Newb
A/C Issue
Well, it's getting warm again, and you know what that means: finding issues with your A/C that somehow developed over the winter. I have 0 experience with A/C so I'm just gonna describe whats going on and see if you guys can point me in the right direction. When I turn it on to cool it just blows air at the same temperature of where ever its pulling it from. If I turn it to heat, it still blows just as hot as ever.
I have no idea where to start on this one, so any help would be appreciated.
2001 Green ATX: Hotshot air intake, 21 mm RSB, Knock Mod
Hopefully springs, struts, rim/wheels, and a MTX conversion in the future, among other things.
Administrator
When you turn on the AC, does the radiator fan kick on full, and does the compressor clutch engage?
2001 Crown Vic P71 - Wife's Daily Driver, My Scare-the-shit-out-of-people car.
1998 ZX2 - Black
Mods: Megasquirt 3 EFI with COP Sequential Spark, Returnless Fuel Controller, Innovate Wideband Controller, 2-3/4" WAI, SVT Focus DSIM, Stainless Brake Lines, Ford Racing Green-Top Injectors, Filled Mounts, PS and AC Delete, 55W 5000K HIDs, Retrofitted Projectors, 21mm RSB, 2003 Focus Zetec Engine with ZX2 Intake and Focus Exhaust Cams, Tri-Y Stainless Header, 2.5" Trubendz -w- Cat, 18" Resonator, and Magnaflow Muffler. .60/.63 T3 turbo awaiting install.
"I usually downshift when I'm near a Prius so they can hear me hurting the environment"
Have you repped someone helpful today?
Newb
Radiator fan, yes. As far as the compressor clutch goes I'm not sure how to check that, but if it has anything to do with the engine revving itself a little bit at idle, it does do that.
Moderator
Turn on the A/C. Looking down into the engine at the serpentine belt, the bottom right pulley will spin. It has 3 circles on the end and is toward the front of the vehicle.
Newb
Yep, when the engine revs, it spins.
Moderator
Do the 3 circles spin consistently? Or does it turn off and on and "cycle"?
Newb
It cycles.
Administrator
How long does it run for before shutting off?
Newb
About 2 seconds on, and maybe 4-5 off, repeating.
The 20k club
If you haven't had a recent recharge, then you're low. It can happen if you overfill also.Originally Posted by EAK1791
If you get dual gauges from AutoZone, low side should be 35-45 depending on the temp outside. The high side should be the ambient temp plus 100-150.
Moderator
Get a test kit or have someone check the pressure in the line. It may need to be emptied and refilled, or could be plugged up. Unless it's just low on R-34, it could be too much pressure in the line and a relay shutting it off for that reason. Because it's not cold air, I think you're just low on R-34.
Administrator
You are very low on refrigerant. Add a can and see if it blows cold. If it does, find the leak! R134A is nasty stuff to be leaking all over the place.
Administrator
If youre close to me, Ill diagnose it for free with my gauge set.
The 20k club
Oh, and if you decide to refill, don't use anything with leak-stop.
Also, low pressure switch should stop the compresser if it gets under 15-20 psi so it doesnt suck in outside air. Any moisture that gets in will freeze and block the lines.
Newb
Thanks for the help! I'll have to run to Autozone tomorrow and grab a can. It wouldn't surprise me if there's a slowish leak in the lines. It seems like the AC has gotten slightly less effective each year since I got the car about 5 years ago.
I would take you up on that, but I'm all the way out in Virginia.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
