A/c Problem - Display Flashing

[calvinsnetwork]

Hey Everyone,

 

I've got a Galaxy 53

 

I'm so glad that their is a forum like this, to support people like me!

I've resolved one problem, but now another has cropped up.

 

Basically where the air con display is, it keeps flashing when I start the car.

The whole display flashes for about 5-10 seconds then goes back to normal.

 

I've noticed and reading on forums, could this be something to do with re-gassing?

I noticed that my A/C doesn't get cold at all, so this is my suspicion.

 

Just out of interest, I took it to my local garage today and they said the flashing was due to

the controls being "sticky from drinks" and I want to know your opinion.

They gave me a cost of

[Floydey]

The display flashing signifies a fault with the A/C system. VagCom will help diagnose the problem. More than likely the system needs regassing, but there may be other related problems. Try contacting a mobile A/C repair agent who might be able to diagnose the problem for you. The buttons on the controller can become stuck/sticky from drinks held in the cup holders, but £700 to "unstick" them seems a bit steep! Edited July 7, 2011 by Floydey

[calvinsnetwork]

Hey Floydey,

 

Thanks for your quick reply. That's definately what I'm going to do next if I can't find a resolutions.

Just the sound of

[Floydey]

Any A\C engineer worth their salt would do a quick pressure test before they re-gas a system which will at least tell you if there are any leaks.

[calvinsnetwork]

Yes, That's what I got told as well. This guy didn't even open the bonnet. He just got in the drivers seat, looked at the display and instantly said the panel needed replacing.

[seatkid]

Flashing usually = low or no gas.

 

If you go to kwikfit, they will regas your system for £49. The machine pulls any gas left out first and stops holding a vacuum for about 30 minutes. If a leak is detected, the machine will stop automatically. A printed report will tell you how much gas was in, etc.

 

If the regas is not a success, and the a/c does not work, kwikfit will not charge you anything and you know you have a significant leak, e.g. maybe a hole in the condensor due to stone damage.

 

If it is successful, you may still find you have a small leak that means that the a/c stops working days or weeks later - in that case it would be advisable to check the receiver/dryer (search the forum for pictures and comprehensive instructions) as this is a common corrosion/leakage point on Mk 2 models.

 

By the way its common for automotive a/c systems to lose gas over time. In the case of the Galaxy you're doing well if the gas lasts 4 or 5 years.

Edited July 7, 2011 by seatkid

[calvinsnetwork]

Hey seatkid,

 

That's really useful! Thanks!, That's excellent if KwikFit won't charge if the regas is not successful.

Thanks for your reply! Much Appreciated!

 

Cheers,

Calvin

[calvinsnetwork]

ok, Just taken it to Kwik Fit, Took 4 hours as there was a queue, but they have confirmed the compressor has gone.

Does anyone know where I could get one from, possibly eBay? or from Ford directly?

 

Thanks,

Calvin

[gregers]

you could get 1 from from, 'fords' if you have loads of money.

iirc about

[calvinsnetwork]

ok, thanks gregers, because their were a few used ones but as you said, their is always that risk of it not working.

[seatkid]

ok, Just taken it to Kwik Fit, Took 4 hours as there was a queue, but they have confirmed the compressor has gone.

Does anyone know where I could get one from, possibly eBay? or from Ford directly?

 

Thanks,

Calvin

Not so quick, Calvin! Kwikfit are not a/c specialists....

 

They also told me my compressor was gone, but I couldn't get it through to them it was because there was no gas in the system and the 3-way pressure switch inhibits compressor operation. Furthermore, the pressure switch has to be in the correct range before the ignition is turned on to recognise that the gas quantity is correct and the compressor allowed to engage.

 

Did they actually attempt to fill the a/c system with gas? How much gas was in there to start with and did they fill with the correct quantity?

 

There are a number of things to check before you can conclude the compressor is duff and most importantly - a duff compressor does not cause the panel to flash.

[calvinsnetwork]

ahh right, Yes, Your absolutly correct. I was just looking for a compressor in the meantime just to see how much they were going to cost.

(I'm just so worried at the moment about the cost)

 

Anyhow, you really know your stuff as you were correct and spot on!,

They told me that they were not "100%" sure it's the compressor and gave me a card to contact some Auto Mobile company to have a look, so that's what was going to be my next option as I don't want to get a compressor if it's working perfectly fine as you said.

 

All they told me was that they attempted to fill the a/c and during some vaccum test they said that it failed and is most likely to be the

compressor, I got no other results, so I doubt they tried to fill it.

 

I'm glad you confirmed the details above as I should have asked those questions when I was there.

Anyhow, would you recommend me to call the auto mobile company and see what they say?

 

Thanks once again seatkid, you really know your stuff!

 

Cheers, Calvin

[jinksy]

Hey Everyone,

 

I've got a Galaxy 53

 

I'm so glad that their is a forum like this, to support people like me!

I've resolved one problem, but now another has cropped up.

 

Basically where the air con display is, it keeps flashing when I start the car.

The whole display flashes for about 5-10 seconds then goes back to normal.

 

I've noticed and reading on forums, could this be something to do with re-gassing?

I noticed that my A/C doesn't get cold at all, so this is my suspicion.

 

Just out of interest, I took it to my local garage today and they said the flashing was due to

the controls being "sticky from drinks" and I want to know your opinion.

They gave me a cost of

[chrispb123456]

Hi Jinksy & Calvinsnetwork

 

The display flashing is telling you there's a fault on the A/C system nothing to do with sticky drinks.

Could be a number of things causing this but by far the most common one is low gas pressure, these cars do suffer with leaky condenser/driers and corroded leaky pipes so you will need to have a pressure test done, dont just have it regassed you will waste your money.

[trucker danny]

ok, Just taken it to Kwik Fit, Took 4 hours as there was a queue, but they have confirmed the compressor has gone.

Does anyone know where I could get one from, possibly eBay? or from Ford directly?

 

Thanks,

Calvin

Hi there, just thought id let you know, i have just had my compressor replaced and it cost me