AC stopped working.

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Aug 19, 2012 | 11:30 AM

kegomatix

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AC stopped working.

I haven't used the AC for a couple weeks. It used to blow ice cold with no issues. Tried it today and noticed it wasn't getting cold at all. Then I noticed a clicking sound under the hood, about ever few seconds it would click and change the idle speed slightly. It was definitely the compressor that was doing it, not really sure why.

Any thoughts? Hoping this is a common thing and an easy fix.

Aug 19, 2012 | 12:49 PM

pfogle

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 8,140

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From: Oak Harbor, OH

You've lost enough freon to make the pressure switch trip. There's enough left in it that it will work for a moment then trip the switch. What year truck is it?

Aug 19, 2012 | 12:51 PM

octaneforce

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2009

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From: long island

its over cycling because its low on freon. recharge it. very easy no worries.

Aug 19, 2012 | 01:26 PM

kegomatix

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Thanks guys that's good to know. Being from Oregon I have hardly ever had any experience with AC but here in NC it has become my best friend. And the truck is a 93

Aug 19, 2012 | 06:06 PM

Evan_P

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 3,507

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From: Oregon

If it was just working recently and now doesnt due to low freon, you have a leak somewhere that needs to be fixed first. Its a sealed system, so it shouldnt lose freon.

Aug 19, 2012 | 07:28 PM

pfogle

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 8,140

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From: Oak Harbor, OH

In '93 it's got r12 freon in it. That is not available anymore unless a mechanic has an older machine that he uses to recover it with. If it was me, I'd replace the o-rings, hoses, and orifice and run r134a in it. It's a LOT cheaper and cools just as well when done properly. A lot of people will tell you to replace the evaporator, condenser, and reservoir too, but there really is no need. A retrofit to the newer stuff is relative cheap and easy. You will have to have either an HVAC guy or a mechanic shop remove the r12 as it's illegal to let it escape.

Aug 19, 2012 | 07:54 PM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 20,785

Likes: 1,751

From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan_P

If it was just working recently and now doesnt due to low freon, you have a leak somewhere that needs to be fixed first. Its a sealed system, so it shouldnt loose freon.

X2...excellent advice!

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Aug 19, 2012 | 07:58 PM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 20,785

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From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfogle

R12 is available, you just have to look for it. It is no longer made, but it's not like it has disappeared off the face of the planet.

Personally I am not a fan of using R134a to retro-fit a R12 system. The cost of R12 has come back down to something reasonable if you shop around. On the other hand there are some excellent R12 replacements such as Freeze12 and a host of others. You have several options to choose from.

For the OP, I suggest fixing the leak before trying to recharge the system with any refrigerant.