Hi, everyone. I was returning from a trip this weekend and cruising on the Interstate at about 75-80mph, temperature about 88-90 degrees, when I noticed that the air conditioning seemed to be working hard to keep the cabin cool. Engine temp stayed stable at 180 or so.

Within 20 miles, the cooling quit working all together. I turned the AC off, waited 10 min, nothing. Stopped the car, started back, still nothing. I did notice that the high pitched cooling fan wasn't running. Any ideas/suggestions? Haven't really seen a lot of problems with the A/C on these cars.

 

Unless you're setup to work on A/C systems or are a good DIY'er you probably will have to take the car to a good A/C shop.

First make sure the system has plenty of refrigerant. Avoid running the A/C until you check this. The refrigerant carries the lube oil around and running the compressor sans refrigerant can ruin the compressor.

If system low or empty then there's a leak. If there is a leak could be anywhere but my money's on a condensor. They're exposed to rocks and such coming through the radiator opening and corrosion from debris that gathers around the bottom of the radiator ducting.

If you take car to a qualified shop the tech will hook up a pump that pulls a vacuum on the system and removes all refrigerant and oil. IIRC the pump is left hooked up for around a half hour and it must maintain a suitable vacuum.

IIRC the tech can refill the system with refrigerant and add dye and this dye will show him where the leak is when the system is run.

Then the system is repaired if necessary. The system is then vacuumed again and this time if all well the system is recharged with new refrigerant and the proper amount of oil.

When you get the system pressure/fluid tight again and filled up with refrigerant then turn on the A/C and verify both radiator fans come on at least on low speed.

There's more. I had a tech go over this with me some time ago and I may have some things wrong. In some systems a diagnostics computer can be hooked up and tech can query the A/C controller for error codes which can help pinpoint the source of the problem. He can even run some tests. May not be low on refrigerant the A/C compressor may not be spinning or it may be a sensor, etc.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

Modern auto AC have a low pressure compressor switch. Your AC system needs enough refrigerant before the compressor will kick on.

It's not hard or rocket science to evac and recharge a system, I've done it many times before. You can rent a manifold gauge and R-134 vacuum pump from AutoZone for free and evac the system for leaks. Heck, this is what I would do in your situation right now instead of topping off the refrigerant.

Search google for the procedure and understanding on how AC systems work.

Good luck.

/m

 

Thanks, guys. As I've never worked with AC systems, I think I'll take it to my local, but, with a starting point

I've said it before and I'm sure that I'll say it again - RENNLIST is the best! I'm really impressed with the wealth of knowledge here and everyone's willingness to share.

 

Well, just found out that its the condenser that has the leak. Went through the entire system today with my tech. Oh well

I'd wait and get it repaired in the spring if it weren't so damn hot down south this summer!

 

Shouldn't be a hard fix. Replace then vacume the system for half an hour or more then refill. Then the most import part is chilling out on your next cruise Pun intended