Air Conditioner Problem
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Joined: Sep 2001
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Air Conditioner Problem
Yesterday I was driving my truck (95 F150) and the air started blowing warm. Obviously something is wrong with the AC. I'm just not sure what. I have looked and do not see anything that looks like a leak or any damages. I was thinking that it might be the hi/low pressure sensor or switch. Is there an easy way to test it? Are there any problems that are more common than others with these AC systems? I just need to know where to start looking. Does anyone have any input on this subject? 
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From: houston
Give us a little more info. Was it working ok to start. Type of driving? Does it come and go? Is the compressor turning? Things like that will help. What part of Texas are you in? I know Houston's starting to warm-up nicely.
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It has been working perfectly. I have never had a problem with it. It does seem like the last few years it hasn't been quite as cold as it used to be. That could just be my imagination though. Also, the fact that the truck is black doesn't help keep things cool. The compressor does run for a little while and then shuts off. When it runs the air is cold. I have concluded that the hi/low pressure switch is doing its job then. My dad said that it might be that over all this time that a little refrigerant has leaked out and it is just slightly low. I should have better explained in my first post. I have looked a second time and do not see any eveidence of leaks etc. This has been going on since last weekend. I took a trip to dallas from austin and it worked fine on the way up there, but on the way home I had to drive with the windows down. The type of driving hasn't really changed any.
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From: houston
It sounds like you may have a very small leak. It just took a couple of years to fall far enough to cause you a problem. Since you can by the R-134a in any parts store, I would try putting some in myself. If you don't have a sight glass in your system you will need a set of gauges to tell when the proper amount/pressure is installed. If you can't beg borrow or steal some gauges I would just put one can in and see if that helps the problem. Or you could just take it somewhere you trust and have them do it. Problem is most shops will want to dig into your system looking for the leak that is probably too small to find at this point. Also check all the lines for frost/ice. If you find any, that indicates a blockage inside the line at that point. Good luck.
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From: Mississauga,Ont.,Canada
To add ,the compressor should be cycling on and of at least 3-4 times a minute and in high humidity and over 80 degrees should pretty well run continuous. As holland said add a can of 134 and see if the compressor starts to cycle. If it does it is a small leak.
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Thanks for all of the input. I have added 2 cans of refrigerant. It seems to be working fine now. It has been for about 3 days now. I wish it was colder though. I'm pretty sure it used to be colder, but then again it has been extremely humid here lately. I added the 1st can and it worked fine for about 30 minutes. How many cans will the system hold?
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From: Mississauga,Ont.,Canada
Depends if there was anything left in the system. Put a thermometer in the centre vent and anything below 48 degrees F. you should be happy with. My system from dead empty holds about 40 -44 ounces. The accumulator if original may have the capacity of the system or the owners manual for the glove box may have this information in it. If you put to much in it won't cool as good thats why the thermometer is a good check to see what is going on with the system.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
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I just had a leak in my Chevy ac system fixed and had it recharged for $89.00,the Ford is next it also has a leak in the system.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: New Jersey
If it's not freezing cold (as it should be) you probably still haven't filled it up enough. However, that's not something to guess, you'd need a set of gauges to know what is in there and at what pressure.
If you want to find the leak, there's an easy way, however it requires replacing *all* the R134 and compressor oil if it's part of the refrigerant.
Remove R134 via the schrader valve. Attach smoke machine to schrader valve, and let run for 15-20 minutes. Then look for minute traces of smoke. Where it smokes, is where it leaks.
Joints have seals and/or o-rings that can be replaced easily enough, and if it's in the middle of one of the hard pipes you can replace it or braze it closed using a mapp torch and a product like www.durafix.com.
If you want to find the leak, there's an easy way, however it requires replacing *all* the R134 and compressor oil if it's part of the refrigerant.
Remove R134 via the schrader valve. Attach smoke machine to schrader valve, and let run for 15-20 minutes. Then look for minute traces of smoke. Where it smokes, is where it leaks.
Joints have seals and/or o-rings that can be replaced easily enough, and if it's in the middle of one of the hard pipes you can replace it or braze it closed using a mapp torch and a product like www.durafix.com.
little white hose