Bought a new to me CRD, but need to fix a/c

justinrose10 · **Joined:** Sat May 12, 2012 12:33 am **Posts:** 7

So, I have spend a decent amount of time on this site reading about the Liberty CRD's quirks, and challenges, but despite that I caught the diesel itch, and purchase a 2005 CRD last week. A lot of people here seem to be very knowledgeable, and helpful, so I'm hoping to be apart of the community. I do have a an issue though because the a/c is not working. I've searched through the site, and have done the following.
1. I checked the electric fan, and it is running when the a/c is on full blast.
2. The a/c clutch is not running with the a/c on full so I jumped the a/c clutch relay (87 and 30), and the clutch starts right up.
3. The low pressure side was only running about 8psi. The high side was around 30psi.
4. The a/c feels the same as the ambient temp.
5. I tried to add 134a from the O Reilly with a/c comp running, but the system won't take a charge.
6. I then got a vacuum pump from Harbor Freight, and hooked it up to an air compressor on both the low, and high side for about 10 minutes.
7. I then tried to charge the system again, but got the same result.

I don't have much experience with a/c so I'm at a loss here. I'm trying to avoid going to the dealer if this is something I can fix myself. Any suggestions? I'll be sure to post what happens/or the results.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Mon May 14, 2012 8:59 pm

Howdy Justin - Welcome to LOST

don't forget the Noob guide http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=604519#p604519

on AC - I hate to say it - but if you have to ask - you really need someone to help.

in general - you need to be able to pull and hold a vacuum - before you start trying to charge it
- it hasn't been working for a while - you need to change the dryer and the orifice tube
I'd replace all the seals and start from there
and you need a good leak detector when you get close.....

Greasey Bob · **Joined:** Tue Dec 14, 2010 3:34 am **Posts:** 228

it is probably the low pressure switch. It does not need a charge it need the charge to flow to the evaporator.

WolverineFW · **Posted:** Tue May 15, 2012 2:35 am

Greasey Bob wrote:

it is probably the low pressure switch. It does not need a charge it need the charge to flow to the evaporator.

If he gets 8 psig on the low side then I would suspect that his low pressure switch is probably fine. It's doing what it is supposed to do.

Pulling a vacuum will do nothing for you if you have a leak still....just sucking in air (= moisture) when you turn off the vacuum pump. Quick way to kill your compressor.

There are lots of reasons for it not to take additional charge.

Take it to a shop and have them fix it right before it costs you a lot more.

justinrose10 · **Joined:** Sat May 12, 2012 12:33 am **Posts:** 7

I believe the low pressure switch is working. I also have read the noob guide. I guess I'll have to have a shop put some dye in the system and see if there is a leak as you mentioned.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Tue May 15, 2012 9:55 am

Just in passing any decent AC shop should be able to handle AC repair on a KJ CRD although interacting with a dealer might be necessary on some parts such as the compressor.

WolverineFW · **Posted:** Tue May 15, 2012 7:55 pm

papaindigo wrote:

Just in passing any decent AC shop should be able to handle AC repair on a KJ CRD although interacting with a dealer might be necessary on some parts such as the compressor.

Pretty sure I have seen all the parts available from sources other than the dealer. Compressor for sure. Orifice tube and accumlator/dryer might be dealer only, but I thought I saw some aftermarket ones.

taroo · **Joined:** Sun Apr 27, 2008 2:14 pm **Posts:** 292

Yep...

Replace the Dryer, change all the o-rings, change the orifice, don't forget to add oil to your dryer, vacuum it down to 29 inches of mercury...hold it for 30 minutes.....then charge it up to spec or until the evap inlet/outlet are the same temp....

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Thu May 17, 2012 1:26 pm

I never bother to replace driers, and I only replace expansion valves/orifice tubes when they are clogged.

You may not be trying to charge it right. Make sure you are holding the can upside down, this way you get a liquid charge going into the system, right side up and its just vapor and wont charge.

Bought a new to me CRD, but need to fix a/c

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