A/C Questions

[ABryan]

This is a continuation of my previous post "foggy windows"... I have been doing some investigating/diagnoses on the foggy window problems. I started looking into my A/C, per the recommendations of those of you on this forum... I tested my A/C and i do not think that it is working... The coldest my air gets is 54.3 degs. What should my temperature be at it's coldest point? What do I need to do or check next? Is this a simple replacement of a pump, or is it something a licensed mechanic needs to address because of the testing the freon? Any comments would help.

[4x4mike]

Is your compressor pump working? Does the compressor kick on when the AC button is pushed on? If not it could be bad. It could also be the pressure switch. Either the switch is bad or the coolant level is too low and the switch won't turn on as to protect the compressor. I was told by an AC guy that if the compressor is bad or went bad it kind of kills itself and blows contaninats into the system. If you replace the pump it will be damaged by the old system. This guy wanted to replace all of my lines, compressor and a few other pieces. I'd check or get the level checked. Then run a DMM to the pressure switch and see if it's getting power. If not trace it back to the switch on the dash.

[Nuthuts96]

maybe you're low on refrigerant? i believe there's a sight glass on the a/c setup. maybe just a can of r134 from autozone is all you need?

[mastacox]

I think a properly-functioning A/C is supposed to hit about 40-45 degrees, so it sounds like yours may be a <bit> on the weak side but not too bad. If it's getting cold, the compressor is definitely working. So, my guess is you need an R-134a refill. There are do-it-yourself kits out there, but you'll get the best results if you take it to a shop so they can suck down the system to get any air out of there, and then fill with refrigerant. Getting a quick fill of R-134a at a shop is not very expensive either, especially when compared to R-12 these days.

[Seanz0rz]

ive always heard your ac should be (some number) below ambient temperature. either 20 or 40*F (20 hours of statics homework and studying has cooked my brain)

if the refrigerant is indeed low, take it to a shop, have them pull a vacuum, and see if it holds. if not then you have a leak. a UV dye can be added to help find that leak. in my experience, dont bother with DIY kits.

and oh how i miss r12. a refrigerant that actually worked well... screw the environment! i want to be cold in my car! r134a is "fine" to release into the air.