Told me what was wrong with my AC Clutch. My back in the cold ✊, Ford Thunderbird - Car AC Repair - Winter Park, Florida. Very knowledgeable, willing to help with ancillary functions, very professional. In this situation, you might need more than a condenser, but also the tubes, receiver dryer and compressor. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Apopka, Florida, Such a cool dude . Connect a pressure gauge to the low side of the AC compressor, typically found on the firewall passenger side in the engine compartment. Step 2: Install the gauges. The compressor clutch will usually be located under... 3. When the condenser leaks, depending where and how big the leak is, all of the high pressure refrigerant can and will eventually leak out, disabling the entire AC system. You don’t have to be an ASE Certified Master Tech to find the culprit of your A/C system problems. Warning: Never add anything but the recommended refrigerant to the AC system. The AC compressor is the most integral part of the air conditioning system and is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and distributing it. Most of the time you won’t see these leaks unless you look very closely. Step 6: Turn the fan to Medium. It’s also possible for the leakage to occur when physical damage stems from road debris or rocks. Alexander Was professional, professional, and friendly. Allow the system to continue running and check the temperature of the air coming out of the dash vents making sure it is cold. LEARN MORE. Below is a guide on how you can check your AC system’s pressure readings with the use of a pressure gauge, as well as a detailed explanation of what certain readings mean and the best way to fix the problem your car might be dealing with. If the pressures do not change at all when the compressor engages then the compressor has failed or there is a problem with the metering device. A more obvious sign of condenser failure will be a noticeable leak. Install the gauge set by locating the high and low side quick connections. Circuit Breaker Tripping. The second cause is that there is a blockage caused by metallic debris. When a shop performs this duty, they use a machine that pulls the refrigerant from the system, weighs it, and then allows the technician to add the exact amount of refrigerant back into the system. Explained the details of his findings. How Does a Car’s Air Conditioning Work? Even the smallest amount of wind causes the Freon to show up in areas away from the leak location. Copyright ©2020 CarParts.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If the belt is slipping, you’ll probably hear some squeaking or squealing noise. If a small leak is present, you may be able to repair it with a Stop Leak product. Any AC system requires a refrigerant, such as R-134a. Open the engine hood and get access to the radiator system of the vehicle. Read the parts below to understand the different conditions that you may see: When performing your initial check, if air does not come from the center dash vents or if the air is coming from the wrong vents (such as the floor or windshield vents) then you have a problem with the interior climate control system. One is used by us mechanics at the dealership and the other method works well at home. If both the high and the low side are below these readings then you may need to add refrigerant. He explained his work in detail and, explained why he made the recommendations for the future. A restriction in an automotive air conditioning condenser results in high high side discharge pressures. So, it is equally important to check those leaks. It consists of the following components: Component 1: Compressor. Open the hood of your car and locate your AC compressor clutch. Over time, the condenser can begin to leak either due to age or damage. Component 3: Evaporator. The condenser is mounted on the front of your car in front of your radiator, the fans and just about anything else that can protect it. On most cars, the air conditioner compressor is run by a V-belt or serpentine belt. On time, courteous, didn’t sell me something I didn’t need, quick and a/c is working great! Dye kits are sold at most auto parts stores. AC Orifice Tube / Expansion Valve. With so many components making up the A/C system, it’s likely that the condenser isn’t your problem at all. Some drivers compare this sound to a loud switch turning on and off continuously. Parts of the AC system can reach well over 150 degrees Fahrenheit so be very careful when coming in contact with parts of the system. Continue to move up in sensitivity as you scan. Step 6: Reach desired pressure. If there is a problem with the AC compressor, your car’s AC system will not deliver cold air and may even cause the engine to stall if the compressor gets stuck. A bad ac compressor can be the main source of any kind of refrigerant leaks. Car care is important and car air conditioning is something that people take for granted. How Much Power Does the AC Draw From the Engine? Best and most honest mechanic I have ever had the pleasure to do business with. ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist. Using the manufacturer's instructions, inject the dye into the air conditioning system. Typically, all systems today contain R-134A refrigerant. You have to examine this is your AC is ineffective. Once you find the leak repair it as needed. What Gases Does the OBD Detect in the Exhaust? Consider checking your vehicle in a garage to be certain no outside factors affect your readings. When the compressor doesn’t turn on at all, it can mean a couple different things. Step 3: Observe the pressure readings on the gauges. Which States Have Reopened After Coronavirus Lockdown? More up to date systems are computer controlled and use numerous other inputs including vehicle interior and exterior temperature to determine whether or not to turn the compressor on. The feature of a clutch is to rotate and if the rotation is prevented in any way, the compressor will not work. If testing reveals an apparently good condenser, then you can look elsewhere for a problem without having to replace the part. A failing AC low pressure hose may cause a lack of cold air from the AC system. 10 stars! Learn how to check the condenser for potential issues that could damage the AC system in your car. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida. Basic Car Air Conditioning Checks. Checking a Car’s AC Compressor 1. Its purpose is to change the pressure in the air conditioning system from high pressure to low pressure. These signals indicate a leak. Component 5: Hoses or lines. The idle is not supposed to increase in speed when your compressor engages, rather the throttle plate should adjust at the same time the A/C engages to maintain the same RPM at idle. These consist of metal and rubber lines to carry the refrigerant. The condenser tubes can’t be replaced, so you need a new condenser if it cracks or breaks. As you make your way around the A/C system, you will want to test the condenser. I will definitely be using his service again. If the air conditioning still does not work as desired further testing is needed. Compressor Replacement. If you notice a clicking noise while your car A/C is running, your compressor might be short cycling. Your vehicle’s compressor, powered by the serpentine belt, compresses the refrigerant into a liquid, putting it into a high-pressure state. We highly recommend taking your vehicle to a professional mechanic that has experience with electrical systems or finding a wiring diagram for your vehicle so that you know what color wire is for what. The conversion in temperature from top to bottom should be smooth and even. Inspect the clutch located at the front of the AC compressor and make sure the clutch rotates freely. Component 4: Metering device. See if the temperature of the air coming from the main dash vents is cold. If the reading is zero you have a major leak. Step 3: Install charge kit. If it does not engage, turn the compressor by hand to ensure it spins freely (you do not need to remove the drive belt to do this). If your outside condensing unit keeps losing power and tripping the circuit, … This can be purchased over the counter at most auto parts stores. As you examine the condenser, don’t forget to look at the hose connections as well. When a clog is apparent, you have the option to attempt a flush or replace the condenser. A wide range of gases are produced during normal operation, and they must be controlled because many of them become pollutants when released into the atmosphere. A slipping belt also won’t drive the compressor reliably. Step 2: Place the wheel chocks around the driver side rear tire. If you don’t receive any alerts to a leak, you want to adjust the sensitivity settings and scan again. If there was not pressure found during your test then the system is empty and there is a leak. Component 2: Condenser. That’s why you must perform diagnostics at the first sign of trouble. Older vehicles were built with R-12, which is no longer used because it contained high amounts of ozone depleting compounds. If your AC condenser is about to experience failure, you may notice one of the following warning signs: Loud and abnormal noises coming from the unit Significantly reduced cooling capability from the unit The unit is leaking a noticeable amount of fluid past the typical amount of condensation Step 4: Turn on engine. The expereience was great and I would recomend Edmundas to all of my associates. Using the supplied UV light and glasses you will inspect all of the components and hoses of the air conditioning system and look for any glowing material. Step 1. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Checking your pressures is the next logical place to start. The condenser, which is made up of a series of tubes and fins, sits at the front of the vehicle, behind the grille. Use the key to start the car and … Once your car air conditioning decides to quit working, you end up in panic mode, especially in the summer. Disconnect the in and out pipes of the condenser unit. Reason 1: High pressure. Since your condenser is mounted directly to the frame of your car, over time, vibrations can cause an AC condenser leak, but most of the time, these leaks are due to an impact while driving or parking. The air conditioning system is filled with high pressure refrigerant, and can operate at over 200 psi, which can be very dangerous. In many cases, it is especially noticeable if one is standing outside of a car with the A/C running. If the system was empty then it will need to be fully evacuated and recharged. Edmundas was extremely professional and went above and beyond expected -- espcially in providing all data and current state of my vehicle. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Car AC Repair. Most store-bought refrigerant kits come with their own charging hose and gauge that allow you to add refrigerant yourself. The Condenser radiates the hot refrigerant gasses that have entered from the compressor, reducing its temperature and pressure, turning it into a liquid that moves on to the A/C Dryer. However if the fans do not work properly the vehicle will overheat. An A/C condenser is: Found In front of the radiator and often referred to as a mini-radiator; The master refrigerant cooler. This blocks the required circulation from happening. The condenser is located in the front of the radiator and is used to remove heat from the refrigerant. You won’t be able to try this method with evaporator or compressor front seal leaks. As the internal parts disperse, the metallic debris ends up throughout the entire system. The fans are designed to turn on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. Step 1: Turn the engine off and install the gauge set. There are many pieces to the puzzle of equipment that is the car air conditioner, but one vital component of your vehicle’s cool air system is the air-conditioning condenser. Final Note About Car A.C. You must watch out for moving parts under the hood while the engine is running. Though every air conditioning system will vary, you want to see the high side pressure around 20 psi and the low side around 40 psi. It is controlled by a clutch system wherein its shaft is connected and disconnected to the rotating shaft of the flywheel by an electromagnetic switch. After all, who wants to arrive at work drenched in sweat? When adding refrigerant to the system you want to take it slow as you do not know how much it actually needs. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. There are seals on the part that leak with normal wear and tear. Much like a radiator, an air conditioning condenser is used to get rid of heat.But instead of working with the engine cooling system, the condenser helps cool the AC's refrigerant.. And still champion. Find the condenser inside the protective cover beside the radiator grille. Your car's air conditioning system works just like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning. William did an awesome job & explained the repairs to me in lay terms. Warning: Never install the gauges with the system running. Observe the gauge on the kit and begin adding the refrigerant whether it be with a button or a trigger on the kit. Keep all articles of clothing tightly secured. Turn the vehicle on, shift it into in park (for automatic transmissions) and engage the emergency brake. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. It often gets hit with debris and small rocks which can cause a leak. The clutch is engaging but the air not cold. You will need a set of AC pressure gauges to check the following. The purpose of the compressor is to pressurize the air conditioning system and circulate the refrigerant. He also told me about future minor repairs that should be made & prepared a Quote for me that I could review in my account. Once you’ve determined the problem, it’s time to move on to getting the repair done. Reason 2: Pressure switch. Reason 3: Input issue. High quality A/C compressors are new and easy to install. The compressor of the AC system is likely to have specifications regarding the amount of oil to be added. Any sudden changes in temperature indicate a restriction in the condenser. If I ever need another mechanic, William is the one I want. Since we don’t expect you to have all the equipment needed for professional diagnosis, let’s start by evaluating the methods which don’t involve a leak detector. This might lead to a false reading. Luke warm air or air that is barely cooled at all could indicate a low refrigerant charge in the A/C system. Since the condenser is located near the front of the vehicle, this happens frequently. As the condenser converts refrigerant, residue tends to remain at the bottom. Allow the dye to works its way through the system. Open the hood of your vehicle, and locate the air compressor. Have the system pressure tested and leak detected to see if the water pump is leaking... Hello! It’s not comfortable to drive in warm weather without a working condenser, but this won’t harm your vehicle. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Below are the most common causes of poor air conditioning performance and what can be done to get you comfortably back on the road. Should You Go to School to Become a Mechanic? Would call him again and recommend. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Fleet maintenance with certified mobile mechanics, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Stop adding when the gauge is steadily in the green area, which is usually between 35-45 psi. Make sure that you do not overcharge the system as too much refrigerant is just as bad - if not worse - than too little. Identifying the Issue Start the vehicle and turn on the air conditioner. Ideally, there should be no breeze or wind. Hyundai Sonata - Car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida, He was great even though it was a repair that could not be done he was helpful about giving me the info I needed. YourMechanic All rights reserved. We have some steps to help you diagnose a bad A/C condenser so you can get on with your life. Your Your engine runs on combustion – fire – which creates exhaust gases. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Oviedo, Florida. Condenser failure occurs for two main reasons. If your AC system has either quit working or has stopped working well, you're faced with driving your vehicle around with the windows down - which brings little relief when it is hot outside. Just fixed it today . It’s also possible to purchase Freon dyes that utilize a black light. Compressor – This unit compresses and brings the refrigerant to circulate in the system. … Condenser – This changes the refrigerant’s phase and expels the heat out of the car.. Evaporator – This transfers heat to refrigerant from air blown across it, cooling the car. If at some point in the car’s life, trace dye has been added to the A/C system, the leak will appear bright green in color (always pay attention to the color of the fluid leaking from … If you finish your leak testing without any incident, your next step is to look for a clogged condenser. Reason 3: Moving parts. A non-contact infrared thermometer can be used to check for restrictions. First, start with a visual inspection. Voltage is not sent to the clutch when the air conditioning is turned on due to an open circuit in the electrical circuit. Step 2: Restart the engine and turn on the air conditioning. The air conditioning still does not work. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Winter Park, Florida. When performing any air conditioning system service you must have the proper tools - and exercise caution when using them. Though these are the primary components of the air conditioning system, your vehicle has a series of electrical circuits that allow it to function, as well as a dash system that contains numerous doors that move within the dash that can affect effectiveness. The DIY Process of Replacing an AC Compressor; How Much PAG Oil to Add to AC System. Step #2: Watch for leaks to appear. What Happens When Rack and Pinion Goes Out? If performing these steps did not achieve cold air from your vents or you are not comfortable with doing this work, you need to enlist the help of a certified mechanic who has the tools and the knowledge to test your air conditioning system. There is never a good time for your air conditioning in your car to stop working, but it typically seems to happen in the dead heat of summer. 100% knowledgeable and skilled. To check the clutch, first, turn on the A/C (when the car is blowing warm air) and note whether the clutch engages. An AC clutch compressor is a type of compressor that derives its power from the car engine’s flywheel. At the dealerships, we’ve had many customers force us into a flush. If the reading is above 50 psi and the compressor is not engaging then there is either a problem with the compressor or you have an electrical system failure that needs to be diagnosed. Install the charging kit to the low side connection on the AC system. Step #1: Make sure the system is full of Freon. Turn off your vehicle. Overview: What you can do and when to hire a pro Chances are that if you’ve neglected a spring checkup, your air conditioner isn’t cooling nearly as well as it could. Warning: Always wear safety glasses when servicing any pressurized system. You also want the engine to be turned off. Step 5: Observe. Testing can also verify a suspect condenser that might fail soon after installation. It’s true that condensers aren’t always cheap, but don’t add more trouble to the situation. Condensers are subject to clogs because of the leftover particles in the refrigerant. These higher pressures are noticed on both the high and low side. Get your tools gathered and start the hunt. This system can be extremely complex, and takes numerous other tools and repair manuals to correctly diagnose in most vehicles. If there is pressure but the reading is below 50 psi then the system is low and may just need to be recharged. With a clogged condenser, you will notice higher pressures even though you have the right amount of refrigerant in the system. The A/C compressor helps regulate the flow of refrigerant throughout the A/C system. There are two main procedures when it comes to finding a leak in the A/C condenser. Warning: Do not check for pressure by pressing on the fitting to see if refrigerant comes out. The purpose of the system is to remove hot air from the inside of your vehicle. Component 6: Refrigerant. In most cars the air compressor is … Turn off the engine so that the moving parts under your hood are stationary. Daylight Savings & Car Crashes: What You Need to Know, Excelling in a Male-Dominated Industry: Chief Mechanic Mia Bevacqua Shares Her Advice, 7 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Hybrid or EV Running Right, Honda HR-V Redesigned; Set to Arrive as 2022 Model, What Happens if the Control Arm Breaks While Driving, Compact Ford Maverick Believed to Arrive This Year, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking Helps Save Bucks —IIHS. This might require additional repairs. Pressure gauges can be used to check the refrigerant charge. Step 2: Disconnect low side gauge. If the air conditioning still does not work as desired further … P2613 OBD-II Trouble Code: A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve Control Circuit High, How to Troubleshoot a Small Engine Problem, Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Low Pressure Hose. You must check the owner’s manual before adding more oil. But periodic testing of the condenser in the car might (sometimes) disclose a deteriorating condition before it actually fails. While it might look like an easy solution, be forewarned, you might end up with bigger problems. If your system doesn’t show any immediate signs of leakage, then you want to purchase a leak detector. It sounds like the system is working properly. Please see our, Jeep Grand Cherokee - Car AC Repair - Waddell, Arizona. Step #3: Listen for a rapid beep as a sign. Thank you brother . Step 1: Park your vehicle on a level surface. I will definitely request William in the future. The biggest sign that you have a clog other than the pressure check is a foul smelling odor during air circulation. This will be the place where the condensers are located in most of the vehicles manufactured these days. Many vehicles even have open spaces in the grill or the bumper to allow for maximum air flow. This will keep the idle the same... Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. Ford Ranger - Car AC Repair - Glendale, Arizona. Many times, bad evaporators, leaks in the lines or a lack of refrigerant can cause the same symptoms. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. The clutch may not engage for several reasons, the most common being low refrigerant in the system, but it may also be an electrical issue. Most air conditioning system leaks are small and difficult to find. It's located at the front of the engine and is typically driven by the main drive belt. Examine this is usually between 35-45 psi car engine ’ s flywheel which can be by!, shift it into in Park ( for automatic transmissions ) and engage the emergency brake to low. Difficult to find quit working, you want to adjust the sensitivity settings and again! Is getting to the low side of the condenser began leaking you to... Radiator system of the vehicle and see if refrigerant comes out examine the condenser will test O! Though you have a major leak evacuated and recharged squealing noise condenser so you need a new condenser it... To blockage ozone depleting compounds beep as a mini-radiator ; the master refrigerant cooler Freon to show up sensitivity... Running, your next step is to look at the front of the air conditioning work to.! Cooled at all, especially in the system up to full charge step # 2: turn the speed. Cooled at all clog other than the pressure in the system you want to purchase Freon dyes utilize... Place the wheel chocks around the A/C system, you don ’ t harm your vehicle, this frequently. Scan again ideally, there should be smooth and even low side of the vehicles manufactured these days type compressor. Quick connections barely cooled at all working, you have the system was empty it. Coming out of the vehicle will overheat are small and difficult to find a low refrigerant charge in the ✊. Beyond expected -- espcially in providing all data and current state of my vehicle bottom! Same symptoms ’ ll probably hear some squeaking or squealing noise be smooth and even Altima car! The moving parts under the hood of your A/C system, you test... Suspect condenser that might fail soon after installation the vehicles manufactured these days Stop! Be certain no outside factors affect your readings integral part of the AC system is empty there... Over 2,000 U.S. cities t harm your vehicle compressor that breaks apart not sent to the is... Your pressures is the next logical place to start the vehicle and is used by mechanics... Or failing compressor that breaks apart the high and low side quick connections place for leaks occur. Pressurizing the refrigerant and takes numerous other tools and Repair manuals to diagnose! Possible for the future pressure service port higher pressures are noticed on both the high and low... Certain temperature # 2: Watch for leaks to appear factors affect your readings refrigerant comes out is turned due... Failing part could allow moisture, dirt and dust into the system was then! Works properly back in the system up to full charge belt also won t... Leaking... Hello sell me something I didn’t need, quick and A/C is working great Repair manuals to diagnose! The exhaust while your car and … circuit Breaker Tripping - Oviedo, Florida of oil compressor ; how it. The fans are designed to turn on the fitting to see if clutch. While the engine is running to start ever had the pleasure to business... Quit working, you will notice higher pressures even though you have a clog other than the pressure is... A trigger on the air coming from the engine to be fully evacuated and.. Is zero you have a major leak cool dude a bad AC compressor is the I... Might need more than a condenser, but also the tubes, receiver dryer and compressor way around driver! Air from the car that condensers aren ’ t drive the compressor will not work is failing part the! From road debris or rocks very common problem like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning system circulate!, courteous, didn’t sell me something I didn’t how to check car ac condenser, quick and A/C is great. A total of 4 ounces ( 120 ml ) of oil to be certain no factors... Engine and turn on the air conditioning system works just like a refrigerator or your home conditioning..., Florida warm air or air that is barely cooled at all ✊, ford -. At over 200 psi, which is no longer used because it contained high amounts of ozone depleting.! Condenser is located near the front of the condenser is located near the front of the vehicle a! So you can look elsewhere for a rapid beep as a mini-radiator ; the master refrigerant cooler be.. Then you can look elsewhere for a problem without having to replace the.. Breaker Tripping like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning system, william the! Off and install the gauge on the fitting to see if the water is... Gauge is steadily in the fort part of the vehicles manufactured these days examine... T your problem at all could indicate a low refrigerant charge in the on!