AC blows but not cold
Thread Starter
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ac blows strong but not too cool. If anything it blows just room temp. I know some of the newer ac systems you can just use the recharge cans but I don't know if that's am option on my ole renix. Its an 88.
You might have to change some parts touse the new R 134 as your system will have R12. You might be able to drain everything out of your system and recharge it with R 134. Have to research what’s all needed to be done
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Thread Starter
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Already done the doorless mod and I made it to where the doors come off like a wrangler (cut hinges). Doorless isnt the best idea when Im about to have a baby, and will be taking her wheeling in 6 months or so. Plus 110* in GA and getting stopped in traffic doorless isnt what I want haha!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I've got 5 years of service at an auto retail store, and when spring rolls around everyone is trying to recharge their ac. Vehicles started to change from R12 systems to R134a systems around 1994, so your 88 will be R12. It's not illegal, but you have to be certified to buy it because it is harmful to the ozone, that is the reason for the switch to R134a.
It's not as easy as just emptying your system and refilling, your system is low on freon which means it leaks somewhere. So first is to find the leak and replace that component, whether it be a hose or condenser or what not. Second, R12 uses different ac oil than R134a, so you would need to pick up the correct amount and put it into the system. Thirdly, R12 fills on the high pressure hose where as R134a fills on the low pressure hose, so you would need to get adapter fittings to adapt your R12 hoses to accept R134a freon applicators.
All in all, ac systems in cars are expensive for a reason, they are very complicated. If I was you, I would take it to a reputable mechanic in your area and have them do the retrofit, but you maybe looking at some serious $. Most shops, if they have already done the retrofit on a car, they place a sticker under the hood, telling them that is has been done. If you have a sticker then you are good to go with R134a, if not, I would just keep the windows down and save my money for something else.
Sorry for the long reply, just want to give you the facts and let you make an educated decision on what to do, I've seen too many people waste money on freon just to find out that their car is R12 and now their ac compressor is seized up due to the wrong freon and lack of oil in their system.
-CZ
It's not as easy as just emptying your system and refilling, your system is low on freon which means it leaks somewhere. So first is to find the leak and replace that component, whether it be a hose or condenser or what not. Second, R12 uses different ac oil than R134a, so you would need to pick up the correct amount and put it into the system. Thirdly, R12 fills on the high pressure hose where as R134a fills on the low pressure hose, so you would need to get adapter fittings to adapt your R12 hoses to accept R134a freon applicators.
All in all, ac systems in cars are expensive for a reason, they are very complicated. If I was you, I would take it to a reputable mechanic in your area and have them do the retrofit, but you maybe looking at some serious $. Most shops, if they have already done the retrofit on a car, they place a sticker under the hood, telling them that is has been done. If you have a sticker then you are good to go with R134a, if not, I would just keep the windows down and save my money for something else.
Sorry for the long reply, just want to give you the facts and let you make an educated decision on what to do, I've seen too many people waste money on freon just to find out that their car is R12 and now their ac compressor is seized up due to the wrong freon and lack of oil in their system.
-CZ
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
freeze 12 can be purchased been using it for over 4 years now no issues r12 substitute....http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...at=0&_from=R40
Last edited by freegdr; May 18, 2012 at 02:02 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
I've got 5 years of service at an auto retail store, and when spring rolls around everyone is trying to recharge their ac. Vehicles started to change from R12 systems to R134a systems around 1994, so your 88 will be R12. It's not illegal, but you have to be certified to buy it because it is harmful to the ozone, that is the reason for the switch to R134a.
It's not as easy as just emptying your system and refilling, your system is low on freon which means it leaks somewhere. So first is to find the leak and replace that component, whether it be a hose or condenser or what not. Second, R12 uses different ac oil than R134a, so you would need to pick up the correct amount and put it into the system. Thirdly, R12 fills on the high pressure hose where as R134a fills on the low pressure hose, so you would need to get adapter fittings to adapt your R12 hoses to accept R134a freon applicators.
All in all, ac systems in cars are expensive for a reason, they are very complicated. If I was you, I would take it to a reputable mechanic in your area and have them do the retrofit, but you maybe looking at some serious $. Most shops, if they have already done the retrofit on a car, they place a sticker under the hood, telling them that is has been done. If you have a sticker then you are good to go with R134a, if not, I would just keep the windows down and save my money for something else.
Sorry for the long reply, just want to give you the facts and let you make an educated decision on what to do, I've seen too many people waste money on freon just to find out that their car is R12 and now their ac compressor is seized up due to the wrong freon and lack of oil in their system.
-CZ
It's not as easy as just emptying your system and refilling, your system is low on freon which means it leaks somewhere. So first is to find the leak and replace that component, whether it be a hose or condenser or what not. Second, R12 uses different ac oil than R134a, so you would need to pick up the correct amount and put it into the system. Thirdly, R12 fills on the high pressure hose where as R134a fills on the low pressure hose, so you would need to get adapter fittings to adapt your R12 hoses to accept R134a freon applicators.
All in all, ac systems in cars are expensive for a reason, they are very complicated. If I was you, I would take it to a reputable mechanic in your area and have them do the retrofit, but you maybe looking at some serious $. Most shops, if they have already done the retrofit on a car, they place a sticker under the hood, telling them that is has been done. If you have a sticker then you are good to go with R134a, if not, I would just keep the windows down and save my money for something else.
Sorry for the long reply, just want to give you the facts and let you make an educated decision on what to do, I've seen too many people waste money on freon just to find out that their car is R12 and now their ac compressor is seized up due to the wrong freon and lack of oil in their system.
-CZ
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Unless it's the evap that's leaking (dash must come out
), the beauty of the XJ is the simplicity under the hood. The kiddo and I replaced the compressor, dryer, liquid line and manifold/rubber hose assembly on ours after flushing the evap and condenser. Added factory spec amount of oil, buttoned it all up and went to a pro to pull a vacuum and charge with factory spec of refrigerant. 2 years later and knock on wood, still have 34F at the center vents. A 6 month old baby without a/c is not going to be a happy camper.......and when baby's not happy, nobody's happy. LOL


