A/C Question

JeepJunky33 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 3:26 pm

Ok everybody, its summer and of course there is an A/C question.
I have my 03 KJ and have used the A/C maybe 12 times in the 8 years I have owned her. Its getting way too hot for the windows lately and the AC is just not blowing cold air (warm to outside temp air).

Whats the deal?

What are some of the common problems I should look for?

I have dont all of the mods on my jeep and rebuilt engines but never once had to deal with an AC unit. I actually avoid them at all cost. I guess you gotta start sometime.

Thoughts?

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:00 pm

First question... Is the compressor kicking on and off, staying on, or staying off. Have you tried both the Normal AC and Recirculate settings with the same results?

Low freon (OK, not freon. Actually R134a nowadays, but I will always call it freon) is an easy fix. DIY kit at your local WalMart will fix you right up as long as you don't have a huge leak. You can always buy a full set of refrigerant gauges at Harbor Freight for about $40 to really see what the system is doing.

JeepJunky33 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:24 pm

To answer your first question yes that same result for both normal and recirculate.

let me ask you this. If it is not a leak and I put a feon (i know i know) shot in will i overcharge the system and cause damage?

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:29 pm

Yes, you could. Best to put a set of gauges on it first. Many local auto shops will do an A/C gauge check for you for free. Then if they say it is low on freon, you know where to start...

JeepJunky33 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:33 pm

I guess thats my first step to do is to get it checked out for the freon leak.

If there is a leak then doesnt it need to be fixed? To me thats the onyl way it can go low on freon no?

liquidxit2 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:32 pm

Yes the only way to go low on r134a is if you have a leak. Honestly I would have it checked (still upset I no longer have my manifold for this). Sure you can go to the store and get a recharge kit that may work for the summer, but if you have a damage part or leak thats bad enough the quick fix wont work. Plus most put the fix off until they sell the vehicle or the quick fix doesnt work.

Your either looking at a bad compressor clutch for the pulley, bad sub system part (e.g. compressor, condenser, evaporator) or a leak. The two most common are leaks followed by compressor clutch.

bhc04 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 6:51 pm

Your either looking at a bad compressor clutch for the pulley, bad sub system part (e.g. compressor, condenser, evaporator) or a leak. The two most common are leaks followed by compressor clutch

Big $$$ repairs may be looming. B sure to get good shop and honest estimates.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:53 pm

The only way to know how much R134A is left in your system is to have it evac'd and weighed,that is the only way period.What a gauge or gauges read means nothing as far as charge amount.I have personally worked on a system that had 20psi lowside and 100psi high side with a correct charge in the system,but according to those cheap guges found at parts stores it would tell you to add more when a faulty compressor was to blame and not the charge amount.

By federal law no shop can "top off" a AC system,they must find and fix the leak or you leave with the same amount of R134A that your system had when it came in.It's not a DIY type of fix unless you have the proper tools to do AC work and have done it before as your dealing with federally regulated stuff.Also AC is a luxury and it is very expensive to fix so expect a $1000-$1500 bill to fix a AC system,some vehicles can go as high as $5000 to fix.Best left to pro's with the correct tools,and never use any can of R134A that states it has a leak sealer in it as that junk will damage your compressor and plug the orifice tube.

jimjeep0 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:22 pm

Little bit of a hijack here but has anyone ever heard of envirsafe refrigerant? Anyone ever used it?
If this goes anywhere Ill start another thread, sorry but in need of info.

JeepJunky33 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:50 am

So yesterday when I went to look at the compressor to see if it was cycling or staying on it turned on a worked fine.
I tunring it on this morning and the comprerssor wont tunr on. I am royally confused now.

Can I replace the clutch or is it something a pro needs to do?
How do I know if it is the clutch?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:55 am

jimjeep0 wrote:

Little bit of a hijack here but has anyone ever heard of envirsafe refrigerant? Anyone ever used it?
If this goes anywhere Ill start another thread, sorry but in need of info.

If it's not R134A do not use in your system.

adamkrz · **Posted:** Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:10 pm

You really need proper tools and knowledge to work on the a/c system, You could Check voltage to the clutch coil and continuity over the low psi switch, As tjkj2002 said a few posts ago - it's easy to contaminate the refrigeration system and cause further problems.

If you know any hvac techs maybe they can give you a hand, I just helped my brother who opened his system up when he changed the compressor and really screwed things up, I'm an a/c tech. here in CT and believe they should not be able to sell the re-charge kits in they sell in the parts stores.

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