2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission AC question

[PHX ATC]

My AC is blowing rather not-so-cold these days.



History: within 6 months of ownership (it's a 2001. 5) I had some heater/AC vent control thingy go bad and was replaced. They were supposed to order a part that was not in stock, yet never did I receive any notification of this part being in. Last summer, in the beginning of the hot months, they replaced something in the dash, related to the controls (I'm at work so don't have the paperwork). 3 weeks ago, it was suffering from the same thing and they charged it with 1 can of freon (for free) and sent me on my way.



It's a closed system, where would the freon go? It has to be leaking somewhere if it was low, right? They didn't check for leaks and I suspect they wanted to get me out the door and on my way. Now it's blowing rather cool, not cold like it normally does. I've made an appointment for Tuesday, but am not happy about bringing it in.



Anybody have any ideas? Any experiences with AC on the 2nd gens?

 

[Dan_69GTX]

ALL automotive A/C systems leak! Just how fast they leak is another question.



I know of several old refrigerator/freezers that have never been serviced - and work - can you name a 50 year old car that still has the original freon in it?



As to answer your question - sorry - can't be done w/o more info.



What could be the cause of your problem:

1. blend door not functioning correctly.

2. low refrigerant charge - yes it would have a leak - where - who knows. You will need a UV test or sniffer test.

3. over charged on freon - bad all around - a lot of stress on ALL the a/c system.

4. Not enough air flow over condenser - bad fan clutch, junk in the radiator, etc

5. Electrical problem - a/c switch, a/c low pressure switch, ECM problem, wiring, relay, etc.



At least this gives you a few things to look at. If you buy a set of gauges and hook them up - that will also tell a LOT about the system.



Dan

 

[John - K5AWO]

Hi Toby,



You might drop by to see PJ and have him throw on a set of guages to see what is what. If it is low on freon a 2nd time so soon, there is a leak in the system. You can call him anytime at 602 686 1335.



By the way, which tower you working at? Skyharbor? I'm going over there in about 10 minutes to work on the dispatch system at the fire station.



Oh, would you PM me with the new number to the tower cab? The one I have in my cell phone don't work any longer. You guys got new numbers?



John

 

[PHX ATC]

Dan - I've sat for 20 minutes and can't think of a car that still have the original freon in it. Damn, you've made me waste all that time. Thanks for the information, it's a start in the maze of troubleshooting.



John - PM sent. I don't think it made it there before you got over to the fire station. Yup, it's PHX Sky Harbor tower. You should check out the new digs by the big white crane that they are building. The new tower will be 350ish feet tall. See your PM on the rest.







It blew 54 degrees today after a 30 minute freeway drive to work. I'm guessing that would be normal? Anybody else have some degree numbers on their AC?

 

[Dan_69GTX]

It should blow at least 10 degrees colder than that. A good rule of thumb for a/c systems is between 35 ande 45 degree duct temp (center of dash, blower on high).



If you were on the freeway (I-10?) for 30 min, - probably on recirculate - you should be in the 42 - 46 degree range.



I just redid the a/c on my truck (1996) and get 44 degree air - used to be 53.



On a 2001 I just redid - the duct temp is 42 degrees.



Yes, there in AZ it will take longer to cool the cab down - but you should still have decent duct temps. So yes, it sounds like a problem. I lived in Glendale from 87-92. I can't say I miss the heat. My in-laws still live in Peoria - I'll have to ask him what his duct temps are in his truck.



One thing I forgot to say regarding problems -



If there is air in the system or moisture or not straight r-134a refrigerant - you could have problems similar to yours. The only way to find out if there is air/not pure refrigerant in the system is with a refrigerant identifier. For moisture it requires an evacuation and recharge of the system - and a replacement of the receiver/dryer. The only way either of those will happen is if someone who doesn't know what they are doing charges the a/c system or if the system was opened and allowed to be exposed to the air and not properly evacuated.



Good luck!

Dan

 

[PHX ATC]

I will live with it for a couple of weeks, as we're going on vacation. The freeway drive (60 and 101) on the way home at 10pm (81 OAT) brought it down to 43 degrees with it on "normal" AC and fan on 2. Of course there was no sun to speak of either at that hour.



Today on the trip in (94 OAT) at 10 am, it felt just like yesterday's trip into the work arena, not nearly as cold as last night's trip home. Maybe I should only drive it at night.

 

[Cobra]

AC problem

I too have an 01. 5 and I am just now experiencing simiular problems. Today the OAT was 86 and I kept my AC on max, blower on high from Greensburg to Pleasant Unity (10 miles). I never did get cooled off in the truck and just before getting home I opted to open the windows. I also switched from AC to vent and could not tell much difference in the air temp. So far I haven't put a thermometer in the grill works yet. I will most likely take it to my local garage. They do alot of AC work this time of year and may be able to help.

 

[PHX ATC]

Right after delivery I had "debris removed" from the AC vent(s). These were in the dash. Best I can remember these were foamy styrofoam pieces of 4"x4" paper. Maybe insulation or something from the dash got misplaced? I dunno.



July of 2003 I had a cracked actuator fixed. They were supposed to order new AC vents, but I never got told to come have them installed. Funny about that...



September of 2003 I had a blend door replaced but they never wrote up an invoice on it so I conveniently have no record of it.



March of 2004 I had them inspect it again and they added 1/2 pound of freon while evacing and replacing it with dye. There were no leaks found.



I'm taking it in tomorrow morning and having them take a look at it with the understanding that it's an ongoing problem and will be taken care of with no charge to me. I wonder if that will prove true. If not, I will take it elsewhere.

 

[PHX ATC]

Update:



The dealer (my service guy kicks bootay) said I need a brand new AC compressor. Yeeouch. I peed my pants when I heard that.



He said that he talked to his manager and since we were good customers, he'd give us the $200 deductible warranty price for the $1400 job. Waaaaaaaaaay cool for that. So, I pay $200 for the entire R & R of the compressor. Not a bad dealio.



Now, I'm off on vacation, dragging the boat to Lake Havasu. Bummer, I'll have to take my wife's truck. Oh the bad luck.



I wonder if the fact that when I dropped it off I told him that I would be taking it elsewhere if it were a major part that needed replacing? Hmmmmmmm, we'll never know.