Help with troubleshooting AC issue

[razzman1]

Hello everyone. So I have developed an issue with my AC last week. That's right, for those of you stuck in the snowy north, I actually need my AC this time of year:bounce:

So out of no where, the system stopped blowing cold air. It was not gradual at all, just worked Monday and stopped working Tuesday. I tried the relay first, with no change. I can hear the clutch working and the engine idle speed kicks up when I turn on the AC, so I know the clutch is engaging. Is there anything else I can take a look at before I take it in to a shop?

It's a 2003, V8 V4x4 FWIW.


Thanks

 

[black4vcobra]

Sounds like the AC needs to be recharged. It's pretty easy, many people here have done it. Try buying something like this

https://www.walmart.com/ip/AC-Pro-P...ategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=ahIbYMFDy3iUi9MF2SdRyc

 

[Jasongreska]

When you say you know the clutch is engaging because you can hear it...
Have you visually verified it is running continuously?
If it is it could be just low enough not to trip the low pressure switch.
But, where you say it was abrupt, and if it is on continuously, there is a good possibility that the expansion valve is flaking out on you. DO NOT just throw some refrigerant in it without getting a better idea of what the system is doing.
First. Check the compressor clutch spinning? Then if it is, get down low in the interior, near the firewall and turn the a/c in full cold. Any gurgling noises or a audible "pop" sound? That will indicate low refrigerant or a possible sticking expansion valve. Let me know what you find

 

[razzman1]

When you say you know the clutch is engaging because you can hear it...
Have you visually verified it is running continuously?
If it is it could be just low enough not to trip the low pressure switch.
But, where you say it was abrupt, and if it is on continuously, there is a good possibility that the expansion valve is flaking out on you. DO NOT just throw some refrigerant in it without getting a better idea of what the system is doing.
First. Check the compressor clutch spinning? Then if it is, get down low in the interior, near the firewall and turn the a/c in full cold. Any gurgling noises or a audible "pop" sound? That will indicate low refrigerant or a possible sticking expansion valve. Let me know what you find

I will check those things out ASAP. One thing I do recall over the last few weeks was a noise coming from the dash area. It was not a gurgling sound, it was more a consistent pumping sound--like a plastic pump trying to cycle back and forth.

 

[Jasongreska]

Yes that would be the sound I was talking about
It can be caused by low refrigerant or a sticking expansion
Valve. Trust me from someone who does this for a living.
The stuff in the cans you can buy is crap. Take it somewhere and have the levels
Professionally checked. Keep in mind, if there is a leak, there is now air in the system which needs to be vacuumed out before a recharge

 

[razzman1]

Yes that would be the sound I was talking about
It can be caused by low refrigerant or a sticking expansion
Valve. Trust me from someone who does this for a living.
The stuff in the cans you can buy is crap. Take it somewhere and have the levels
Professionally checked. Keep in mind, if there is a leak, there is now air in the system which needs to be vacuumed out before a recharge

Thank you very much. I will take it to a shop and post my results.

 

[Jasongreska]

Not a problem at all. Glad to help