I have a problem with my air conditioning that I may have found, but I am looking for advice on fixing it. I replaced the compressor 2 years ago and had it professionally recharged, and last spring when I took it out, the R134 was low. I charged it, and everything was fine until fall. I decided to park it, and this spring when I took it out, I knew that I'd have to charge it, but I wanted to find the leak first. My first thought was that I put something back together wrong on the compressor, but there are no leaks coming from that at all. I got to checking out all of the hoses, and on the low side closest to the firewall, there are connections to the high and low side that go into a block that is covered by plastic. On the low side, I noticed that there is an accumulation of dirt and what seems to be oil right at the fitting. This is the only spot that looks suspicious, and I was wondering which o-rings or gaskets I need and how to go about replacing them. Also, is there something that could be causing this, and if so, how would I remedy the situation?

 

Could be a leaking high or low (or both) Shrader valves. On alot of older vehicles I get at work, I've seen these leak. Also too, I've gotten cars/trucks in where I replace a leaking compressor, but as soon as I disconnect the a/c machine from the shrader valves, they start leaking or stay open because the o'ring in them either pinches or is dry-cracked from age. I'd start with looking at the shrader valves though. One will be only about a dollar, the other one is about $8, then whatever the cost is of an evac/recharge. If you have them evac/recharge, tell them to put dye in so that if you have other leaks, you can find them easy with an UV light.

 

I picked up some dye today, and had to pick up a kit since I can't find my other one. I'll throw it in there and get it looked at. I don't want to fix 1 ring, charge it, and then find a leak somewhere else. Are the rubber rings the only thing that they use for those?

 

Most likely, yes. Something else to keep in mind is that is normal for some ac compressors to leak SLIGHTLY from around the seal behind the pulley (forgot what its called), so if you see a little oil around it that looks like its been there a while, its ok. And you might have to get a certain tool to remove the valves from the lines. The valves are flat on both sides and the tool sits over it and they screw out.

 

Here's what I've found so far. When I turn on the air, the compressor won't kick on. I checked the pressure, and it's right at the high end of being full. I reset the PCM because I was doing some other work, and I read somewhere that the AC may throw a code and not turn on the compressor. I feel that if the compressor kicks on, the pressure may be low, but I can't be positive. I can bypass the relay, but I don't think that this will fix the problem. Is there any reason that the compressor wouldn't kick on? Also, if I do need to bypass the relay, where is it located?

 

Anyone?

 

I still can't get the compressor to kick on. I cleared the PCM, jumped the relay, and checked the pressure and nothing is working. Would it be a bad compressor? It's not leaking anywhere, and it's only 2 years old and sees minimum duty, so it's frustrating if it would be the compressor. Would anyone have any ideas?

 

Try changing the pressure switch.

 

Where's that at? Is it on the high side by the shrader valve on the low side?

 

On top of the passenger side shock tower.

 

It would be the switch that has the 3 terminal connector right?

 

That's it.

 

Thank you very much.

 

Okay, I ran datamaster, and it threw a code when I turned on the AC that said the AC pressure switch is degraded. I replaced the switch, and I still don't get anything. Pressure is good, the compressor will turn by hand and I can feel it pumping, but I can't think of what else to check? I did clear the code as well as reset the PCM, and I also tried jumping the relay as well. At this point, I'm at a loss.

 

Isolate the problem. Check for power at the clutch. If you have it the clutch is bad.