AC not working
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
AC not working
Hi, I have worked as an automotive tech for about 20 years. I only dabbled in AC at that time, but it was working 6 months ago, and now it's not working at all. I would assume that the R134 has just leaked out. I would like to know from the experts if there is anything at all that could cause this, other than a simple leak. I rarely drive the car, so the battery has drained at least once, since the last time the AC worked. Thanks in advance.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
Ok first off, post codes(if any). Gonna need some more info in order to help. Is it blowing hot? starting out cold, then hot? Compressor not coming on? Clutch kicking on and off? AC light flashing? Help us help you.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
Once mine quit blowing cold air. It turned out the compressor failed. Fairly common issue. It spent almost $800 to fix. Lots of labor involved. You have to move the steering rack to get at it .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 104
From: Florida
It's common that the compressor case seal is the leak location.
Last edited by chris308; May 23, 2017 at 11:38 AM.
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
It could be one or more of a DOZEN reasons why it wont blow cold air.
First things first,, You HAVE to read and post your DTCs using the internal code reader. Post up what you have.
When you turn the AC On at the front panel, WHAT does the little orange light do? Blink, Come on and stay on or Not light??
When you turn on the system, does the compressor clutch engage and rotate the center hub? Is the belt driving the outer hub??
Until you actually measure the HIGH SIDE & LOW SIDE pressures, you can NOT accurately diagnose the charge. Beg. borrow or purchase a set of gages and the required hose fittings to attach to the quick disconnect fittings and log the high and low side pressures.
NOTE! If you find that the system is LOW on R-134, purchase an OIL CHARGE and add that with the necessary Freon. Unless you have a gross leak, I would just charge it and make sure that it works properly
IF,,,,,,,,,, the system is EMPTY, you should replace the receiver/dryer, change the orifice tube, pull a vacuum on the system and properly charge it (along with adding all the required oil for the new receiver dryer).
First things first,, You HAVE to read and post your DTCs using the internal code reader. Post up what you have.
When you turn the AC On at the front panel, WHAT does the little orange light do? Blink, Come on and stay on or Not light??
When you turn on the system, does the compressor clutch engage and rotate the center hub? Is the belt driving the outer hub??
Until you actually measure the HIGH SIDE & LOW SIDE pressures, you can NOT accurately diagnose the charge. Beg. borrow or purchase a set of gages and the required hose fittings to attach to the quick disconnect fittings and log the high and low side pressures.
NOTE! If you find that the system is LOW on R-134, purchase an OIL CHARGE and add that with the necessary Freon. Unless you have a gross leak, I would just charge it and make sure that it works properly
IF,,,,,,,,,, the system is EMPTY, you should replace the receiver/dryer, change the orifice tube, pull a vacuum on the system and properly charge it (along with adding all the required oil for the new receiver dryer).
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
I'm having issues as well, I had the normal actuator issues, and replaced the passengers side actuator, and it's changing temps now which is good, but now when I press the AC button, it blinks then turns off...and but it still says set on the screen...any ideas what that is?!... I still have two HVAC codes (B0361H, and B0363H)....which would make me think I'm still having a drivers side actuator issue? But I still don't know what the blinking light means? Any help?
And my freon is good old as well as my compressor!
And my freon is good old as well as my compressor!
Last edited by ianmcgee67179; May 23, 2017 at 03:48 PM.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
Make sure u not leaking from low side valve easy to replace valve . Make sure u add oil charge and freon not low..I had leak compressor didn't turn so bypassed it bridge relay under hood for ac.. once forced it took my oil can and freon.. was cold again .. no valve leaks for now.
Last edited by flyingjoey; May 28, 2017 at 03:26 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
Make sure u not leaking from low side valve easy to replace valve . Make sure u add oil charge and freon not low..I had leak compressor didn't turn so bypassed it bridge relay under hood for ac.. once forced it took my oil can and freon.. was cold again .. no valve leaks for now.
