air conditioning mismatch

[catmandu]

Been searching for a while, can't find a similar thread anywhere:

I have a 2000 LE 4cyl. The left and left center vents blow 15 degrees cooler than the right center and right vents when the a/c is on. Don't notice a difference with the heater. Problem?

[LynchburgCSI]

Normal. For every car I've ever been in. Always wondered why.

[catmandu]

Okay then. That makes all three issues solved today (new struts to get rid of bearing rattle, lubed lower steering knuckle to get rid of hard spots in the steering, and a/c charged to accepted performance!)

Thanks!

[LynchburgCSI]

No problem!

[BamZipPow]

It's because how the blower works and how the distribution tubes are laid out.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by catmandu

Been searching for a while, can't find a similar thread anywhere:

I have a 2000 LE 4cyl. The left and left center vents blow 15 degrees cooler than the right center and right vents when the a/c is on. Don't notice a difference with the heater. Problem?

it's normal when you are low on refrigerant in system. i had same thing twice before i took it to a shop for professional vacuum (it removes moisture form system) and recharge.

[catmandu]

First noticed this end of last summer by 'feel'. After our first humid stretch of days last week I was notified by m'lady that the a/c 'sucks'. So as part of today's shop fun we put 5.5 ounces of coolant in, as well as some dye just in case. The 15 degree difference was after the recharge.

Seemed to chill pretty well driving around today, but it is pretty nice out temp and humidity wise, so we shall see.

Thanks all for the help, this place is on par with the f150 site for helpfulness, which is good since both those vehicles are topping 200k!

[fenixus]

i eventually replaced the drier receiver tank (by radiator) which was the source of leak in my case. not sure if it healed the escaping gas problem for long (i heard all a/c systems loose coolant sooner or later even with no visible leaks), but it's much better now. i did when i was to go to shop for recharge the second time.

adding refrigerant from can is not really recommended in a long run if you have bigger leak (how fast does it become low on gas again ?). reason is that a/c system contains oil also which lubricates the mechanical parts (compressor). when you have a leak you loose also that oil together with gas and then when you keep adding only gas .. well at some point compressor starts running dry and eventually dies.

[LynchburgCSI]

Guys he just recharged the A/C system. IF it gets worse, then i'm sure he'll chime back in. That would of course, indicate a leak.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Guys he just recharged the A/C system. IF it gets worse, then i'm sure he'll chime back in. That would of course, indicate a leak.

right

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by catmandu

So as part of today's shop fun we put 5.5 ounces of coolant in, as well as some dye just in case. The 15 degree difference was after the recharge.

How did you know it needed 5.5 oz? Overcharge just as bad a under charge, maybe worse if pressures get too high. Can't properly diagnose or fix A/C without gauges.

[catmandu]

Some guy I met in the automotive aisle at WalMart says he always just adds 5.5 ounces every year and his cars work real good. He said to get 5.5 ounces, you open the valve on the can of a/c cold maker stuff for ten mississippi's. He said his cousin taught him this trick, and his cousin used to work on tanks in the Army, so he knows stuff.









Sorry, too much coffee, just funnin' with ya: My Uncle's "got a bitchin' set of tools" has all the good stuff to do this (and most things) right, buys 134a 30lbs at a time (the fun the day before was replacing the compressor on the neighbor's 2000 MB wagon).

[LynchburgCSI]

^ credible source ftw.