ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

Just curious what would be the most common causes of my air to start blowing warm. The controls all still seem to be working correctly because I can still feel the difference when changing the controls. e.g. When I turn the heat control to hot it does get hotter, when I turn the blower control up it still blows harder, and I can also use the third control to switch to a different vent. It was blowing ice cold last week. Now it blows around 80* air. The heat works fine still. Any ideas? THANKS.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Needs a freon charge maybe. Is the compressor kicking and staying on? Ifd the compressor kicks on and then back off right away then there is likely a lack of line pressure.

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

^^^+1 on that could be low on refrigerant, which indicates a possible leak if it was working a week ago.

ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

I just looked at my car again. The compressor appears to come on and then shut off right away. I say this because it makes a clicking noise when I turn the control from OFF to A/C. It then makes another clicking noise when I turn the control from A/C to OFF. I left the A/C on for several minutes and let it just blow hot air. After that ran for about 10 minutes with the engine on I touched the compressor to see how cold it was. It was not cold at all. It was basically room temp.

Any ideas? Should I go ahead and recharge? THANKS.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

If the compressor kicks back off then go ahead and try a recharge first and see how that works out. If it works but only for a few days or a week or so then dies again than you probably have a refrigerant leak somewhere.

ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

Our cars use R-134a correct? Should I just buy a recharge kit from Autozone? I read through a post that said to hook up the can to the low side (on the accumulator) and hold the can upside down. Is that the best method? Thanks.

2001NBMZ28

134a is correct. I'd go ahead the try charging it with a kit first. Comes with instructions and will only let you add to the low side, get the kit with the gauge - comes with instructions. If you don't have any obvious leaks you can also get refrigerant with dye in it later to pinpoint the leak.

ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

Sounds good. I will try that. Thanks.

koolaid_kid

iTrader: (21)

Do not hold it upside down. If you do that, you pour straight liquid into the system. Liquids are not compressible, and you run the risk of damaging your compressor. You can do it for 1/2 second shots if you are desparate, but I highly recommend that you do not do so.

blkbird

iTrader: (28)

I never turn the can upside down. Just shake it vigorously and that will do the trick....

SmallTires

iTrader: (7)

Sounds like you need to get your AC system recharged. Normally not too expensive.

koolaid_kid

iTrader: (21)

You can do it yourself with the kits, and then you have them on hand if you need them again. Just buy more cans of refrigerant. If $$ are short, you can continue to recharge for a long time. Which is why they went to R134a, it does not damage the atmosphere like R12.

ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

Well I bought a can of R134a with a pressure gauge on it. I followed the directions on the can and hooked it up to my low side connector. As soon as I opened the valve on the can it went right to 90 PSI which is in the "danger" zone on the gauge. So I am guessing I do not need a recharge. Any other ideas on what I can check? THANKS

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Was the compressor actually running when it read 90 PSI? If the compressor was not engaged then your reading is false. What you may need to do is place a jumper across the pressure switch connector to force the compressor to stay on so that it will suck the freon up. If the lines are pretty much empty the pressure switch is made to keep the compressor off, in which case the system will not take your fill.

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

Yes the A/C should be on MAX A/C with the engine idling. You DO however fill with the can in the upside down position, on the low side of the system it needs to be in liquid state, this is also stated in the directions when you purchase a recharge kit.

ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

I will try that. I am thinking that the compressor is not turning on. Thanks.

ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

I did have the MAX A/C on and the engine idling. Also I did try filling on the low side with the can upside down. It read 90 PSI as soon as it was hooked up so I did not add any refrigerant. Thanks.

ARCTICWHITE98Z28

iTrader: (1)

ok I have a newb question for you. What is the best way to jumper that switch? Thanks.

koolaid_kid

iTrader: (21)

I stand corrected for R134a. I just checked a can and that is what it says. It seems illogical, but that is what the can says.

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

You have no need to jumper the switch, you said the compressor is cycling, which means it is low on refrigerant, you have to read the pressure when the compressor is running, when it is not running 90-100 PSI on the low side is correct. it should drop considerably once the compressor kicks back on, add refrigerant.