So my AC has never blown cold air since I've owned it. I just recently wanted to have a working AC, since I don't want to go doorless on my way to work. I'm wondering if this is as simple as new charge of freon. I turn the cold air on, and it blows air, but last time I checked it was just hot air, and I turned it off shortly after since it made the car worse, lol.

Any ideas?

 

'Bout $20-$30 to find out One thing tho.. in order to charge it, the compressor needs to be running.. There's a switch on the receiver/dryer thingie that defaults to 'off' when there's not enough freon in the system. You need to unplug it and short it out to make the compressor run. (be ready to charge it as soon as you start it up, so you don't damage the compressor) Once you get 20 or 30 lbs, you can just plug the switch connector back in, and it'll run normally. You might just buck up and use the freon with the UV dye (to show leaks with a uv light) and some leak sealant, in case it's a small enough leak for that to work. Good luck!

 

No you do not short the switch out to fill once the pressure from the can gets into the system it will triger the switch the only time you short the switch is to check if compressor works and then it just for a second...

 

Yeah, u can get pressure into it with out shorting the switch. If it was empty for a while I would at least replace the reciever dryer, Im sure it is saturate with moisture by now. Look for oily stains on any ac component, that may be a leak. The condensor is a big one, very prone to damage. Looks like a big rad in front of the radiator.


Or..... You can prob save some money, rent a vaccume pump and manifold gauges, and check to see if it holds vaccume before you waste money on freon, if it wont hold vaccume it wont hold freon.

A shop would charge around 100 to vaccume, add dye, and freon for you.

 

great advice if youve never messed with ac

 

You have to remember this is a 92, so it has R12 in it. Taking it to a shop will cost a bit more than one of the Walmart retrofit kits, but atleasr it will be done right.

 

theres ways around r12 if you have or are ac smart

 

I found out about the R12 thing from a guy at a shop. I was looking for R12 charges, but it looks like you need a license to buy it. A family member of mine has the license to purchase it, so should I go that route?

Thanks guys

 

I wouldnt go that route. R12 is super expensive. If there is a leak, u are going to regret putting r12 in. I think its like 200 a lb. Replace the reciever drier, replace all the orings you can get to, and put r134 fittings on it. Take it to a shop, have them vaccume and recharge it with r134.