Aircon Problems

[seabs]

[quote name='Ivor' post='141953' date='Jun 9 2009, 13:37:04']Just been into the main dealers for a diagnostic.

Its the condenser that is leaking,

[ghr]

Leak. Leak fixed (new pipe and best part of

[Ivor]

Just got my Alhambra back from the main dealer.

New condenser fitted,

[Ivor]

[quote name='ghr' post='142274' date='Jun 17 2009, 18:50:10']Leak. Leak fixed (new pipe and best part of

[roumen]

Hi guys,
I had very similar problem - my 2002 TDi Galaxy is a single unit and should be filled 750ml, but KwikFit filled it as dual unit - 1050ml. The guy started the car and I felt for few seconds that the temperature started to go down and then started to blow worm air. I said to the guy "Are u sure it has dual A/C? I think is single..." - although as someone mentioned above on the A/C data plate shows the charging quantities for both... So the guy stopped the car straight away and connected the machine again, emptied the A/C system and did the filling procedure again to 750ml of freon.

When done we tested the A/C again and it still was blowing warm air. He said there must be other problem with the A/C and I should check it with specialist (KwikFit only charge and don't repair...)

I have a friend abroad, who is A/C engineer (and a good one...) and I explained to him what happened. He asked me to check few things - whether the pulley of the compressor was engaging when i switch on the A/C - which did, meaning all electrics work and the compressor switches on OK. Then he told me to attach a filling hose with a gauge on it (they come wit the refilling cane of refrigerant - available at Halfords) and the gauge went straight on the last red section at approx 120psi - the red section means "May have mechanical probs".

The pressure and the dial did not change when i turned the engine on and A/C on and off. My mate told me that that means possibly the valves inside the A/C compressor were busted and the compressor does not pump any pressure any more... Bad news, he said. He also said that this could be repaired, but knowing the prices here in the UK it would cost a fortune... May be a new or reconditioned compressor would be wiser.

The problem is that when a compressor (or any other part of the A/C system) is replaced, the system must be purged to clean any particles in the system, than a deep vacuum is applied for 15min or more to clear any air or condensation and then the A/C is re-gassed and re-oiled. Also it is recommended that the Receiver Drier and Expansion Valves are changed when fitting a new A/C Compressor, because contaminated oil trapped in these units will escape the system flush and in time enter the new unit and act as an abrasive.

So, we are stuffed totally from such error of the KwikFit guy.

Anyway, any one knows a reliable auto A/C engineer on London area (London SW, SW)?
My friend is very good A/C engineer, but is based in Bulgaria...

Any advise is welcome. Thanks for you patience to read this!

Roumen
Galaxy 1.9 TDi auto 02 - six seater (originally)

[iluvm]

The air temperature from my air con got gradually warmer and warmer over 6 months or so ( I did not use it much as winter).

I bought one those EZ chill kits from Halfords as did not want to be stung by dealer or kwik fit.

The reading was in lower half of blue section which mean't system had enough refridgerant, but I added a little refridgerant and reading did not seem to move.

My air con has started working again since recharging and has done so for three weeks now, how long it will last who knows!

[PAUL 123]

Hi all
Just reading this little lot about a/c i going to give mine a serious road test now but any recommendations for re-gassing should anything or anyone be avoided, i read someone did it themselves is it easy, better to take somewhere,do normal garages have the equiptment to check trouble codes or is it a dealer thing can a re-gass cause so much drama between that my rear wiper and now my cc up the swanny its a nightmare any advice would be great can i expect other things to just pack up.

[seatkid]

ermmm, yes......I think

[Scorpiorefugee]

Paul123,

Just in case you've missed the point about regassing, and there is a lot that has been written, the answer to DIY is not to bother. I tried that and wasted about

[macker1]

[quote name='HJT' post='15036' date='May 13 2004, 10:31:19']We need to do something about this aircon problem. As Seatkid has mentioned on an aircon post it would be useful to see how many people have had problems. Those who have had problems also need to contact [url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/contact/index.shtml"]BBC Watchdog[/url] to get this issue out to the public as I'm sure there are other people who don't come to this forum who have had aircon problems with their Shalaxys.[/quote]
I have had problems with the a/c on my 2000 x reg 1.9tdi.It turned out to be an intermittant elecrical prob with wiring beneath the battery.I removed battery and checked wiring beneath,couldn't find anything obvious but a/c now works ok.

[jkspoff]

With nearly 38,000 views on this post and over 400 posts I wonder if we should now collate it all together and forward a petition to Ford/watchdog for investigation into the A/C faults on these models ?

[gregers]

you can just imagine the response,YOUR USING THE AIRCON INCORRECTLY.thats why it breaks

[Bigjeeze]

It'll be more like - "What this has been an issue since 2001 and you've only just comlained!!" Or the other favourite is: "Piss Off!"

[2ManyKids!]

[quote name='Bigjeeze' post='146752' date='Oct 26 2009, 16:40:14']It'll be more like - "What this has been an issue since 2001 and you've only just comlained!!" Or the other favourite is: "Piss Off!"[/quote]

I won't bore anyone with my aircon problems (sneaky seller I now realise was being evasive when I asked did it work, he said put your hand over the vent, it's cold isn't it? Which it would be as it was recharged just before sale and all leaked out within a month of me buying, bstd), but would a Poll broken down by component/pipework give some hints as to which unit fails most often?

Also, presume leak sealer doesn't work?, and is anyone clever enough to work out a flowchart to help diagnose which component most likely to have failed?

Ultimately, is the only way to fix going to an aircon expert for a dye-test?

Thanks all! Edited November 19, 2009 by 2ManyKids!

[Mirez]

I may need to get a bodyguard after this post but:

[b]The galaxy A/C isn't that bad![/b]

Ok, first let me explain that comment! Hands up all of you that have had the receiver/drier unit changed every two years regardless? Bet the answer is no-one, yet this is where a good 90% of the problems begin. If you dive deep deep into VW's literature, the official servicing work for the A/C system states it should be changed every two years - again, hands up all those that knew or have been told that by a dealer? Humm... Gonna bet thats no-one either.

Nearly all these systems fail due to a leak, and in the beginning that leak is nearly always found to be the condenser. However even more specifically, that leak is on the seals which are part of the receiver drier cap that WOULD have been replaced when it was changed. Once its leaking, we all go for the cheap top-up and hope approach - which of course fails. Each time its topped up additional oil and moisture enter the system and every time its left not working for a few months the seals begin drying and its therefore no wonder the other little problems start to arrive.

A final hands up, (the first time the A/C system failed) all those that have had the leaking condenser cap diagnosed and replaced [b]immediately[/b] and gone on to have further A/C problems? I'm fairly certain thats gonna be low or no one as well.

We can all say the galaxy's a/c system is crap, its badly designed and all the rest of it - but personally I think it really comes down to a lack of communication between the designers, the dealers and the end users coupled with either a lack of knowledge or an unwillingness to spend a little money on this vital servicing.

-Mirez

*Ducks*

[tim-spam]

I agree totally. Edited November 25, 2009 by tim-spam

[Bigjeeze]

Me too

I had the condenser problem when it was still in warranty. After that I did get a hose go but other than that it's worked fine for almost all of it's 153K - with the air con on always.

[seatkid]

You lot are obviously showing signs of early dementia!!

[drew1965]

i got an 03 tdi ghia and noticed a vibration coming from my engine didnt notice the air con was faulty or anything anyway after ruling out the tyres and shafts i looked in the engine bay and felt around and found the lower pipe had snapped off at the air conditioning pump the one that goes round the bottom bulkhead and that not the radiator one
i have been told this pipe can be replaces easily and comes in two parts and joins around somewhere near the offside headlight is this true ?

at the moment im not using the air con as its bleedin cold using econ on the heating only ....wondered why the heating unit in the car was flashing !! serves me right for not reading the owners guide lol

Anyone know how much this will cost for the pipe and refill ?

[Mirez]

[quote name='drew1965' post='150035' date='Jan 30 2010, 08:01:21']i got an 03 tdi ghia and noticed a vibration coming from my engine didnt notice the air con was faulty or anything anyway after ruling out the tyres and shafts i looked in the engine bay and felt around and found the lower pipe had snapped off at the air conditioning pump the one that goes round the bottom bulkhead and that not the radiator one
i have been told this pipe can be replaces easily and comes in two parts and joins around somewhere near the offside headlight is this true ?

at the moment im not using the air con as its bleedin cold using econ on the heating only ....wondered why the heating unit in the car was flashing !! serves me right for not reading the owners guide lol

Anyone know how much this will cost for the pipe and refill ?[/quote]

I'm sure its already been said somewhere in this thread but I'll reiterate now anyway - we should all STILL be using the A/C system. A/C will work (hopefully!) in the cold or HOT position, its not just for cooling air but also for removing moisture from it. The A/C gas contains an oil which keeps all the seals and the compressor in good condition, when you stop using it for a length of time these seals will dry and over time will allow the gas to leak causing more expensive damage in the long run. If your A/C is working but you havn't used it because its winter - go use it now!

Anyway on to the question, yes that pipe can be replaced and it is indeed in two parts - joined under the drivers side headlight. Not the funnest of jobs to do as a fair bit of stuff needs to come off the car to allow access for the pipe tool - the pipes around

[Andrew G]

I had a full failure caused by corroded pipe on the circuit. One morning there was a lovely green glow from under the engine bay and no cooling in the cabin.

The garage wanted to charge me a fortune for the replacement, but I was about a week inside the warranty period so at no cost. That shocked them!

Since then touch wood it has been great. Even coped with a trip to Italy two summers back. Kept us cool all the way.

[wackojackouk]

[quote name='Andrew G' post='152410' date='Mar 25 2010, 18:26:28']I had a full failure caused by corroded pipe on the circuit. One morning there was a lovely green glow from under the engine bay and no cooling in the cabin.

The garage wanted to charge me a fortune for the replacement, but I was about a week inside the warranty period so at no cost. That shocked them!

Since then touch wood it has been great. Even coped with a trip to Italy two summers back. Kept us cool all the way.[/quote]
Hi guys

I heard on another forum that Kwik Fit are offering recharges for just

[Ginettamad]

Can anyone supply a picture of the AC pipe that fractures all so often so I can check mine out for damage?
Can it be replaced with a flexi pipe to prevent vibration damage?
H

[George106]

[quote name='Ginettamad' post='152554' date='Mar 29 2010, 12:35:40']Can anyone supply a picture of the AC pipe that fractures all so often so I can check mine out for damage?
Can it be replaced with a flexi pipe to prevent vibration damage?
H[/quote]


Hi, my A/C is not working as well and would like to go the way of condenser replacement if this would be the most reliable fix. I did check price at Ford and got quote for

[mark.aa]

bought my 98 galaxy 110tdi 4 years ago with no climatronic cold a/c working.
no gas in system.
had to change both the small and big alloy a/c pipe that run around the back of the engine bay firewall under the engine mount along the inner wing and down to the dryer filter,
the pipes had corroded from the outside at the bottom of a u bend were they both pass under the brake servo,
water collected there and drips off there,and corroded them through.
fitted new filter new.
big job, had to take whole front off the car to fit the pipes (bumper.front pannel with all rads headlights,)air filter.
ford main stealer wanted some thing like