MK3 Galaxy air conditioning not working

[ballybrone]

Hi a few weeks ago I noticed that the Air-conditioning on my MK3 2007 Ford Galaxy was not working correctly (blowing out warm air ) so I took it to the local Fastfit garage and the re-gassed it and I checked it afterwards and it was blowing out cool air so I thought all was fine but a few days later she its blowing out warm air again.It was also not working back in 2013 so I got it re-gassed at that time and it seemed to be working up until earlier this year.So looks like I have a leak or something ,just wondering is there any common places to start looking for the leak that I might be able to fix myself before handing over to a garage.Thanks

[johnnyroper]

Don't know about common issues but sounds like you have a slow leak if it works ok for a while. Very difficult to find leaks yourself,if you are lucky there might be some PAG oil residue.
Best thing avoid fast fit and alike find yourself a local air con engineer as they can pressurise system with nitrogen and a dye to locate leaks.

[davetech]

The air-con can be a nightmare. I posted this last year on the other site:

"My air-con story is one of poor franchise customer service followed by excellent solution instigated directly from Ford head office.
Having owned quite a few Galaxys previously, when I purchased my Mk3 2.2 in 2008, was expecting great things since it had the extra aircon unit at the back.
When the aircon did not perform anywhere near as well as my previous Galaxys (without the extra unit), I took it to a Ford dealer.
I was told there were no leaks and it just needed re-gassing.
When I said my other cars (over 10 years old) never needed re-gassing, I was told the usual stories of some cars do and some cars don't. I was also told it definitely was not leaking.
The aircon worked for a short time, but then winter was upon us.
I took it in another twice and each time they tested for leaks and said there was none and re-gassed it (2 different dealers so far).
After the warranty had run out, I took it for a service and when they asked if anything else was wrong, I told them the aircon was still rubbish.
This time (out of warranty), they said there was a leak in the rear unit (approx Ã,£600 to repair).
When I asked if this could have been there since the car was manufactured, they said it could have been.
Time to escalate.
First letter to Ford head office, they did not even read; as soon as they looked at the reg number, it will have told them the car was over 3 years old, so they just responded with "It's out of warranty".
A very irate letter followed which got me an apology and I should take it to my local Ford dealer to see what they say.
My local Ford dealer immediately said they would change the rear unit free of charge, which they did (I am convinced under instruction from Ford).
It was worth the persistence. Now I have a 7 year old Galaxy (with 35K on the clock), with ice-cold air-con; it will need it this summer.
Don't give up and do write to Ford head office... more than once."

Since then, it is all still fine and blowing cold.

[ballybrone]

I checked the compressor when ac on and the clutch wasn't spinning. I measured for voltage and none present on connector at compressor .I then went back to the air con relay in fuse panel and it wasn't turning on ,no voltage to coil to turn it on.I bridged the relay contacts to simulate the relay turning on and then the compressor clutch was spinning but still warm air inside the car. Where are the pressure switch or switches located and how would i know if they are working or not .Would the pressure switch reading be able to tell me if my problem is because of lack of refrigerant (likely) or to much refrigerant (unlikely) .Would the ford diagnostics on a laptop if connected be able to pick anything up .Any more advice .

Thanks

[johnnyroper]

Certainly sounds like a LP fault to me,not sure where on a mark 3 the switches are located.
Best bet is look for an air con specialist who can check out the system,fast fit places can gas them but that's about it.