sebastianroher

So my '02 z28 is blowing out warm air but I can't get any cold air out of the a/c, what's the likely culprit? The original owner claimed it "went out" on him before delivering the car, I highly doubt that. Is it a possibility it just needs charged? What's the easiest and cheapest way to determine what I need done to it and how to get some cold air so I can beat this heat? Thanks everyone!

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

Well if you have to see if the system can hold a vacuum. If not, you have a leak somewhere. You'll need a vacuum pump and gauge manifold to check if it holds a vacuum. The cheapest way to check though would be to charge it, real simple, just hook up A/C pro, it has a gauge with r134a refrigerant and just follow the directions, you'll hear the compressor kick on and once it's fully charged, your a/c should work. If you get hot air again after 1 day or so, you have a leak and it will have to be fixed or you will consistently loose refrigerant.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Take it to a shop, yes you can try the DIY kit but if you have leaks they can track it down. OR just try the cheapest route and see if it works. Its a toss up.

Carguy8888

iTrader: (1)

Thank you, you just answered my post before I posted. Lol. Does one can do it if the car has no leak?

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

Yes, if you have no leaks, just get A/C pro from autozone, hook it up to the low side, adjust the gauge on the handle to the outside temp. and just pull the trigger.

Carguy8888

iTrader: (1)

Please give a novice a hint where the low side nipple is. Thanks for the bullet reply.

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

It's on the dryer

sebastianroher

Thanks for all the help guys!

Carguy8888

iTrader: (1)

You can't get more explanitory then that. Lol. Thanks partner.

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

pics speak a thousand words

Here's the a/c pro, you want the 20oz.



and here's the gauge that comes on it

Nissan LS240

iTrader: (1)

how long did the a/c work when you got or has it never worked?

I'm asking because if it's a good size leak and you end up having to put freon every month, one it gets expensive and two since there's a leak it means that outside air can come in which has moisture, the desecant in the dryer can only soak up so much moisture till it lets moisture in the entire system which mixes with the freon and creates a corrosive chemical, which can lead to a/c line replacements, thats why its best to put the a'c system under a vacuum to boil out the moisture, if you're unsure if you have freon in the system Harbor Freight sells a freon gauge for the low side, it will tell you if there's pressure in the system, no pressure no freon, if there's pressure than you have an electrical issue or a compressor issue, a/c repairs at a shop can get expensive because most shops take advantage in the fact that you'll most likely would rather pay to get a/c than to ride in a hot car, see if you can talk to a tech in the back, some should have their own set of gauges and a vacuum pump that can do the job right for cheap, I only charge 50 to vacuum and fill the system with some a/c dye and freon, and that includes putting more freon when the leak is found,

Carguy8888

iTrader: (1)

How much is the 20oz? I didn't hear the compressor kick on but maybe it is b/c it needs freon?

sebastianroher

since I've bought the car a few weeks ago it hasn't worked, I'm in Florida now and go back home to get my car next Tuesday, my dad said it just needed to be charged bc it was still blowing out air, I'll take all the info and try to figure out what's going on, I doubt it has been charged or serviced since it's '02, the car was a one owner so that's just what I'm going by. Thanks again for all the great info!

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

50 bucks for the 20oz at autozone if I remember correctly. Once you start charging you'll hear the compressor kick on. Also the gauge that comes on A/C pro will let you know if there's pressure in the system. If there is, don't charge obviously.

402GOAT

iTrader: (2)

there is a whole lot more to air conditioning than just charging it up with r134a. it should be obvious that if the system has no refridgerant in it, it leaked out because there is a leak.

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

My a/c worked until I left the car sitting for over a year. Then after that no a/c, people told me though that the compressor looked like it was on its way out.

Carguy8888

iTrader: (1)

I the 20 oz is $50 should I try that before bringing it in to a shop. The guy is always fair w/ me. It sucks that freon is so expensive.

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

Try it first to see if your system keeps the charge, if you wanna play it safe, see if the system holds a vacuum. Your guy at his shop should have one with a gauge manifold too.

sebastianroher

how much are those vacuum gauges? I'd like to buy one to add to my tool collection, can someone post a link of where I can get one? Thanks again.

Alberto v05

I have the same issue only hot air comes out and i live in phx its freaking hot here specially with leather seats i think i need a recharge or get that ac pro kit or i don't know?