AC question

[the great him]

so the other day i went to use my AC and it was not cold, just kinda cool and im using that term generously. anyhow i bought one of those AC recharge canisters from NAPA, and tried it, but it didnt do anygood. i twas putting out cold air while the canister was plugged in, but as soon as i removed the canister the cold air was gone, then i noticed that the AC pump was kicking on and off every 8-10 sec... i know nothing about AC system other than you push a button on the dash and get cold air, and if not then somethings broken.... yes yes i know some of you are going to ask how in the world does a tech not know a darn thing about AC system? well its just one of those things i tried avoiding like the plague and it worked, ive never done anything other than hook a machine up to one to do the evac and recharge. anyhow anyone have some advice on whats wrong or if that is normal?

 

[tbst]

Sounds like the system is overcharged.

This is where I learned a lot about A/C systems.

Summer A/C Guide, How it Works, and When it Doesn't - Honda-Tech

 

[Dezert4Runner]

I just did the same thing as you last week. Bought a recharge kit from Wal Mart and tried to add a bottle of 134a. My system wouldn't even take in the 134a because the low pressure was too low to engage the compressor, which then sucks in the refrigerant. I may be taking mine in soon...

I've read up enough to know if you're properly charged (35-45 PSI depending on ambient temp) and it won't stay cool, it could be the condenser, expansion valve (both of which require you to drain the system and completely tear into the section behind the glove box) or even the compressor. Could be because there may be a leak in the system too.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[KHoffRunner]

I have the same problem, but mine doesnt sound right while its running you can hear it over the engine so I dont know whats going on?

 

[the great him]

I have the same problem, but mine doesnt sound right while its running you can hear it over the engine so I dont know whats going on?

sounds like you may be low on oil in the compressor but thats just a guess...

 

[KHoffRunner]

sounds like you may be low on oil in the compressor but thats just a guess...

I havent tried messing with it since i dont have a problem with windows but thanks I'll check it out.

 

[the great him]

well talked to a friend who knows AC systems a little better than i and we discussed things, he looked at it and stuffed a flat head screwdriver on the valve and dumped about 45 seconds worth of r134 into the air and what do you know the AC compressor kicked on and stayed on, now its blowing nice and cold. tbst you were right, the system was over charged, i didnt think that one of those do it yourself kits could overcharge the system... im gonna take it to the dealer my father inlaw works at on friday and have the whole system drained and recharged with new stuff just so its all nice and cold.