Air Con Idle Valve

[c.muzz]

Hi my name is Carl and I have a 56 plate ford galaxy ghia 2 ltr tdi. My air con wont switch on. I had an air con man out to check the system and it is fully gassed and no leaks, his conclusion was the idle valve was not upping the revs to compensate for the extra load. Does anyone know where I would locate the idle valve. If it is the idle valve would I be able to fix this myself with reasonable mechanical skills, how would I do this and where is the best place to purchase as cheap as possible.

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Amarok]

Hi my name is Carl and I have a 56 plate ford galaxy ghia 2 ltr tdi. My air con wont switch on. I had an air con man out to check the system and it is fully gassed and no leaks, his conclusion was the idle valve was not upping the revs to compensate for the extra load. Does anyone know where I would locate the idle valve. If it is the idle valve would I be able to fix this myself with reasonable mechanical skills, how would I do this and where is the best place to purchase as cheap as possible.

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

when I last got the aircon man out he fixed the air con ! if it won't switch on there must be a fault with the aircon surely ? aircon is quite simple it has a switch which engages the aircon compressor which in turn starts pumping the coolant around the system I don't understand how he could check for leaks without turning on the compressor ? (This is THE fault)

the idle valve is a red herring I suspect (they are used on vauxhalls)

the engine ecu gets a signal when the air con is switched on to up the IDLE revs BUT if it isn't switching on in the first place then how does the ecu know when to work ? (this is only for tickover anyway so if you rev the engine does the aircon work ?)

 

This is just typical of these 'Aircon specialist's' all they know is how to regas (like filling a big lighter) £40 - £50 please and off they go ! (The current best con is to offer a deodorise your aircon, which is a quick spray in the vents with air freshener and £40 please cerr ching) I hope you didn't pay him ?

 

I would go to a proper aircon specialist who can fix the fault it don't turn on!!!

Edited May 7, 2011 by Amarok

[seatkid]

Obvious that your air con man knew nothing about Galaxy a/c as the "idle valve" is just BS.

 

The galaxy is fitted with a 3 way pressure switch. This is a lo - normal - hi device. If there is too little pressure (low gas) or too much pressure (overfilled) it will inhibit the compressor clutch from engaging.

 

There are two quantities of R134a gas printed on the label in the engine (near the bonnet latch) - the higher amount is only for cars fitted with two air con evaporators (not to be confused with the standard dual zone system) - these are very rare - it only applies to those cars that have roof vents in the back of the car (and only one electric opening rear quarter light due to the air duct pipework)

 

Its common for "air con men" to confuse this information and overfill the system, so triggering the high pressure switch for protection.

 

I fairly sure there is also a fuse that should be checked.