A/C Help!!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
A/C Help!!!
For the last month or so my ac has been out of commission, and while it's usually not a major problem as this is prime top off weather, I'm sick of sweating my *** off when its not plausible to have the windows down!
The refrigerant seems to be full, it wouldn't take any more when I hooked up a can, so I assume it is anyway. The inside light will come on, blink a few times, and go out. Also, the outside temperature gauge seems to be messed up, it will read anywhere from 20-135f on the console display no matter what the actual outside air temperature is. Any thoughts?
The refrigerant seems to be full, it wouldn't take any more when I hooked up a can, so I assume it is anyway. The inside light will come on, blink a few times, and go out. Also, the outside temperature gauge seems to be messed up, it will read anywhere from 20-135f on the console display no matter what the actual outside air temperature is. Any thoughts?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Ouch! Ya, I'm thinking that's the route I'll have to go. I'm just hoping someone on here who's not looking to make an extra few dollars like a shop might give me some things to try before I go that way.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
On these R134 systems, too much refrigerant can cause it to not run just as too little will cause it to fail. You really need a professional AC shop to set it up if you don't know how to do it yourself. The cost is usually like $50-$70
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 2
From: Redding CA
my problem is that my ac works amazingly but the compressor squeeks BADLY, my car is a DD and i cannot drive around like that so i took the belt off for now...looking to get one here in the near future
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
First off, sounds like your outside ambient temp. sensor is not working properly. You need to check it out, see if its working properly? Bad connection or sensor. Do you know where it is? IF it is not reading correctly, it may not let the AC turn on. If the AC is full , I don't think the light will just go out, as that is usually a low freon sign? If the freon is indeed full, and the sensor is working, it may have a plugged orifice tube. First thought though is to check the outside sensor , and move on from there. Also, I don't know how you are checking your freon, but you really need gauges or need to take it to someone who does.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Several years ago, I also owned an Xterra. I too thought it was a little low so I added a can. Doing that over-pressurized the system and would cause it to turn on and off on its own. As I let some out, it worked a little better each time but finally thought the better course of action was to take it to a shop. They evacuated the system and properly filled it again with the refrigerant and oil as needed for the current ambient temperature. These systems are not like the R12 Freon days when you could just top it off. R134(Halogen) has to have a specific amount based upon system requirements vs ambient temperature.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
First off, sounds like your outside ambient temp. sensor is not working properly. You need to check it out, see if its working properly? Bad connection or sensor. Do you know where it is? IF it is not reading correctly, it may not let the AC turn on. If the AC is full , I don't think the light will just go out, as that is usually a low freon sign? If the freon is indeed full, and the sensor is working, it may have a plugged orifice tube. First thought though is to check the outside sensor , and move on from there. Also, I don't know how you are checking your freon, but you really need gauges or need to take it to someone who does.
I don't know where it is, but it sounds like a good place to start. It seemed to go haywire right at the same time the ac stopped working, so I'm wondering if maybe it's not allowing the ac to kick on? Any info on how to locate/check it is appreciated.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If the outside temp sensor drops below around 43 or so, plus or minus a small amount, that will kick off the compressor. You'll find the sensor sticking through into the open area in front of the condensor, down low in front, driver's side. Find its connector and insure its clean and properly tight. You can also put a meter across it to see if its open or not with it disconnected. If its open, buy a new one and plug it in.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
Did you drive it first? It will not read correctly until you take if for a spin, and the temp reading is for outside the car, I may be misreading what you mean here, but make sure you go for a drive first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
The $5 orfice tube was my problem
Charged, cleaned condenser, evacuated and recharged and still poor cooling. Replaced the plastic orfice tube on the right passanger fender and added a little compressor oil, evacuated and recharged and now it cools fine. Those orfice tubes if clogged or deteriorated will really affect performance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If it was jumping around, then you have an issue with the signal getting through to the PCM, otherwise as stated, the car must be driven above 20 mph for two miles before it'll update.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Not a bad estimate because,,,,read below!
The cost to replace the compressor, if that is the problem, is labor cost driven. In order to replace the compressor on a C5 you must drain the radiator, remove the water pump and passenger side wheel before you can even get at the AC assembly. Then you must purge the system, remove and replace, vaccum the new unit and then recharge. I glossed over a lot but that is why it costs so much to pay to have it done.
http:www.discountacparts.com
has the best price for a replacement OEM kit at about $400 shipped to your door.
I am going to replace mine this Fall with help from friends,,,,sooner if I win the Lottery!
Oops, better buy a ticket, huh?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Another thing I did not know! I just started it and let it run for a few in the garage. I'll take it for a spin once the rain stops, hopefully it starts working correctly!