July 28th, 2010 
David 
Coldplayer asked:
I have a 2001 VW bug that needs the heating/ac module replaced. I'm trying to find out where in the car the part is located, and how much labor to replace it should cost. I know the part itself is relatively cheap, but I'm trying not to get ripped off with the labor. I live in a small town, so any info or insight would be tremendously helpful.
I have a 2001 VW bug that needs the heating/ac module replaced. I'm trying to find out where in the car the part is located, and how much labor to replace it should cost. I know the part itself is relatively cheap, but I'm trying not to get ripped off with the labor. I live in a small town, so any info or insight would be tremendously helpful.
Posted in 
Tags: 
There are 2 types available, manual and microchip controlled. But both are under $200 for the part and both should take less than 2 hours to install.
The manual have more cable and fewer wires and vacuum lines, while the electronic one is reverese.
But the electronic one is probably the easier one, even though it has more connections, because the cables of the manual are stiffer and harder to line up.
Shop rate is around $80 – $100 and hour these days.
So be prepared to spend $150 to $200 on labor.
That should include diagnostics to determine it really is the control unit.
For example, the mechanic should have already tried shunting power to the AC clutch to make sure the compressor works, etc.
But anyone good at AC should have no problem.
VW AC is no different than any other.
I am a vw tech and I am not familiar with 2001 bug having a heating a/c module, maybe you mean the heater controls, the unit on the dash. Only reason to replace one would be if the a/c button burned itself out. Maybe you need to diag. car properly before replacing it. The controls are right below the radio. for that to replaced, the radio, have to be removed, not easy in a bug, the switches, seat heater switches further down all have to be remove with the housing they mount in, the center and upper dash panel, or bulk head has to be removed, not fun. Your are easily looking at about 2-3.5 hour labor.