So my AC no longer is functional. It was always a bit weak, but not it's not cold AT ALL. So I went to autozone, picked up a guage, hooked it up and the needle didn't even move. The compressor is also not engaging. So I bought a can to refill and see if that would work. Well, I start the car, turn AC on full blast, hook up the can and turn everything on there......and it's like it's not even sucking anything in at all. I wait 5-8 mins and can still feels full, gauge not moving and clutch still not engaging. Is it normal to still not suck in the refridgerant even though the ac clutch isn't engaging? I'm hoping this isn't a much more serious issue...it's damn hot out this weekend.

Before anyone asks....yes, I followed the instructions on the refill kit. Turn clockwise till it punches hole, turn counter clockwise till you hear it "hiss" knowing it's flowing all while the other end is connected to the ac fill plug. I also used two gauges to make sure I didn't purchase a broke one.

Suggestions or thoughts? I know nothing about these hvac systems.

 

If the gauge did not move, then the pressure inside the system is ambient. Once that happens, it's likely there's air inside the system, and it's going to have to be pumped down and filled from scratch. A new receiver/drier would also be in the cards. After they fix whatever is wrong.

Odd that the can didn't empty. The can is under pressure, so if the system is down to zero and you attach the can the refrigerant should flow. Since the compressor isn't running, it would flow even if you hooked it up to the high side.

Are you sure the service valve is opening? That would explain the gauge not moving and the refrigerant not flowing in...but you said you heard it hissing in.

Ken

 

Maybe a bad crimp in one of the hoses and that's what he heard.....it escaping that way as the service valve wasn't opening?

Oh.....and for the record.....do not do it on the high side. Hell, it shouldn't fit there anyway...but afraid someone might try it.

 

U have a problemm. Make sure its not the hvac ***** first.

Then check and see if the valve on the can/hose works.

If u are in nyc I can check it for u. I have all tools for AC

 

Even if it was a leak, it would still charge and blow cold air....or at the very least, take the charge in....it's not even doing that. The can is still full.

 

This is why I said check the valves.

Sometimes it might have a bent pin

 

Nope -- no bent pins. I charged another car of mine to ensure it's not the charging kit. I'm at a loss for this. May just be best to take it somewhere.

 

then the valve on the pipe got problems.

cuz there is no way nothing flows out.

 

That's what I'm thinking. I have a relative that has the professional hvac gauges (low side and high side) and I'm hoping to persude him into taking a look. I'll post what I find out.

 

well, u can just get a ball point pen, and press on it on the valve to see if stuff comes out. if it does, the valve is working.

 

The Compressor has to engage to suck in the refridgerant. Try jumping the high side switch. Thats a litte tricks us techs use to see if the clutch works on the compressor.

 

how do you jump the high side switch?

 

Are you getting hot air blowing out? My AC has been out for over a year now and I believe the dealership said it was the compressor.

I know that when I try to turn on the AC or even just blow air (Cold or warm) I get REALLY hot air out of the vents.