A\c

[bob80]

anyone know much about the common problems with the air conditioning units in our cars, mine works but not great

[Slave One]

Re: A\c

Same here, mine works, but engine runs rough while on...

[kristen]

Re: A\c

it's february. turn off the a/c!

first try with bleeding your system

[bigbrian442]

Re: A\c

The compressors leak at the shaft behind the clutch. Sometimes you can just top off the system each year.

[landj]

Re: A\c

The compressors leak at the shaft behind the clutch. Sometimes you can just top off the system each year.

I've been wondering if that was just mine or everyone's does that. Yeah, grab yourself one of those refill kits with a guage and top off the oil and coolant when it gets too low (i've only had to do it once). The AC has never been crazy cold, but keeps things cool even when it was 100+ outside.

[bob80]

Re: A\c

cool, never heard of the refill kits, are they pricy and user friendly? PS I know its Feburary Kristen, just lookin forward to the warmer months ahead

[Mr. Logger]

Re: A\c

Refill kits are fairly cheap. Kristen, not everywhere is freezing. I've had to use the A/C a few times in the past week. :) Although, it's cold out again. :(

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: A\c

anyone know much about the common problems with the air conditioning units in our cars, mine works but not great

Go get a small can of R-134a*, a can of whats called Stop Leak**, and a R-134a hose. Thats all you need. Should be less than $20...

You should be able to find everything between AutoZone and WalMart.

This will be all you need since your system still works. Just recharge.

1) Turn on the car and set your A/C to maximum (including blower).
2) Shake can of Stop Leak.
3) Connect hose to can (turn valve all the way out before connecting).
4) Connect hose to silver canister thing.
5) Turn valve IN till it stops and then back it OUT.
6) Once the can is empty. Close valve and release from car. Then release can (watch out there will still be pressure).
7) Do all steps again for the can of R-134a.

Ive done this to at least 10 vehicles and Ive even converted R12 systems to R-134a. Its mush easier than it sounds, just try it, Ill answer any other questions you might have.

* Make sure the can says it has at least 2 ounces of PAG oil. 13 ounces total.
** Make sure you get the brand "Stop Leak", not just a can that has a stop leak in it.


Ill do a write up soon, since alot of ppl need it. Unless some @sshole reads this and beats me to it :P

it's february. turn off the a/c!

first try with bleeding your system

Not all of us even have winter. :P Maybe two days a year for me LOL! :D

And do not bleed out the system. Freon doesnt lose energy, the system just loses freon.

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: A\c

Same here, mine works, but engine runs rough while on...

Try a can of PAG oil.

[Junkfood]

Re: A\c

Can I service it myself if it isn't working at all? My compressor doesn't engage. Haven't really checked anything yet but it's starting to get warm here in Arizona.

Keith

[Christopherrr]

Re: A\c

Can I service it myself if it isn't working at all? My compressor doesn't engage. Haven't really checked anything yet but it's starting to get warm here in Arizona.

Keith

If your compressor doesn't engage at all...one of four things. No freon, bad clutch, bad fuse/solenoid, bad compressor.

[landj]

Re: A\c

If your compressor doesn't engage at all...one of four things. No freon, bad clutch, bad fuse/solenoid, bad compressor.

Agreed. Also could be a bad pressure sensor. I've also seen a short on the clutch wire/connector. A digital test should help diagnose that scenario if that's the case. (wiggle the connector/wire with your digit.) If you hook up a pressure gauge and get a high pressure, then it's one of those other things.

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: A\c

Can I service it myself if it isn't working at all? My compressor doesn't engage. Haven't really checked anything yet but it's starting to get warm here in Arizona.

Keith

What everyone else has said is correct. If your pressure is too low your compressor wont kick on at all (very common, most vehicles I seviced were like this), so you should try a recharge first because its much cheaper than other methods. Just follow my steps I posted.

[bob80]

Re: A\c

thanks for the step by step nimrod, so our cars are already r-134a?

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: A\c

thanks for the step by step nimrod, so our cars are already r-134a?

No problem!

Our cars are most certainly are 134a. I believe anything 92' and up is 134a.

Like I said, Ill do a more thorough write up with pics as soon as I can. Ill also do a r12 conversion with it.