Help on A/C Recharge???
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Help on A/C Recharge???
Although I may appear "new" here, I was a member for 2 years before getting married...this is just my new username (not used often!)
We now have a 98 Convertible, which follows in the footsteps of my 98 Silver Coupe. I never had any A/C issues on the coupe, but the 'vert just stopped working one day...or at least the "coolness factor" went away (the fans still work fine).
I went to AutoZone and got a can of the 134a and coupler/hose to "do it myself", thinking it would be an easy fix. Well, it's proved to be anything but!
The aluminum hose that the (2) caps are supposed to be on by the passenger side/battery box area has only yielded one cap/fitting that I can find? I searched numerous other threads and nothing could really help me identify the one that I need to find...
The one I DID find has a TIGHT fit with the hose/coupler for the 134a. So tight, in fact, I'm not sure if it's the right cap at all!
Can anyone send pics of their engine compartment and point me in the right direction? The descriptions have been great, but that have only yielded one cap instead of a "high end" and "low end" cap on that aluminum tubing.
Thanks!
We now have a 98 Convertible, which follows in the footsteps of my 98 Silver Coupe. I never had any A/C issues on the coupe, but the 'vert just stopped working one day...or at least the "coolness factor" went away (the fans still work fine).
I went to AutoZone and got a can of the 134a and coupler/hose to "do it myself", thinking it would be an easy fix. Well, it's proved to be anything but!
The aluminum hose that the (2) caps are supposed to be on by the passenger side/battery box area has only yielded one cap/fitting that I can find? I searched numerous other threads and nothing could really help me identify the one that I need to find...
The one I DID find has a TIGHT fit with the hose/coupler for the 134a. So tight, in fact, I'm not sure if it's the right cap at all!
Can anyone send pics of their engine compartment and point me in the right direction? The descriptions have been great, but that have only yielded one cap instead of a "high end" and "low end" cap on that aluminum tubing.
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
From: Irving Texas
When dealing with A/C lines you will ALWAYS have 2 separate lines, the high side, which you don't need, and the low side. You recharge your A/C in the low side line. Also, the recharger should only fit onto the low side fitting. I believe the fitting that you mentioned above is the low side fitting, the one you need.
Also, turn your car on with the A/C on full blast and look at your compressor, make sure the clutch is engaging. It is the triangle looking piece on the front of your compressor, if it is working it should spin and then stop over and over again. This will cause your A/C to not be cold and it will prevent you from being able to put freon in.
If you do add freon, be sure not to over charge the system.
I hope that helps.
Also, turn your car on with the A/C on full blast and look at your compressor, make sure the clutch is engaging. It is the triangle looking piece on the front of your compressor, if it is working it should spin and then stop over and over again. This will cause your A/C to not be cold and it will prevent you from being able to put freon in.
If you do add freon, be sure not to over charge the system.
I hope that helps.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I have responded to a number of AC post her in the last week or so and provided al LOT of useful facts. Search Bill Curlee post in the advanced search and check them out. The pressure on the LOW side that you will need to obtain is approx 25 PSI with the engine idling high at 1000 rpms. make sure thatthe HVAC fan is on HIGH and both doors are OPEN! You wnat to fully load the system to charge it and ONLY charge it with the can UP-RIGHT. If you turn the can upside down, you will inject LIQUID R-134 in the GAS side of the system and possibly damage the compressor. It will take a while to get all the gas out of the can and into the system.
BC
BC
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Kudos to you all!
I feel like SUCH a noob!
I finally found the A/C cap on the low side that I needed! Man, if it were a snake it would have bitten me too.
I was checking near the radiator initially, and didn't even venture up beside the battery compartment. What an idiot I am!
I can't wait until shore duty and I can give my Vette the TLC she needs once again. Thanks for the help fellas!
I finally found the A/C cap on the low side that I needed! Man, if it were a snake it would have bitten me too.
I was checking near the radiator initially, and didn't even venture up beside the battery compartment. What an idiot I am!I can't wait until shore duty and I can give my Vette the TLC she needs once again. Thanks for the help fellas!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I feel like SUCH a noob!
I finally found the A/C cap on the low side that I needed! Man, if it were a snake it would have bitten me too. I was checking near the radiator initially, and didn't even venture up beside the battery compartment. What an idiot I am!
I can't wait until shore duty and I can give my Vette the TLC she needs once again. Thanks for the help fellas!
I finally found the A/C cap on the low side that I needed! Man, if it were a snake it would have bitten me too.
I was checking near the radiator initially, and didn't even venture up beside the battery compartment. What an idiot I am!I can't wait until shore duty and I can give my Vette the TLC she needs once again. Thanks for the help fellas!
"I can't wait until shore duty and I can give my Vette the TLC she needs once again."
Im retired Navy and know what your going trough!
If you ever need any assistance, just drop me a PM!
Bill Curlee
