Mk 2 A/c Issues

[56k_warning]

Hi all,

 

I purchased my MK2 Galaxy a couple of months ago and ever since I have owned it the A/C hasnt worked, Also the display will flash for approx 10 secs when I first turn the ignition on?

 

I am unsure if these are linked but I am guessing so.

 

Also yesterday I had the system recharge at my friendly Halfrauds auto centre for £49, in the hope that this would fix as per another post I read on here about this being a possible reason for the C/Control display to flash?

 

Unfortunatly this has not worked and the display is doing the same and there is luke warm heat coming out of the vents instead of ice cold air.

 

Halfrauds auto centre said it could be the compressor? But they will need to do more investigating to narrow it down £££££££££££££.

 

So I left clutching my wallet and made a bee line for this great forum to rack your brains.

 

Anyway I await your comments with baited breath.

 

Cheers :33:

 

[chrispb123456]

The flashing display means a fault has been logged so you need to read the codes, it is quite often due to low gas pressure but could be faulty wiring or pressure switch.

[chromedome]

Most people turn the a/c off during winter and seals and other joints dry up and leak. This obviously causes low pressure which can make the climate control flash because of this fault. It is best to leave the a/c on all year round in the auto setting.

 

Halfords should have put a dye in the system and checked for leaks, did they do this?

[seatkid]

Step 1.

 

determine if there is gas in the system

 

When kwikfit filled the a/c you should have got (or asked for) a printout from the a/c machine.

 

This will have told you how much gas was extracted (if there was any in to start off with), whether the vacuum hold test was succesfull (no leak detected) and if the vaccum test was sucessful, how much refrigerant was put in (in kg) and oil (ml).

 

With this bit of paper you can see

1) If they put in the correct amount of refrigerant - too much or too little will stop the system working

 

2) if the problem is a leak which can be anything fom a hole in the condensor to a leaking dryer or compressor or pipework

 

Step 2.

 

After seeing you have the correct amount of refrigerant - then its likely the compressor is not engaging. This can be because of a compressor clutch fault, wiring fault, fuse, temperature sensor(s) or pressure switch  fault. At this stage its highly recommended you get hold of a code reader (e.g. VAGCOM/VCDS) which may give you a clue straightaway and give you the error code associated with the flashing panel (which indicates a fault is present)

 

Other relevant information needed

 

We also need to know the engine fitted as Ford petrol engines have an extra deicing switch mounted on the evaporator. And whether your car has the rarer true dual zone climate control - that is one fitted with overhaed roof vents in the passenger compartment and only one opening rear quarter window - not to be confused with the standard dual temperature control LCD unit fitted to all climate models. This variant requires more refrigerant than the standard unit. (the higher of the 2 figures on the sticker next to the bonnet latch.)

Edited May 11, 2013 by seatkid

[56k_warning]

Hi,

 

Thank you all for this info!!

 

Its very helpful just miffed that I got it re gassed and then found out it still isn't working, Ahhhh!!!

 

Still my bad...

 

Thanks again will keep you all posted..

[MrT]

Hi, There have been hundreds of posts here over the past decade on air conditioning issues. The main one on early Mk2s was the failing of the condenser inside the top under the plastic cap due to corrosion. This leak can be so small it is almost impossible to find. So far in 13 years I have been through one replacement condenser and two compressors.

[seatkid]

Its very helpful just miffed that I got it re gassed and then found out it still isn't working, Ahhhh!!!

 

Too late now, but if you'd have gone to kwikfit, they don't charge if the regas is unsucessful in giving you cold air.

 

http://www.kwik-fit.com/about-air-conditioning.asp

 

For no cost, try kwifit, get the printout and follow the guide I gave earlier.....don't mention you've been to Halfords!....

[56k_warning]

Hi, There have been hundreds of posts here over the past decade on air conditioning issues. The main one on early Mk2s was the failing of the condenser inside the top under the plastic cap due to corrosion. This leak can be so small it is almost impossible to find. So far in 13 years I have been through one replacement condenser and two compressors.

 

Hi Ok thats great and a good place to start. Cheers.

[56k_warning]

Too late now, but if you'd have gone to kwikfit, they don't charge if the regas is unsucessful in giving you cold air.

 

http://www.kwik-fit.com/about-air-conditioning.asp

 

For no cost, try kwifit, get the printout and follow the guide I gave earlier.....don't mention you've been to Halfords!....

 

Ok cheers for this, I will get this done at some point also.

 

Ta