Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Ac problems

Old Feb 2, 2016 | 03:47 PM
  #1  
majared's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default Ac problems

1999 Cherokee sport. With the ac on the ac compressor keeps cycling on and off every few seconds. The pressure goes up with the compressor off and down when it's on. Any suggestions. Does that mean a leak somewhere? Or could it be the clutch?
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 04:23 PM
  #2  
toasterknight's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 5
From: Oregon Coast
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

Cycling quickly means it is typically low on freon. You can get a recharge kit at any parts store.
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 05:43 PM
  #3  
majared's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default

I was filling it when I noticed it was cycling. The pressure goes up almost to the red so I was worried about over filling it so I stopped. It goes way down when the compressor kicks on. Should I keep filling it
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 06:17 PM
  #4  
toasterknight's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 5
From: Oregon Coast
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

Keep filling. You are supposed to measure pressure when the compressor is running. Only fill while the compressor is running. You can bypass the cutoff on the top of the evaporator if your impatient like me.
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 06:49 PM
  #5  
majared's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default

Ok I'll fill it. Thanks for the help
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 10:17 PM
  #6  
brielly1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 88
Likes: 2
Model: Cherokee
Default

You most likely have a leak. Fill it up but also add some dye. If it goes low again you can find your leak with a black light. If you're lucky it will just be an o-ring.
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 11:37 PM
  #7  
toasterknight's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 5
From: Oregon Coast
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

Originally Posted by brielly1
You most likely have a leak. Fill it up but also add some dye. If it goes low again you can find your leak with a black light. If you're lucky it will just be an o-ring.
It could also be an extremely slow leak that took 100k miles to leak out. These are old vehicles. They often need refrigerant at this age. Yes if it is gone in a year or two again, it would start looking for leaks.
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 09:13 AM
  #8  
majared's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for all the info and help. I'm gonna fill it and see what happens. I don't have a black light but I'll see if I can get one and get some dye
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 10:31 AM
  #9  
majared's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default

I filled it to the green part of the pressure gauge on the can. The compressor stayed on and the ac is cold. There's still room for more so I'll get another can with dye in it and see if there's any leaks.
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 05:34 PM
  #10  
myjeep's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
From: mount prospect, il
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3
Default

dont waste money, use it like it is and look for leaks. cuz when you find a leak you will have to loose the rest of the freon and fix the leak.

look at all connections, lower part of condencer and the heater box water drain. it will be a neon green if there is a leak.
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 07:08 PM
  #11  
majared's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks myjeep
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xjcherokee2000
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
1
Sep 28, 2016 05:23 PM
Jrozar
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
14
Feb 5, 2016 08:57 PM
Cory Culver
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
Feb 2, 2016 05:30 PM
samiam
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
7
Jan 31, 2016 11:55 AM
Ronnie Ponder
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
Jan 29, 2016 08:38 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:44 AM.