DaRock

Hey guys, I'm having an issue with the A/C in my 2001 XJ Limited, it doesn't work! When I purchased it it worked ok, not frigid but it worked. Slowly the A/C clutch went up, destroyed to the point of no return. I had the compressor and all associated parts replaced. It worked for about a year+ then no cold air, then it stopped turning on completely. So I had the compressor replaced again after I was told it was the compressor. It worked for about 6 months, then again no cold air and no turning on! So I had it replaced for a 3rd time, this was 3 years ago. Again it worked fine for about 3 months but during that time the cold air it was blowing kept getting warmer and warmer till it was blowing hot air, it finally stopped coming on altogether. The A/C currently will not turn on at all, clutch is not engaging, A/C fan is not operating and it blows hot air. I'm in Baltimore, Maryland and it's been over 90 degrees for days with knife slicing humidity so I'd like to have A/C again. I've forked out over $1500 trying to get and keep A/C in my XJ and still no A/C!

My question is, what things from first to last, can I, someone who is mechanically inclined and can navigate their way under the hood of a Jeep with no problem, easily check without having to by special or expensive tools or gauges before I take it to a mechanic and wind up dropping another 300, 600 or more hundred dollars to get it checked?

If anyone is in the Baltimore area and you know of a good XJ mechanic or specialist that can check out my Jeep please let me know. PM me please and thanks for all your responses and help!

DaRock

Crash_Course

Herein lies the problem... Most any AC work, even diagnostics requires specialized equipment and tools.

If you're continually shredding compressors, there has to be an underlying cause, they don't generally self-destruct one after another unless you buy crap parts or have extraordinarily bad luck.

When the compressor was first replaced, were the lines flushed or replaced? Sometimes when a compressor dies it releases metal fragments into the system which can be difficult to remove, not to mention cause premature failure in the next part.

Good luck

DaRock

Yes when the compressors were replaced the mechanics said they flushed the lines, replaced O rings etc. my current mechanic said the same thing about metal fragments in the system. What do you recommend I try on my own first? I'm ok buying some equipment I may need providing it may shed some light on the ongoing problem.
Thanks for responding.

CCKen

Op,


What you can do, but it costs a few bucks, is to have an Auto AC shop charge the system with refrigerant and do a sniff check at the instrument panel outlets.


It involves starting the engine, turning the AC on with the mode selector in the MAX AC selection (first setting up from off (O), turn the fan on low blow, have the shop put their sniffer in the panel outlet and see if it detects refrigerant.


If it does, your evaporator is leaking.


Also sniff check the engine bay for leaks. If you have dye in your oil a black light can see it.


If you deplete all the refrigerant in your system the oil in the system goes as well. The compressor running without oil will shell it out.


Here's some data about your AC system and a schematic that shows the switch positions in the system.

Crash_Course

Start with checking the simple, free stuff like electrical connections and pressure sensors... Double check that the dash switches function, proper voltage signals are present, etc.

Go over to www.ericthecarguy.com, he always has some great videos and advice.

ehall

If the first compressor locked up internally then you probably have some debris in the rest of the system, and if it recircs back into the (new) compressor it will cause it to fail rapidly as well. Best thing is find another shop to do the work. Then ask the new guys to replace the condenser and evaporator core, along with a new compressor. Could go ahead and replace the accumulator and hoses too, if you are killing that many compressors. Total system overhaul.

CCKen

Usually, the paperwork that comes with a new or rebuilt compressor states that their warranty is void if the Accumulator and the Liquid Line (orifice/filter) is not replaced.


The evaporator and condenser can be flushed but I would recommend replacing the pressure/suction line assembly as well.

ehall

The condenser cores are so small nowadays, they are hard to flush fully

DaRock

Hey thanks a lot guys for all the responses, now I know to direct my mechanic to specific areas or items to check first before I shell out hundreds of unessary dollars.
Y'all ROCK!!

EZEARL

Were all compressors of the same brand? Just had the a/c in the wife's Blazer revamped. Three compressors from the same manufacturer had problems with the clutch. One completely locking up. None lasted more than week. Changed to the OEM and so far so good. So if everything else checks out and all compressors were of the manufacturer I'd switch.


Where abouts in Baltimore you at? I'm from around Morrell Park.

DaRock

No they weren't, I'll be sure to mention that to my mechanic if he's funds I do need a new compressor. Thanks

Turbo X_J

^
If you have to instruct your mechanic, you may want to find another mechanic.

bryanintowson

I take my XJ to AutoPros in Aberdeen, MD.

Give Ron a call and ask him if he can help you.

http://autoprosaberdeen.com/

DaRock

Cool, thanks I will