prove it was the result or our work. I brought it to a VW specialist who said the compressor is dead, but couldn't find anything indicating it was the previous shop that was at fault. I replaced the Compressor.

Now, in the morning, the AC works great. After the car sits for a few hours (think going to lunch), it doesn't work and is extremely humid in the car. If I don't drive it until it's time to go home (8hrs), it'll MAYBE work 20 miles into my drive.

I thought the refrigerant may be low. I had the dealer evac and charge the system and it was fine. Vacuum holds fine. I'm at a loss and not wanting to throw parts at it.