Newbie A/C servicing tips?
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Newbie A/C servicing tips?
Hi all...
I have a '94 Ranger that's approaching 140k miles and appears to need some A/C work. I've had the it for almost 6 years, and only had the system checked for the first time 2 years ago for preventative maintenance. It worked perfectly last summer...
Anyways, I turned it on earlier today to see if the system was still operational, and after maybe 5min at normal engine operating ranges, there wasn't even a hint of cold air.
I checked under the hood, and the compressor didn't seem to engage at all.
Before I go running off to the local Advance Auto Parts store half-cocked, what do I need? It's a R134a system...
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'94 Ranger XLT 2.3L EFI, 2WD, 5spd
I have a '94 Ranger that's approaching 140k miles and appears to need some A/C work. I've had the it for almost 6 years, and only had the system checked for the first time 2 years ago for preventative maintenance. It worked perfectly last summer...
Anyways, I turned it on earlier today to see if the system was still operational, and after maybe 5min at normal engine operating ranges, there wasn't even a hint of cold air.
I checked under the hood, and the compressor didn't seem to engage at all.
Before I go running off to the local Advance Auto Parts store half-cocked, what do I need? It's a R134a system...
--
'94 Ranger XLT 2.3L EFI, 2WD, 5spd
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
Newbie A/C servicing tips?
Does the compressor ever engage? If not, this could mean loss of all charge or an electrical problem. There should be a low pressure cutout in there; I like to pull the plug and short the 2 leads for a brief moment to see if the compressor engages in order to rule out some electrical problems (also to determine that it's a charge problem). If the compressor does not engage, take a voltmeter to your jumper and check for 12 volts. If no voltage is present it's time to work your way backwards in the electrical system. If you do have 12 volts, run a live (fused) 12 volt jumper wire directly to the clutch on the compressor to engage it; if it engages then once again look for an electrical problem between the clutch and low pressure cutout. Make sure you get the polarity right when you do this. You can also test for voltage at the clutch using a voltmeter. If a live 12 volt wire attached to the clutch does not engage the compressor (or if 12 volts is present), check for a bad clutch.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Jun 7, 2003 at 04:37 AM.
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Newbie A/C servicing tips?
It turns out there's a leak around the condenser.
I had no idea it was actually mounted in front of the radiator! All this time I thought it was the radiator that was getting beat up by small rocks & debris...
I had no idea it was actually mounted in front of the radiator! All this time I thought it was the radiator that was getting beat up by small rocks & debris...
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Newbie A/C servicing tips?
Originally posted by majerror
It turns out there's a leak around the condenser.
I had no idea it was actually mounted in front of the radiator! All this time I thought it was the radiator that was getting beat up by small rocks & debris...
It turns out there's a leak around the condenser.
I had no idea it was actually mounted in front of the radiator! All this time I thought it was the radiator that was getting beat up by small rocks & debris...
Last edited by 94van; Jul 23, 2003 at 08:48 AM.
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Newbie A/C servicing tips?
I'm all for saving money and doing repairs myself, but just how difficult and involved is a condenser replacement?
I don't have much in the way of specialized tools, just a reasonable socket set. Also, if this isn't something a relative newbie to car repair can't handle alone, then I'll just spend the $380 at the local garage...
I don't have much in the way of specialized tools, just a reasonable socket set. Also, if this isn't something a relative newbie to car repair can't handle alone, then I'll just spend the $380 at the local garage...
