Air Condition - Compressor Not Starting Up

[Audiman]

I've got a Galaxy MK2 2003 TDI. The air conditioning stopped working.

 

I;ve checked all the fuse = OK

Checked fuses next to battery = OK.

 

The compressor doesn't engage when air con button is pressed. I can see the compressor pulley remain stationary.

 

Both fans at the front of the vehicle aren't turning either.

Is there any other checks I can do? ...... if the compressor has failed, why aren't the fans turning.

 

I've got a Golf TDI, when I press air con, both compressor engages and both fans startup.

 

My guess is that it's an electrical issue ?

[sparky Paul]

Have you had the gas checked recently?

 

Most Galaxy aircon issues are down to low gas. There are a few common leak points on the Galaxy, but it's not unusual to need a regas every few years - especially if the aircon is not used over the winter. It's a good idea to run the aircon once a week to keep all the seals oiled to slow the loss of gas.

 

Clutch won't pull in if the combined pressure switch is showing low pressure.

[nesovidiu]

I've had the same problem a few months back. The Compressor have a coil or some electrical starter which is located exactly under the big black thing that gets it moving. You probably can see the wires getting out. You need to get the compressor down to an electrician needs to check it. If that relay is gone it will be like 30E or something.

Edited September 5, 2016 by nesovidiu

[seatkid]

That big black thing is an electromagnetic clutch. When 12 volts is applied, it goes clunk and connects the rotating pulley to the pump shaft.

 

However on the galaxy there is also a 3 way pressure switch piped into the a/c system, the 12 volt goes via that. The switch disconnects the compressor if the gas pressure is too low or too high.

 

So the usual reason for the compressor not kicking in is due to low gas, due to it having leaked out. Most quick fit type places will regas for around £40, their machines will also check if you have a big leak, such as due to stone damage to the condensor.

[daddyfixit]

low gas or no gas switches off system so it will not turn on and destroy the compressor by running it "dry".

 

as suggested get into an aircon specialist or kwikfit/ Halfords who offer the cheap re-gas and "guarantee it will be cold !!!

 

they carry out a vac test and nitrogen test before saying its ok to refill system.

[Ben g mon]

I used a mobile guy last week, hooked up nitrogen to the a/c system told me it had a leak but could get compressor to run however unable to tell on efficiency due to leak. Cost; £20

 

Just as a guide what to expect

[Az2102]

Have you checked the filter cap mate? I've just had a new condenser fitted. £226 all in including gassing etc. Mine had a leak in the filter housing on the condenser.

[sparky Paul]

Az2102 is right, condensor is the favourite leak point on mk2 cars.

 

There's a thread about this here, with pics on page 2...

 

http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?/topic/13221-aircon-leaking-gas-difficult-to-locate-fault-found/?hl=%2Baircon+%2Bleak+%2Bcondensor