Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Thu 24 May 2018 11:31
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - paulfoel

Had it re-gassed a year ago.

The other day stopped working. Then it started again and has been off/on ever since. Display shows AC on. Also, when Iturn it off I can hear it starting every time.

Took it to halfords. They said machine showed ZERO. But surely it would work not all if this was the case?

They want me to take it back tomorrow so they can use nitrgoen to check for leaks?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 13:44
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - Galaxy

The indicator has no bearing on whether the AC is working or not. It's just controlled by the switch.

Have a look at the AC compressor pulley. It should be possible to see whether the clutch is engaging when the AC is switched on. Beware of the auxilliary belt when doing this!

Personally I wouldn't take this problem to Halfords. I'd find a specialist AC chap, probably one of the mobile ones, who will come to your house.

You may find that the AC Condenser has been holed by a stone or has even rusted through. Both are very common problems.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 15:18
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - paulfoel

Thanks. I'll take a look.

If it was holed wouldnt it just not work at all?

New condenser - expensive?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 15:27
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - elekie&a/c doctor
With zero gas,the system will not work at all.Some gas in the system will allow the pump to cut in,and there will be a slight cooling effect.You need to get the system fully recharged to check its operation.A leaking condenser will cost approx £300 to replace.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 15:54
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - veloceman
Sorry to hijack the thread.
Can AC Condensers be repaired?
They are no longer available for my Alfa GTV - genuine or copy parts.
Don’t really fancy my chances with a used one, not that I can find one of those either.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 18:02
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - Galaxy

Anything can be repaired!

I would suggest that a company who recondition car radiators would probably have the necessary skills and materials to repair an AC Condenser. The two components are very similar in construction.

Edit..............As a matter of interest I've just put Alfa GTV Aircon Condenser into an Ebay search and there are several new ones listed, including this one:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/94816-NISSENS-OE-QUALLITY-AIR-C...I

Edited by Galaxy on 24/05/2018 at 18:07

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 16:31
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - paulfoel

Thats just it - it seems to be either working as well as it did before for a few hours then it'll stop working or vice versa. Next day it might work then not or vice versa.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 18:17
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - veloceman
Many Thanks for that.
Unfortunately, I have already been there, none of the brackets seem to be positioned as mine.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 18:22
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - Galaxy

Right, well, if that's the case then I think your only option would be to find someone to recondition your existing Condenser.

Someone like: www.county-radiators.co.uk/

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 24 May 2018 19:17
Ford Galaxy 2010 - AC - intermittently works - elekie&a/c doctor

While coolant radiators and a/c condensers seem to do a similar job,they are working at completely different pressures. Coolant systems are working at around 10-20 psi. The high pressure side on an a/c system can run to 300psi ++ .Condensers are really not a repairable item ,as the aluminium becomes porous and leak like a sieve. There are companies that can custom fabricate a new unit for your classic car,but unlikely to be cheap.Perhaps find a good indy a/c specialist that can adapt a condenser off another car.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link