Aircon / Climate Control Problems. Diy Uv Recharge Kits.

[maximus]

http://www.wheelkool.co.uk/html/ac_faq.html

 

 

The above link has a nice explaination of how aircon works, there's also a page of products for the DIYer, such as UV recharge kits. I figure this has to be worth a shot if you know you've got a leak. I assume you just get hold of a UV lamp and fire the system up whe its a bit dark and the leak will make it's self obvious?

 

http://www.wheelkool.co.uk/html/diy_products.html

 

I took my Galaxy to Kwik Fit for there "Recharge or no charge" deal. Turns out that my system has no pressure at all!! So I don't know whats best to do, should I get a UV recharge kit and try to find the leak or should I just book it in? I don't want to spend a fortune on repairs but I'd like it working. So no visit to Ford but I would go to a specialist. Can anyone recommend somebody in or near Oxfordshire? I'm in Didcot by the way.

 

 

Other than the aircon I'm well impressed with the Galaxy, we were getting 55mpg on a slow run last night! Awesome!

[bigfoot2]

hi maximus

the diy kits are an option.

but if you say that your system has no pressure at all then you may have a major leak somewhere, who knows.

and if thats the case then you would be wasting your money on a diy kit.

your best taking it to someone who knows what there doing. they will put your system under vacuum to dispel any moisture and if there is a leak that is when they will find it, then once leak has been repaired they will recharge you system.

hope this helps

Edited May 9, 2007 by bigfoot2

[MrT]

Some people say there are problems with DIY kits as in this report.

 

The problem I found with DIY kits (they cans were

[maximus]

I don't expect to just fill it up and job done.

 

Thanks for the link to the report MR T, although it seems to be concerned with system sealers, I would't expect to get a leak repair from a tin either.

 

What I figure is that if I use a UV dye kit and get a UV lamp then I should be able to find the leak myself. So if it's a split pipe then it's a case of replacing it and then getting the system recharged, at this point if I was confident that the leak has been sorted then I would pay a pro to vac it out, replace the dryer and recharge it.

As far as I can gather from ringing round is that I'm going to get charged

Edited May 9, 2007 by maximus

[Scorpiorefugee]

This does seem to be a common problem. My S reg TDI occasionally refused to work (half a dozen times in 18 months) but now does nothing. The pump clutch doesn't operate unless I feed it with12V direct and still no cooling so I assume no or low gas which probably would account for the pressure sensor stopping the clutch being activated.

 

Followng comments from this site I tried the halfords

[torvil]

I have just purchased a 2000 MK2 Galaxy and identified that the A/C didn't work.

I always use a guy who works from his van who is based in the midlands. I have used him for years and find him to be not just competant but very honest, a rarety in this day and age. He regassed my system which was empty, but the system failed to work. A quick examination prevailed to prove that the clutch wheel on the compressor was missing. Dave Collins of AES located a second hand clutch, returned the following week, and charged me only for the initial gas. He is a qualified A/C engineer and installer with years of experience. He installs unit ambulances etc and therefore travells all over the country. As you are in Oxford I'm sure he would be able to give you a diagnoses and price.

His number is 07836 603723.

I do not wish to gloat but mine works brilliantly now!!

[Guest arlamp]

Hi Maximus,

I can't see any history on the car. Was the aircon ever working? Did kwikfit try putting a small amount of gas in to see if the compressor ran?

If I was you I would try and find the leak myself first. You do not have to completely recharge the system to find the leak - 100g will do. Typically the leak will be in the condenser (stone damage etc.) or the connecting pipes where the o-rings dry out if the system is not used continuously. You will need to use a kit with UV dye and then find/borrow or buy a UV light source. It's not easy getting into all the nooks and crannies and you may have to take the bumper off to get to the condenser properly. Once you put the gas in, run the engine for a while to let it circulate (providing your compressor is running?). Turn the engine off and let it stand for 5 mins, then get it as dark as possible before you start searching with the UV light. You will probably need to get underneath the car, but you probably won't be able to get to the evaporator, although it is unlikely that the fault it there. Be careful when you are filling the gas, otherwise if you get it everywhere you will only end up detecting the dye you've sprayed everywhere!

[maximus]

Thanks for the replies, I'll maybe buy a UV dye kit and the kids have some UV torches (Dr Who super screw driver no less!). With a bit of luck I'll find any leak. My biggest concern was that there may be a leak in the evaporator and obviously a dash out repair! But as stated it's probably much more likely the condenser in front on the rad. Come to think about it the seller (only had the car 3 weeks) said that the gearbox was replaced in January, so it's possible the pipework may have been damaged then.

Oh and thanks for the contact info, I'll make a note of that and give him, a call for an idea of costs.

 

Cheers