Odd AC Problem
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Odd AC Problem
My AC is working fine if I run it for 20 - 30 minutes first. However when I first start the car it blows warm air. The compressor is running and the controls are working fine and there are no diagnostic codes being set. Last year I had it recharged and leak tested and it worked reasonably well for a 10 year old car (1999 with 100K miles).
Does this sound like a simple recharge or is it possible that something else is wrong?
Any opinions?
Thanks,
Frank
Does this sound like a simple recharge or is it possible that something else is wrong?
Any opinions?
Thanks,
Frank
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
If the pressure isn't right and it needs a charge then you have a leak that needs addressed first.
As for the poor performance it can be a few things: compressor is just not able to compress the refrigerant enough.
Maybe the drier need to be replaced because the desicant has given up the ghost. The condensor might be blocked up with crud and needs to be cleaned real good (blow it out with compressed air).
There is also a valve or orifice that may need to be replaced so you may need to have the system evacuated and then change the filter and drier before the recharge.
My knowledge of A/C is limited so the best solution would be to read up in the service manual for clues on what may be going on.
Good luck.
As for the poor performance it can be a few things: compressor is just not able to compress the refrigerant enough.
Maybe the drier need to be replaced because the desicant has given up the ghost. The condensor might be blocked up with crud and needs to be cleaned real good (blow it out with compressed air).
There is also a valve or orifice that may need to be replaced so you may need to have the system evacuated and then change the filter and drier before the recharge.
My knowledge of A/C is limited so the best solution would be to read up in the service manual for clues on what may be going on.
Good luck.
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
You need to analyze the suction and discharge pressures and read the evaporator outlet temps. Thats the only real way to see what is happening. There will be LOTS of guessing on whats wrong. Have the system checked out with the correct tools and it will lead you in the correct direction.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 966
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix AZ
You need to analyze the suction and discharge pressures and read the evaporator outlet temps. Thats the only real way to see what is happening. There will be LOTS of guessing on whats wrong. Have the system checked out with the correct tools and it will lead you in the correct direction.
Mine was behaving similarly. I took it in and was told that the compressor was not generating suction. At the time it was suspected that the variable valve that regulates compression was bad. In any case, I disassembled the system and found tons of crud in the lines. Flushed everything and replaced that compressor, orifice tube, and drier, and now good as new.
