fixing A/C

[deezeejoey]

SO i was talking to my friend who just got a new car (02 WRX, Such a nice car)
And he was talking about how he fixed his A/C.

He said he bought a gauge to check the pressure in the hoses.
I know there is a high pressure one, and a low pressure one.
I can only find the low pressure one.

I have a 98 camry

Also, anyone know where i can get this gauge? (i assume advanced auto parts.)

[Hajoca]

Yes, but most part stores in the US will carry an aerosol can with gauge on a hose... what is your AC malfunction?

[deezeejoey]

Just seems like to me that it just doesn't work.

Turn it on.... doesn't get cold at all... just blowing hot air at my face.
And with the past 3 days it's be well over 90 i'm in need of some A/C.

Are there any other ways of testing your A/C?

I have a coupon for a $9.99 A/C inspection for midas, but they've tried to rip me off before.

[cykaaro]

Just got mine working today actually, so this is what they did. Hope it helps somewhat.

First they have to evacuate the system and test the pressure As well lubricant was put in. If it doesn't hold pressure, then there's a leak that has to be fixed before it can be recharged. If it's an R12 system [which I believe your's isn't] then a retrofit just be done. The issue with my retrofit, the low side valve was corroded so I had to replace that part. Taking it out my system still had oil running through it so it I'm thinking the valve caused it to leak the freon out.

Now, if the system holds pressure, you should be good. At this point it's best to put in a stopleak as a preventative measure to help insure that nothing is going to start leaking on you. Doesn't mean it won't, but betters the chances that it won't. Then it's just charging the system and viola! Cold AC.
If the system is set up the same as the gen3, then the high side you'll find in the drivers front corner, and the low side is in the passengers side against the fire wall.

Hopefully the same is for your case. If it is leaking, then they need to put in a dye to see where the leak is , and go from there.

Good luck!

[95toyotacamry]

Well i only had problems with my ac like 2 times, i went to the mechanic and they just told me it was missing some gas there, the second time a hose was leaking the gas. And yep if it turns on but no cold air comes out is probably the gas, oh and there is a button there you re supposed to press after the A/C is on so the cold air starts to come.

[Strum]

Originally Posted by deezeejoey

Just seems like to me that it just doesn't work.

Turn it on.... doesn't get cold at all... just blowing hot air at my face.
And with the past 3 days it's be well over 90 i'm in need of some A/C.

Are there any other ways of testing your A/C?

I have a coupon for a $9.99 A/C inspection for midas, but they've tried to rip me off before.

Just curious if you got your A/C fixed? I have issues with the A/C on one of my cars and I haven't takled it yet. With mine I get no sound or change in RPM's when the A/C is turned on and of source no cold air.

The reason I ask if you got it fixed, is I live in Aurora OH and know the suffering you went through over the weekend if it wasn't fixed. If you didn't fix it, at least you have some cooler temps now.

[zoni]

deezeejoey, get a check/recharge kit r134a at the autoparts store or walmart or something...

strum, check in the right kick panel the 10A A/C fuse and the A/C magnetic clutch relay...

[xtremeskier97]

Originally Posted by Strum

...The reason I ask if you got it fixed, is I live in Aurora OH and know the suffering you went through over the weekend if it wasn't fixed. If you didn't fix it, at least you have some cooler temps now.

all I can say is........... HA! Ohio?!?! Come on! Try living in Louisiana! Not only HOT...but HUMID!!!

[Eric Marshall]

Hey xtreme - I didn't have to have it pulled down .I just started charging and after a few seconds the compressor kicked in! Now it's overheating even w/air off unless I'm going at least 45 mph. The hydraulic fan always runs and I can stop it with my bare hand. Sorry if I'm butting in!

[zoni]

Originally Posted by xtremeskier97

all I can say is........... HA! Ohio?!?! Come on! Try living in Louisiana! Not only HOT...but HUMID!!!

great skiing in louisiana too...

[DAMON]

we actually have quite a bit of humidity up here in ohio and michigan... but OT

[Strum]

Originally Posted by xtremeskier97

all I can say is........... HA! Ohio?!?! Come on! Try living in Louisiana! Not only HOT...but HUMID!!!

xtreme - Well, I'm not going to claim we have Louisiana weather all the time, but we were matching Baton rouge this past weekend with temps around mid 90 and the humidity around 85 to 90. This part of Ohio is known for high humidity, but it's usually July when it hits and August when it peaks. Right now it's about 80 degrees and the humidity has dropped to 50%. This morning the humidity was at 90%.

zoni - thanks for the suggestion, but what is the "A/C magnetic clutch relay"

[zoni]

its a relay... in that passenger side kick panel... it probably wont be marked... i can help you out a little better tomorrow...

[deezeejoey]

Originally Posted by zoni

deezeejoey, get a check/recharge kit r134a at the autoparts store or walmart or something...

I tired this today....

I noticed that once the pressure in the hose got to 45PSI the A/C finally kicked on.
Then i turned the car off, and i could hear air leaking from one of the hoses.\

Originally Posted by xtremeskier97

all I can say is........... HA! Ohio?!?! Come on! Try living in Louisiana! Not only HOT...but HUMID!!!

and sorry xtreme, it's gets really humid here too.

[xtremeskier97]

Which hose is it that's leaking? Luckily....the a/c lines are all in parts, so no one piece is very long or hard to replace. Just make sure you replace the o-rings too.