Air Con-can`t Find Gas Leak

[jms]

Hi All

 

Our Galaxy had been fine until a week ago when the climate control panel started flashing. Got the air con man out who confirms that all the gas has gone and there is a leak. Puts dye in, can`t find leak. Comes back a few days later, can`t find leak. Puts more dye in, still can`t find leak. Uses gas detector, nothing. I`ve seen a similar problem on the forum, which turned out to be the condensor, but, he said that a 2004 model should not have that problem.

Has anyone come across a similar problem with a 2004 car?

 

Thanks

Jason

[Bigjeeze]

It might not be the condenser but it's simple enough to check. Other areas are the pipework - Min went on the pipe that exists the compressor.

[big_kev]

Can you indicate what probelms you are having other than the display flashing....

 

I am assuming that it no longer blows cold air ?

[jms]

The display flashes, because there is no gas. When the systen is regassed, it then stops flashing and the air is cold. The gas is leaking somewhere though as after a day or two, the air blows warm, display flashes and the system is empty of gas.

[seatkid]

Has anyone come across a similar problem with a 2004 car?

Is that like ask Northern Rock customers to form an orderly queue? :lol:

 

First, is it still under warranty??

 

Unfortunately it seems that the Galaxy a/c is immune to standard a/c leak detection. :lol:

 

Its a question of working methodically through the few, but difficult to check, items that form the a/c system.

 

First, thoroughly check the condensor (at the front of the vehicle) - in particular remove the plastic cap on the dryer housing - (search forum for pics).

 

Then start through all the pipework, checking at joints and under clips. The pipework is prone to corrosion so look for tell tale signs. You will need to crawl under the engine. Check the joints just beyond the bulkhead padding (search for further info), the padding nicely hides corroded joints.

 

A lot of a/c guys will tell you its the evaporator or compressor, but my feeling is these would be unlikely candidates for leaks (that can't be seen in case of compressor)

[tim-spam]

Check under the plastic push-in cap over the receiver / dryer - this is on the top of the cylindrical cannister integral with the offside of the condenser. The cap just prises out - my guess is that the 'O' ring on the metal cap under this that locates the receiver / dryer has failed. Simple fix.

[jms]

Looks like a fair bit of the front has to come off to look at the condenser. I think it will have to go in for a proper check over.

I suppose you have to have an air con problem to qualify as a true Galaxy owner !!

[jms]

Update.

 

Put the car into local garage with good reputation on air con. They put it on pressure test for a couple of hours, the system held pressure. Looked over and under at all pipework plus all the components. They originally thought it would be the condenser/dryer, but they were sound.

Regassed, redyed. Gas lost in a week. Went back in and they found a leak on the pipework going to the rear evaporator that sits in the panel above the rear passenger side wing. Leak was tiny but enough to let the gas through.

All working well, fingers crossed!!

[Sher]

Because the light levels involved are so low the Gas leak detection using a low intensity UV lamp is difficult.

 

It needs to be carried out in VERY Dark conditions.

 

Then it becomes obvious.

[Bagshot]

Every time I took mine in to find the fault - they regassed it. I asked them why they had put gas into something they knew was leaking and they shrugged. Every time it would work for a few weeks then die. They asked if I wanted them to change the evaporator and I said, No, I'd like them to locate the leak but they couldn't. Finally a little independent garage said, "try this stuff - it's new."

 

It's a special leak sealer for car air conditioning. It cost a few quid but cheaper than regassing. That was months ago. Still going strong. Winter demisting works in seconds. I'm well chuffed.

[gregers]

bagshot it might be worth letting us know the name of the stuff,just in case a few members here might like to try it.before spending vast amounts on trying other methods,

 

regards gregers

[Pud]

I had compressor failure, replaced that and had recharge only to loose all the gas within days.

 

Long story short, it was a faulty valve on the bulkhead where pipes enter cabin.

 

All working fine now (Wish I hadn't said that)