Air Conditioning
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kearney, Nebr
Air Conditioning
Alright guys, I know very little about air conditioning. I've never had a truck that the air conditioning has worked in. My stroker used to have it but that was two years ago. So what do I need to do to get my air back? Can I re-charge the system myself?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Yes you can recharge it with the small cans from the part stores but there is a catch. many of those have sealer in them as well and if you put one with sealer in there the chances of getting a shop to work on your A/C will be slim. The sealer will plug up the recovery machine if service is ever needed.
It could also be something else electrical and not charge related. A set of pressure gauges are really needed to diagnose.
It could also be something else electrical and not charge related. A set of pressure gauges are really needed to diagnose.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 750
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I know you asked TJ but at least around here, the shops charge a crazy amount for a re-charge on the AC system. Too bad you weren't near me, I do air conditionong/refrigeration for a living. You got any buddies in the business who would help out??
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 750
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No no, I'm talkin puttin a vacuum pump on the AC system. Whenever the system gets completely empty on charge, your suppose to put a vacuum pump on the system, gets all the moisture out.
If you don't pull a vacuum, still may work. I guess depends how long shes been empty
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Forgot to ask. Even though it isnt workin, could be because the low pressure switch is open, not allowing compressor to start. Like TJ said earlier, gauges would be a help.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Ohio
if you put the selector on cold, does the ac clutch engauge?? If it doesnt, its either becasue the low side switch is bad, or there isnt enough in the sytem for it to build any pressure. If its empty, theres a reason for it. Autozone makes a kit now thats about 49 bucks, and even comes with an UV flashlight, and the 134A has UV dye in it. You can pinpoint where your leak is. Just dont tell anyone after you fill it that you did it yourself. I personally have never had a problem with recoverin the 134a with sealer, but I can see how it could pose a potential problem. How long did your air work before it stopped? If it was a complete season, you MIGHT get by with a recharge every year or so, should cost about 25 bucks. If you have to replace compressor and such, get a GOOD one from a junk yard, save yourself 600 bucks and put it in yourself. Takes about 5 minutes.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kearney, Nebr
if you put the selector on cold, does the ac clutch engauge?? If it doesnt, its either becasue the low side switch is bad, or there isnt enough in the sytem for it to build any pressure. If its empty, theres a reason for it. Autozone makes a kit now thats about 49 bucks, and even comes with an UV flashlight, and the 134A has UV dye in it. You can pinpoint where your leak is. Just dont tell anyone after you fill it that you did it yourself. I personally have never had a problem with recoverin the 134a with sealer, but I can see how it could pose a potential problem. How long did your air work before it stopped? If it was a complete season, you MIGHT get by with a recharge every year or so, should cost about 25 bucks. If you have to replace compressor and such, get a GOOD one from a junk yard, save yourself 600 bucks and put it in yourself. Takes about 5 minutes.
I'll check out the ac clutch tomorrow. I should be able to hear it engage right?
I don't use the air much. Only when I have passengers on a long trip or something of the nature. I know it worked two summers ago. Maybe half the summer last year. I've only tried it once this summer.
I doubt the compressor is bad.
Is that kit a pretty good deal? Is it fairly simple to understand? The dye will tell me where the leak is.. is their some type of sealant with the kit? Then do I charge it with 134A?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Central PA
What year is the truck you're working with? If it's the 97 you have listed on your posts then 134 would be ok but if it's an older system that ran on r12 then you'd have other things to take care of first.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Hey just for grins start the truck and turn the ac on max if the compressor is not turning wiggle the electric plug on top of the compressor and see if it starts up. If not nothing lost. I have seen two were the plugs loose contact from the engine shaking. On both I was able to clean up the contactors inside the plug and bend just a little and get the compressor going. One was mine and the other was a well digger I had out who said he had been with out ac for 2 yrs and thought the compressor was gone. Just something simple to look at before you get into it to far. good luck
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Sorry Farm I posted then went to bed. Most of the advice above is good. Every vehicle I put our A/C machine on is tested for sealant so if it has sealant in we send it down the road. Just some thoughts on that. I think you can find refrigerant without sealer but I am not certain. Check the plug at the compressor and also you can turn on the a/c then test for battery power at that plug as well. A/C gauges will be needed to know if the system is low on refrigerant.