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My 2002 C5 has AC issues - the light on the console blinks a few times and then goes off. Check the fuses and they look fine (tested with MultiMeter Ohms), I’m thinking it may be an easy test to use one of those bottles of AC Fixit (or whatever they are called) from the auto store and see if that fixes it long enough to sell it - would you recommend this or is this taboo?
I have read a bunch of threads on this forum about AC issues and figured I would check the compressor connections also while I’m checking
I’d check for any AC related DTC’s if you have a scan tool or if not check through the DIC…some AC related DTC’s can keep your AC from working until you clear them…can just be low on refrigerant too and in that case you will have to find that leak and recharge !!…you can remove the AC Clutch relay and jump pins 87 and 30 (circled in white) with the key on….if you can hear the AC clutch engage (click) the load side of that circuit is fine !!
your ac system has a fixed amount of refrigerant that should be in it. When it is low on the charge the ac light will blink then shut off. You no doubt have a leak in the system. Putting a can in without knowing what the charge is in it is not the way to charge a system. should you put a can in and then sell it? how would you like to buy a car only to find the ac has a leak? If you add anything , add a leak detector and fix the problem
I agree, I feel bad selling the car with a leaking AC and will be having Firestone check it for me when I get the new tires today. There is also a problem with the starter now and they will be diagnosing that also. Still debating if I want to tackle both these issues or let Firestone deal with them.
don't throw a can of discount store freon in it. most have some stop leak in them which makes a mess of your system and a mess of the equipment used to service it.
Step 0 in doing anything at a Firestone or similar is to ensure they understand how to lift the car. Odds are very high they do not. Even if they have done so correctly in the past, employee turn over these days - and aging out of real mechanics - is working against us. Under no circumstance should you drop off the car and leave. They will ‘forget’ to use pucks, or use your fenders as handles to get room for lift arms.
I think using an AC recharge that has a gage is a fine quick check, but isn’t as cheap as it once was. With the engine and AC off for a while, the low side pressure should be about the same as ambient temperature, i.e. 80 psi on an 80 degree day. That said, I’ll bet you tacos it’s the compressor leaking.
Get a gauge set at HF and a case of 134a cans at Sams or COSCO
I purchased a AC gauge set at HF a few years ago for $39. Now the same gauge set is $63. Got a 12 can case of R 134a at Sams Club. You will also need a CAN TAPPER which will screw onto the R134a can and the yellow hose in the center of the AC gauge set. Go on YOUTUBE.COM and watch a few videos to get a look at AC charging.
Don't spend $25 OR $35 on a one time use el cheapo charging kit.
Charging AC system
