A/c isn't kicking in

nsjuice

nsjuice

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Air conditioning ran fine last year. It's been getting warm and I noticed the Ac hasn''t been running when i turned it on the other day. Fan blows fine, just no cold air.

At the stop light while AC was on, I can hear clicking from the front like the AC is trying to kick on.

When I got home I popped the hood and noticed the pulley system where the AC unit is hooked to tries to "pop out"? This happens at every 5 or so seconds interval.

Any ideas guys? As I always do before posting I tried searching with no avail.

It's going to hit the mid 90's next week and I want to get this resolved!


So not ready for the hot weather.
 
Sounds like it is cycling, maybe too much. Feel the AC lines themselves when running. One may be warm, one should be cold.

Could be a broken blend door too. What year?
 
Sorry, it's a Gen II.

Blend Door has been broken for a quite a while now, only issue with blend door is with heater.

AC always blew fine up to recently.

Cycling too much? Please elaborate, i know nothing of systems.
 
The AC compressor is suppose to cycle on and off unless its extremely hot out, then it can run and run....

But if its cycling too quick, it can mean that the refrigerant is too low.

Or something like that. I did my own system last year and had that all figured out. lol
 
Unity, From what I recall last summer.. I did think to myself that I needed to refill Refrigerant. I mean, it was cold but took quite a while for it to get comfortably cold.

And!!! as I recall, the wifey on occasion turn the DEFROST on during this past winter.. and if I remember reading correctly on LVC, DEFrost turns on the AC.

I don't know if this would deem the system refrigerant "LOW" enough for the AC unit not to kick on?


Cobrastar.. thank you and.. WOWzers.. I currently dont have access to any sort of multimeter.. but will give it a try once i do, and if noone else can pinpoint the troubles.

And, yes.. everything spins freely...
 
it "spins freely" because that is just the pully, that is what it is supposed to do..freewheel.

when the clutch engages the pully and the clutch "become one" and the compressor turns.

you should put a guage on your system and see what it says.

your system is either low on R134 and the low pressure switch is trying to "save your compressor" from dying.

OR the clutch it'self is worn out.

I'd put my money on that you are low on R-134.

dont use ANY of the climate control settings OTHER than "vent" or "floor".
ALL the other settings will try to engage the compressor.

Save yourself alot of time, money and possible headaches..atleast let someone take a look at it, before you destroy the compressor or the clutch.
 
Well if it was low then it would be lower now. Remember, its impossible to "use"refrigerant. Its lasts FOREVER. The only way to get low is if you have a leak - and it you have a leak its always leaking, running or not.

Best thing to do is to replace all the o-rings, vacuum the system out and put in new R134a refrigerant. Sounds like a lot of work, but its not too hard. To do it right you need the right tools. So one thing you could do is at least replace all the o-rings on your own ($14) and then take it to a shop to just have them vacuum the system out - thats all. Leak check if you feel like it. With a vacuum in place you can get the cheap refrigerant kits and re-fill it - if they are even sold in your state. I have to drive into Michigan to get mine.
 
Sounds good guys.. I just wanted to get LVC advice before actually having someone look at it. Plus, it's not like I know anything about AC systems.. California is a bitch when it comes to DIY refrigerant.

I'll report back after the weekend. Otherwise, if there's anything else I should look into please do share.

Thanks fellas.
 
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