AC probkem
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: SF Bay area
yes this is a sign of low refrigerant. do you have gauges to use? also, on my 2000 when the a/c is on max, the vent temp is 38deg, this was at the last service with a new compressor and receiver/dryer. have you looked under your rig to see any drips on the bottom of the a/c compressor?
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Get & hook up a real set of gauges. After all, you are probably going to save enough money by not having to go to a mechanic. They run around $65. When it clicks on & off rapidly, it is a clear sign that the ac system is LOW on FREON charge.
The exact symptom that you have described is a text book ASE question for becoming ac repair certified.
Another good tip is: your high side pressure should read close to 2.5 times higher than the outside air temperature you are working in. Another tip: turn your truck on, is there LOT of air flow behind the radiator fan? If not , it is time for a new FAN CLUTCH. Replace it ASAP, or far more expensive repairs will be soon to come.
The exact symptom that you have described is a text book ASE question for becoming ac repair certified.
Another good tip is: your high side pressure should read close to 2.5 times higher than the outside air temperature you are working in. Another tip: turn your truck on, is there LOT of air flow behind the radiator fan? If not , it is time for a new FAN CLUTCH. Replace it ASAP, or far more expensive repairs will be soon to come.
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From: Virginia Beach VA
anybody have a recommendation for a set of gauges... to give the man?
Don't forget that now the A/C is working... you have a leak somewhere that needs to be found or you'll be charging again. You can add some dye to the system to see, may just be a loose connection... but I'd recommend finding it. Sometimes you can tell a leak by the oily residue left behind as the charge contains a small amount of oil, could be seen as a wet spot around the joint/connector.
Don't forget that now the A/C is working... you have a leak somewhere that needs to be found or you'll be charging again. You can add some dye to the system to see, may just be a loose connection... but I'd recommend finding it. Sometimes you can tell a leak by the oily residue left behind as the charge contains a small amount of oil, could be seen as a wet spot around the joint/connector.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 75
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From: West Friendship, Maryland
I went through this for 6 months. I could not find the leak until I put some UV dye in the refrigerant line. Turned out that the leak was on the line going from the compressor to the condenser. Once I knew where the leak was, the repair was simple.
Already had the gauges and a vac from doing my Taurus AC a couple years beforehand. Now, they have paid for themselves several times over.
OP, as has already been stated, the on and off clicking of the AC compressor is a sign of low freon, but I think you already figured out that the system was low. As has already been pointed out, the system is a completely closed system, so if you are low on freon, then there is a leak somewhere.
What has not been pointed out is that freon and moisture cause acid, and that acid will eat up your AC components. So, when you go to add freon it is best to pull a vacuum. Moisture evaporates under vacuum and is sucked out of the system. Then, with a proper set of gauges you can close the system and see if the two sides remain under vacuum. If they remain under vacuum, then you know the system is air tight and you can add the recommended amount of freon and sleep well at night.
Already had the gauges and a vac from doing my Taurus AC a couple years beforehand. Now, they have paid for themselves several times over.
OP, as has already been stated, the on and off clicking of the AC compressor is a sign of low freon, but I think you already figured out that the system was low. As has already been pointed out, the system is a completely closed system, so if you are low on freon, then there is a leak somewhere.
What has not been pointed out is that freon and moisture cause acid, and that acid will eat up your AC components. So, when you go to add freon it is best to pull a vacuum. Moisture evaporates under vacuum and is sucked out of the system. Then, with a proper set of gauges you can close the system and see if the two sides remain under vacuum. If they remain under vacuum, then you know the system is air tight and you can add the recommended amount of freon and sleep well at night.
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