2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission AC quit working!

[mhenon]

Just turned on the AC the other day (we're down in Mexico) and no cold air. I thought maybe one of the fuses was out but they're good. Looking down at the compressor, with the engine running, and it will turn for a few seconds and then stop... turn a little and stop.

I'm know nothing about AC's but it looks like a slipping clutch assembly not fulling engaging the compressor.

Does this sound familiar to anyone and am I looking at a complete replacement or is there some easy fix. I'm under warrenty (at least I hope the AC is @ 76K miles) so I'll wait to get back to the states.

Mike

 

[BigPapa]

Sounds like to me your low on gas. Get someone with a set of guages to hook up to it and see how much freon you've got in it.



Scott

 

[Msilbernagel]

Sounds like to me your low on gas. Get someone with a set of guages to hook up to it and see how much freon you've got in it.

Scott

I think Scott is exactly right. THere is a pressure switch that detects when the coolant pressure is low and prevents the compressor from running, in part because oil (as a lubricant) for the compressor travels with the coolant (R-134 these days).



It isn't necessarily a disaster - R-134 leaks more readily than the R-12 did, so systems sometimes just need to be 'topped off'.



The gauges will give you a better idea of what's going on - anyone who does automotive A/C systems will have them.



Mark

 

[mhenon]

Thanks guy's! I was expecting bad news here. . but I can live with low coolant. I'll have it check soon.

Mike

 

[nps]

Top it off the first time and see if it holds.



If it leaks down again, then you need to look a little closer at where the leak is. The evaporator under the dash is prone to leaking and a PITA to get at.

 

[RON'S RAM]

If you are still under warranty, I'd have them look for leaks in the heater box. The evaporator is known to leak in our trucks, and is not easily detectable. Most shops will put dye in and not see any leaks, then recharge the system. Sometimes this will get you through the cooling season, then next year it won't work again. ( when it's no longer warrantied) I had an HVAC guy check mine with some sort of electronic leak detector & he found a very small leak. He removed the small hose at the heater box & turned the fan on & off and picked up traces of the freon. If the dealer can't find a leak, it may be wise to have another shop take a look at it to be sure.

Good Luck

 

[mhenon]

I'll do that. I think I'm just going to recharge it one time and see if it holds. Once we get back to the states. . the dealer can take it under warrenty.

Mike