A/C just does not work
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3
From: Surrey, Canada
A/C just does not work
Hello all,
I'm new to this DIY thing and really not sure why it took me so long to discover that if you want something done right, you DIY!
Anyway my A/C has crapped out. If just doesn't blow cold. I had the line checked and there was no leaks. This raises the question that if all I need is a recharge then how did it drain? Does this happen naturally?
Any help...thanks
Petetheputter
I'm new to this DIY thing and really not sure why it took me so long to discover that if you want something done right, you DIY!
Anyway my A/C has crapped out. If just doesn't blow cold. I had the line checked and there was no leaks. This raises the question that if all I need is a recharge then how did it drain? Does this happen naturally?
Any help...thanks
Petetheputter
New Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 15
From: Chicago
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,095
From: Hebron, In
Pete
I am not trying to discourage you from fixing your own AC, but how much is involved is determined by what is wrong with your system.
The most common problem is a leak of the refrigerant (R-134). There are lot of other things that can also fail like controls, compressor clutches, fuses, etc.
The first thing I would look at would be to see if the compressor clutch ever engages. Just open the hood, start the car and turn the AC to full cold with the fan on full. If the compressor never engages then you need to figure out why that is not happening .
Note: low refrigerant is one of the things that will cause the compressor not to engage the clutch.
If the compressor does enegage (cycle) then I would look at refrigerant levels.
You will need at minimum a low side pressure gage. You can get one in the US at Walmart with a pistol grip handle that screws on to a R-134 can. Yo neew to check the starting level. If it is zero then you have major leak somewhere and heed to fix it before continuing.
If it is just low then you can add R-134 to bring the refrigerant back up to level. Keep in mind depending on the size of the leak you may be doing this more tan once a year. The correct way is to fix the leak and then recharge it. For small leaks most people just add R-134.
I am not trying to discourage you from fixing your own AC, but how much is involved is determined by what is wrong with your system.
The most common problem is a leak of the refrigerant (R-134). There are lot of other things that can also fail like controls, compressor clutches, fuses, etc.
The first thing I would look at would be to see if the compressor clutch ever engages. Just open the hood, start the car and turn the AC to full cold with the fan on full. If the compressor never engages then you need to figure out why that is not happening .
Note: low refrigerant is one of the things that will cause the compressor not to engage the clutch.
If the compressor does enegage (cycle) then I would look at refrigerant levels.
You will need at minimum a low side pressure gage. You can get one in the US at Walmart with a pistol grip handle that screws on to a R-134 can. Yo neew to check the starting level. If it is zero then you have major leak somewhere and heed to fix it before continuing.
If it is just low then you can add R-134 to bring the refrigerant back up to level. Keep in mind depending on the size of the leak you may be doing this more tan once a year. The correct way is to fix the leak and then recharge it. For small leaks most people just add R-134.
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Jun 17, 2017 10:08 PM