Air Conditioning Not Working
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
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From: Hiram GA
Air Conditioning Not Working
My A/C didn't blow cold, and possibly the motor (?) itself didn't come on the other day. About a month or two ago I had the Optispark replaced and I am wondering if during this work at my favorite mechanic he could have forgotten to hook something back up.
I am not technical at all, so if someone could tell me what I might look for to see if the A/C unit is working or not, and if having this recent work could be the cause of the situation, I would appreciate it.
I am not technical at all, so if someone could tell me what I might look for to see if the A/C unit is working or not, and if having this recent work could be the cause of the situation, I would appreciate it.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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It's certainly possible.
Can you hear the A/C compressor and engine fans energizing when you push the button on the dash? Can you feel any air blowing out of the HVAC vents?
Since you're not tech savvy, I'd take the vehicle back to the mechanic and explain the situation to him.
Can you hear the A/C compressor and engine fans energizing when you push the button on the dash? Can you feel any air blowing out of the HVAC vents?
Since you're not tech savvy, I'd take the vehicle back to the mechanic and explain the situation to him.
Last edited by onedef92; Jul 20, 2010 at 12:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
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From: Hiram GA
Thanks for the quick reply. It certainly blew air through the vents, but I thought that it would do that anyway. As far as whether or not the condensor kicked in, that is the grey area where I am not sure. Is there someplace with the hood open I can focus my attention while I have someone else inside the car turn the A/C on to see if anything happens?
As far as going back to my mechanic, I have started to distrust him a little bit so I don't want to give him another opportunity to take my money unnecessarily. In my other car, a Jeep Cherokee, he kept telling me that my starter was going bad, when all it turned out to be was the need to replace the connectors at the end of the battery cables. Cost me $10 at Walmart and the problem was solved. You never know who you can trust these days since some people are stressed by the economy and might be looking for a quick way to make a couple of bucks.
Thanks for your help. MHM
As far as going back to my mechanic, I have started to distrust him a little bit so I don't want to give him another opportunity to take my money unnecessarily. In my other car, a Jeep Cherokee, he kept telling me that my starter was going bad, when all it turned out to be was the need to replace the connectors at the end of the battery cables. Cost me $10 at Walmart and the problem was solved. You never know who you can trust these days since some people are stressed by the economy and might be looking for a quick way to make a couple of bucks.
Thanks for your help. MHM
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
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From: Hiram GA
Situation Update ... Please Chime In
took car to mechanic who replaced my Opti. Turning on the A/C his immediate visual diagnosis was that "clutch" in A/C unit wasn't turning on, but that it couldn't be the result of the work they previously did.
He then unscrewed a small black cap and used the end of his pen to "diagnose" that my car probably was so low on Freon that the A/C unit wouldn't come on. I did hear a "hiss", much like you would if letting air out of a bicycle tire, so I wonder how he knows this.
So guys, does this guy know what he is talking about our should I take my car somewhere else to get a better, valid opinion. He quoted me $120 to replace the Freon if there are no leaks found in the system.
Please reply.
He then unscrewed a small black cap and used the end of his pen to "diagnose" that my car probably was so low on Freon that the A/C unit wouldn't come on. I did hear a "hiss", much like you would if letting air out of a bicycle tire, so I wonder how he knows this.
So guys, does this guy know what he is talking about our should I take my car somewhere else to get a better, valid opinion. He quoted me $120 to replace the Freon if there are no leaks found in the system.
Please reply.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
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He used a pen to tell if the freon was low...oy. But yes it could be. Since you don't want to try this your self...120 isn't too bad if he is going to leak check it..but I wonder how he will leak check it ...if he used a pen to see how much freon is in the system....we use gauges.
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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I think it's time to cut your losses and find a more reputable/competent mechanic. Are you a AAA Auto Club Member? They can help you locate ASE certified, reputable repair shops in your area that also discount service for AAA members.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Corinth TX
There is a connector that plugs into the freon line. This is your low freon level switch. You can disconnect this connector and take a paper clip and place a jumper on the connector that you disconnected. By placing the jumper, you are telling the pc that the freon level is good. The A/C clutch should turn on then if it is a low freon condition. IF it turns on, simply have someone recharge the system. While you are at it, have the schrader valves replaced where you charge the system. They are notorious for leaking. If you have any questions PM me. Good luck and hope it goes smooth.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Hiram GA
Thanks for that information nocarb (sorry, I'm too old to remember the rest of your handle). I am going to take this information to another friend of mine who has an idea what you are talking about (I'm really not getting it!) and see if he can follow your instructions to see what's up. Thanks again.
