I think you need a second opinion. While this either is correct or not, and from what I know, without further information, there is some doubt. Last time a car I had did not have heat or not enough heat, the cause was a bad thermostat. I have the 08 Mercury Mariner ( please capitalize the brand and model names of cars) and there is no temperature gauge to indicate engine temperature. Of course, a malfunction in the controls could have this effect. As to the condenser, it is possible to have a leak in the condenser, but would this result in no heat? Ford dealerships charge like dealerships. At times, if there is no alternative, you have to pay. I was on a trip when the water pump of the hybrid battery system failed. The engine stopped. I got it started and limped into a Ford dealership. I was quoted $365. No alternative. The pump is now subject of a "recall" but it is a $65 item that takes about one hour to replace, once the engine is cooled as the coolant must be drained and captured. Even at $125 an hour for a mechanic, this repair should not have been this much. Please go somewhere else for an analysis as to this issue. Good luck.

Sounds fishy to me and too pricy...if the ac works good at highway speeds, it's more likely that the problem is with the cooling fans that blow air over the condenser at low speeds or stop. If there is too little air flow through the condenser, it can overheat and cause a loss of cooling in the ac system. It works better at higher speeds since you have more airflow at those speeds to cool the condenser. Check fuses and relays for the cooling fans...might just be a blown fuse or bad relay.The cooling fan should come on right away when you engage the ac system in a normal car...hybrids may differ and fans may only work at max ac setting. The ac system also helps cool the battery pack so some cooling effects may be lost if running on battery alone at low speeds...the engine has to kick on to run the compressor although newer models have electric compressors. You may still have a slight leak but there may be other issues involved. I would think a leak would keep the system from working at all.

Have another qualified shop check it out and perform a dye test on the system...or see if the system holds vacuum...that can show you if there is a leak in the condenser ...dye would show up under blacklight at the leak area...or other areas like seals might be leaking which are much cheaper to fix and more common to go bad. If so, get quotes from other shops as to what they would charge to repair it...break down quotes in parts and labor so you can compare apples to apples. The condenser runs around 200-270.00 at parts stores...a dealer will likely charge more for parts and higher labor rate than other shops.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search...

A website with recommended shops and quotes for various repairs...

http://repairpal.com/

Wow, the high priced cost of Ford Ownership. A Chevrolet Dealer just quoted me $635.00 parts and labor to replace the air conditioner condenser in my Winter beater 99 Grand Prix.

You probably have a small leak if you still have some refrigerant in the system. Most small leaks can be attributed to leaky hoses, seals or valves, not the condenser. You can put some UV dye in your system and find the leak with a UV light. I would never take a mechanic's word that a bad condenser would leak this slowly. I would definitely get another opinion. BTW, the Ford dealership near my house has some good mechanics but they are very expensive.

That's insanely expensive. As of the current moment it's measuring winter so air conditioning is not really needed. Find a decent hole in the wall shop. Typically those are more honest. You'll see a substantial savings.

I disagree on diagnosis. I fear that you are being ripped off. I say low on coolant, or a clogged filter. Find another shop.

Check your oscillation adjustment screw.

I took my 08 Ford escape hybrid to service because the AC only blows cold air on the freeway. They told me I have a leak in my condenser and that it would cost $1200...parts, labor and tax included. Is that too much?