I need help with an A/C problem
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Miss, USA
I need help with an A/C problem My car's A/C is not working. The blower is working and it appears the A/C clutch is engaged. The air from the vents is not cold. It is barely cool. About two weeks ago I saw some oil leaking/dripping coming from the A/C compressor area.
Is there a seal that that goes bad on the compressor or could it be a line leaking? Is there a common problem with the A/C's on these cars?
I am just trying to get a headstart on the repair and to see what I am getting myself into.
Thanks, any input would be greatly appreciated...
Gears
Is there a seal that that goes bad on the compressor or could it be a line leaking? Is there a common problem with the A/C's on these cars?
I am just trying to get a headstart on the repair and to see what I am getting myself into.
Thanks, any input would be greatly appreciated...
Gears
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Miss, USA
Thank you for the reply spy. My compressor is still turning so far. I guess I will make sure not to try and run it.
I plan on fixing it very soon I'm trying to see what I'll need in parts. I also waiting for some time off from work to do it.
Does anyone else have any input?
Gears
I plan on fixing it very soon I'm trying to see what I'll need in parts. I also waiting for some time off from work to do it.
Does anyone else have any input?
Gears
If the inside of the compressor came apart then you will need a new compressor (obviously) and a new expansion device, I'm not sure if our systems use an oriface tube or an expansion valve. When the compressor comes apart internally the oriface tube/expansion valve are what catches all the chunks in the system to keep them from getting to the accumulator/receiver dryer. If the compressor is just leaking oil then you just need a new compressor, not a big deal just a bit pricey.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 1
From: Just This Side of Damnation
My compressor clutch was engaged but the compressor wasn't compressing. I wound up getting a new (rebuilt) one, plus an accumulator and orificice tube. I replaced those items and got it flushed and recharged. $600-ish with PAG oil and odds/ends.
When you open your system and check your orifice tube, if there's chunks, it's bad. If there's no chunks, it's not AS bad. Still gotta flush it to be on the safe side, IMO.
None of it is difficult. Just scary the first time.
When you open your system and check your orifice tube, if there's chunks, it's bad. If there's no chunks, it's not AS bad. Still gotta flush it to be on the safe side, IMO.
None of it is difficult. Just scary the first time.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Miss, USA
Thanks everyone for the replies. I am pretty mechanically inclined, however I have not personally troubleshooted A/C systems before. I am learning a lot from you guys. Thanks again.
I took the car to a mechanic today to have them troubleshoot the system. I did this to save time and to possibly save me some money in the long run. I was planning to do the replacement work and then bring it back to them for a vacuum/recharge. I have went this routine on another car.
They recharged the system (added 6oz) and went over the system with a leak detector and he said he could not find a leak. He feels since the car had been sitting up for a while it caused the seal on the compressor to leak. He said he didn't want to just change out parts, which I kind of respect. The A/C is working and blowing cold. What do you think?
Gears
I took the car to a mechanic today to have them troubleshoot the system. I did this to save time and to possibly save me some money in the long run. I was planning to do the replacement work and then bring it back to them for a vacuum/recharge. I have went this routine on another car.
They recharged the system (added 6oz) and went over the system with a leak detector and he said he could not find a leak. He feels since the car had been sitting up for a while it caused the seal on the compressor to leak. He said he didn't want to just change out parts, which I kind of respect. The A/C is working and blowing cold. What do you think?
Gears
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Sounds like your system was low enough from a full charge to have the low pressure switch cutting the system off enough to seem that it was not working. Once a full charge was completed the AC was working normally. We charge about 150-200 cars during late march to late August for this very reason. AC systems work around 250-260 plbs of pressure during peak seasonal temps and all systems will loose a few ounces of refriderant over a couple of years and need a few ounces to restore the system to full performance, glad that only a recharged was all you needed!
