Ac repair help

[ravioliman]

As the title says my ac is unfortunately not working atm. It started to die going into winter but as the car was being put up it wasn't an issue. Now that we are in the middle of summer it definitely is. So when I first took her out I put a little bit of freon in the system. And that got the ac up and running perfectly for about 3 weeks. Now we are back to blowing hot air and when I look and listen to clutch isn't even trying to engage. I don't believe it's a leak as I've checked the pressure for a few weeks now and there's no sign of that. Even took it to a shop to took a quick evaluation and all they said was no engagement and that they also found no leak. Any place to start checking would be greatly appreciated as I'd love to keep driving her this summer but with current weather patters that's getting harder and harder. Thanks for any and all replies

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[-RAC-]

Compressor or compressor clutch?

 

[SHOdaddy68]

The A/C system has many components that must be in working order for the system to function. Just because there is pressure does not mean it's enough pressure or that there is enough refrigerant in the system.

I recommend you take it to a certified A/C repair shop where they have the machine to pull everything out and hold a vacuum on it. If it holds a vacuum, the same machine can then re-charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant and lubricating oil, and add a UV dye that will show up with a UV light to help find any slow or future leaks. If it doesn't function correctly at that point then the shop can trouble-shoot and find the faulty part in the system from there.

 

[Blueflash]

I don't think the A/C clutch will engage if the pressure is too low? If you had to add freon, there should be a leak somewhere...

 

[Mike Pfeifer]

What are the pressures exactly? Did you check for voltage at the compressor clutch?

 

[Skye]

In the beginning, a lack of refrigerant was having some affect on the operation of the system. Now, the same issue has returned, or yet another problem has developed.

It's good the system is not engaging; it's preventing even more damage from occurring.

You could be having a problem with an incorrect refrigerant level (too much or too little) obstruction (debris from device failure), compressor (main unit or clutch) fault, electrical issue, sensor problem, etc.

There's nothing unique or systemic to the 6G involving the A/C system. A common failure point.

I'd study for, then seek out reputable dealers or shops, schedule an appointment and have the system evaluated. I gravitate towards local and avoid national "quick, cheap and easy " businesses.

Don't be off-put if the shop wants to charge a diagnostic fee. With a free estimate, they could simply be guessing to get the job. Some shops later wave the initial fee if the repair is then scheduled.

If required, opening, flushing, evacuating, re-charging and later bringing these systems on-line often requires special tools and insight, something best left to shops that routinely service them.

 

[ORRadtech]

You haven't said what year and model you have.
You said that adding refrigerant made it start working. That is an indicator of a leak.
You also said that it has pressure but I'm not sure what you are describing. Pressure sitting off or running. Pressure is only helpful when running and you need to say low and high pressures.
As for the clutch not engaging, there are several sensors, in addition to low/no refrigerant, that can stop it from coming on.
There are several specialized tools needed for even basic ac repairs. If you don't have the tool or knowledge then your best bet is going to be a automotive ac specific shop. General mechanics often don't want to work on them or have the specialized knowledge to do so.

 

[Garfy]

You haven't said what year and model you have.
You said that adding refrigerant made it start working. That is an indicator of a leak.
You also said that it has pressure but I'm not sure what you are describing. Pressure sitting off or running. Pressure is only helpful when running and you need to say low and high pressures.
As for the clutch not engaging, there are several sensors, in addition to low/no refrigerant, that can stop it from coming on.
There are several specialized tools needed for even basic ac repairs. If you don't have the tool or knowledge then your best bet is going to be a automotive ac specific shop. General mechanics often don't want to work on them or have the specialized knowledge to do so.

Yes since he did add refrigerant and it improved, a leak probably exists. I'm not a fan of UV dye because that's only useful IF the leak is external and not contained within the evaporator case inside the passenger compartment. Using a high quality heated pentode leak detector is best as it's capable of detecting a leak as small as 1 ounce of refrigerant per year. The most common leaks are from a leaking evaporator core due to corrosion from the moisture inside from normal operation; the other is condenser leaks from physical damage from rocks, etc. and finally leaking hose connections. Connecting a manifold gauge set is important so you can see what the operating low and high side pressures are which will allow you to see if it's a charge issue, compressor issue, etc. On a different note, I laugh whenever I see "freon" used as freon was discontinued in 1994 when R-134a took over and of course we now have R-1234yf (and soon another new refrigerant coming soon under SNAP).

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