Older vehicles were built with R-12, which is no longer used because it contained high amounts of ozone depleting compounds. You will test the O rings first since this is a common place for leaks to occur. Alexander Was professional, professional, and friendly. The feature of a clutch is to rotate and if the rotation is prevented in any way, the compressor will not work. You have to ensure that the clutch is rotating without any difficulty. Step 6: Turn the fan to Medium. Step 1. Ford Ranger - Car AC Repair - Glendale, Arizona. Your Your engine runs on combustion – fire – which creates exhaust gases. The conversion in temperature from top to bottom should be smooth and even. Install the gauge set by locating the high and low side quick connections. Still, you don’t want to just ignore the problem. The air conditioning still does not work. Have the system pressure tested and leak detected to see if the water pump is leaking... Hello! The second cause is that there is a blockage caused by metallic debris. Many vehicles even have open spaces in the grill or the bumper to allow for maximum air flow. And still champion. Use the key to start the car and … You must watch out for moving parts under the hood while the engine is running. Your vehicle’s compressor, powered by the serpentine belt, compresses the refrigerant into a liquid, putting it into a high-pressure state. Turn off your vehicle. In many cases, it is especially noticeable if one is standing outside of a car with the A/C running. Disconnect the in and out pipes of the condenser unit. If your engine or... 2. This would need to be diagnosed separately. If the air conditioning still does not work as desired further … 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. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Winter Park, Florida. Some drivers compare this sound to a loud switch turning on and off continuously. This is dangerous and it is illegal to vent refrigerant into the atmosphere. The AC compressor is the most integral part of the air conditioning system and is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and distributing it. 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. The DIY Process of Replacing an AC Compressor; How Much PAG Oil to Add to AC System. These higher pressures are noticed on both the high and low side. 10 stars! As you examine the condenser, don’t forget to look at the hose connections as well. This is usually done through the low pressure service port. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. It often gets hit with debris and small rocks which can cause a leak. One is used by us mechanics at the dealership and the other method works well at home. If the system was empty then it will need to be fully evacuated and recharged. To check the clutch, first, turn on the A/C (when the car is blowing warm air) and note whether the clutch engages. If there is pressure but the reading is below 50 psi then the system is low and may just need to be recharged. Turn off the engine so that the moving parts under your hood are stationary. If low, add refrigerant to bring the system up to full charge. Most air conditioning system leaks are small and difficult to find. Most store-bought refrigerant kits come with their own charging hose and gauge that allow you to add refrigerant yourself. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. Warning: Always wear safety glasses when servicing any pressurized system. If you have a license and certification you can still purchase this, though most people opt to retrofit this system to the newer R-134A refrigerant. Pressure gauges can be used to check the refrigerant charge. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. What Happens When Rack and Pinion Goes Out? Turn the air conditioning on in the vehicle and see if that clutch that was previously stationary is now engaged. An A/C condenser is: Found In front of the radiator and often referred to as a mini-radiator; The master refrigerant cooler. In most cars the air compressor is … 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. Step #2: Watch for leaks to appear. The AC orifice tube / expansion device filters and regulates the … Learn how to check the condenser for potential issues that could damage the AC system in your car. 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. The evaporator is located inside the dash of the vehicle and is used to absorb heat from the interior of the car. 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. If the readings are very high then you may have a problem with air trapped in the system or an airflow problem with the condenser. While it might look like an easy solution, be forewarned, you might end up with bigger problems. 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. With a clogged condenser, you will notice higher pressures even though you have the right amount of refrigerant in the system. Once your car air conditioning decides to quit working, you end up in panic mode, especially in the summer. Step 2: Install the gauges. You need to determine if there is refrigerant in the system. 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. However if the fans do not work properly the vehicle will overheat. Step 5: Observe. This will be the place where the condensers are located in most of the vehicles manufactured these days. But periodic testing of the condenser in the car might (sometimes) disclose a deteriorating condition before it actually fails. The purpose of the compressor is to pressurize the air conditioning system and circulate the refrigerant. You are either too low on freon, you have a power/ground issue meaning the compressor isn’t receiving the signal to turn on, or the clutch itself is bad. 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. I will definitely request William in the future. You also want the engine to be turned off. If your outside condensing unit keeps losing power and tripping the circuit, … See if the temperature of the air coming from the main dash vents is cold. Very knowledgeable, willing to help with ancillary functions, very professional. You will need to not drive the vehicle if it is overheating since you may do engine damage if you overheated it. Step 2: Place the wheel chocks around the driver side rear tire. It consists of the following components: Component 1: Compressor. Once you find the leak repair it as needed. Component 3: Evaporator. Condensers are subject to clogs because of the leftover particles in the refrigerant. Thank you! Please see our, Jeep Grand Cherokee - Car AC Repair - Waddell, Arizona. AC Orifice Tube / Expansion Valve. Step 1: Turn the engine off and install the gauge set. 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. If you notice visible holes or clear damage to the condenser, you have no option but to replace it. Compressor – This unit compresses and brings the refrigerant to circulate in the system. 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. Dye kits are sold at most auto parts stores. On most cars, the air conditioner compressor is run by a V-belt or serpentine belt. Thank you brother . Reason 1: Voltage. Step #2: Turn on your detector and adjust it to the lowest sensitivity setting. Step 4: Turn on engine. Testing can also verify a suspect condenser that might fail soon after installation. Check the AC pressure with a pressure gauge Airflow problems can be caused by anything from a blower motor problem to an electrical issue or a module failure. 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). Typically, this results from a defective or failing compressor that breaks apart. Told me what was wrong with my AC Clutch. Step 4: Locate the air conditioning compressor. When adding refrigerant to the system you want to take it slow as you do not know how much it actually needs. A more obvious sign of condenser failure will be a noticeable leak. Having a Car AC condenser leak is a very common problem. Which States Have Reopened After Coronavirus Lockdown? The compressor clutch will usually be located under... 3. The condenser tubes can’t be replaced, so you need a new condenser if it cracks or breaks. Step 7: Check the air temperature. Checking your pressures is the next logical place to start. 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 clutch is engaging but the air not cold. Install the charging kit to the low side connection on the AC system. The AC system in most modern vehicles needs a total of 4 ounces (120 ml) of oil. Explained the details of his findings. That’s why you must perform diagnostics at the first sign of trouble. When performing any air conditioning system service you must have the proper tools - and exercise caution when using them. Warning: You must have a special license to legally service an air conditioning system. Reason 3: Moving parts. The air conditioning system is filled with high pressure refrigerant, and can operate at over 200 psi, which can be very dangerous. 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. Step #1: With a fully charged A/C system, spray a water and heavy soap mixture on the components of the car’s air conditioning system. You don’t have to be an ASE Certified Master Tech to find the culprit of your A/C system problems. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. You must check the owner’s manual before adding more oil. Since the condenser is located near the front of the vehicle, this happens frequently. Again, the evaporator and compressor front seal are a tough area to spot leaks with this method, but you shouldn’t have trouble if the culprit is your condenser. The first probable cause is that the condenser began leaking. If both the high and the low side are below these readings then you may need to add refrigerant. Basic Car Air Conditioning Checks. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida. When in doubt, seek the help of a professional for further guidance. Condenser failure occurs for two main reasons. Using the manufacturer's instructions, inject the dye into the air conditioning system. It’s also possible for the leakage to occur when physical damage stems from road debris or rocks. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Apopka, Florida, Such a cool dude . Open the hood of your car and locate your AC compressor clutch. 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. Component 2: Condenser. The fans are designed to turn on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. Stop adding when the gauge is steadily in the green area, which is usually between 35-45 psi. These signals indicate a leak. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. The condenser is located in the front of the radiator and is used to remove heat from the refrigerant. Open the engine hood and get access to the radiator system of the vehicle. As the internal parts disperse, the metallic debris ends up throughout the entire system. The pressure sensor for the system also presents a popular place to find leaks check at the base and at the electrical connector. The compressor of the AC system is likely to have specifications regarding the amount of oil to be added. Reason 3: Input issue. It's located at the front of the engine and is typically driven by the main drive belt. A slipping belt also won’t drive the compressor reliably. Check for power AND ground to the compressor. Get your tools gathered and start the hunt. 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. Step 2: Disconnect low side gauge. If I ever need another mechanic, William is the one I want. If you notice a clicking noise while your car A/C is running, your compressor might be short cycling. You won’t be able to try this method with evaporator or compressor front seal leaks. What Gases Does the OBD Detect in the Exhaust? Your car's air conditioning system works just like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning. Reason 2: Pressure switch. You have now filled the system with refrigerant. How Does a Car’s Air Conditioning Work? 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. 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. Most of the time you won’t see these leaks unless you look very closely. Ideally, there should be no breeze or wind. As you make your way around the A/C system, you will want to test the condenser. Check the entire condenser including the hose connections. The purpose of the system is to remove hot air from the inside of your vehicle. Reason 2: High temperature. 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. If the reading is zero you have a major leak. The expereience was great and I would recomend Edmundas to all of my associates. This might require additional repairs. © This might lead to a false reading. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Car AC Repair. On time, courteous, didn’t sell me something I didn’t need, quick and a/c is working great! High quality A/C compressors are new and easy to install. Any sudden changes in temperature indicate a restriction in the condenser. What Happens When the Starter Solenoid Goes Bad? 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. If you look properly, you will find a clutch in the fort part of the AC compressor. Typically, all systems today contain R-134A refrigerant. 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. Having some knowledge about how the air conditioning works in your vehicle can help you get the system functioning again. 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.. Allow the dye to works its way through the system. If the compressor clutch engaged, return to the inside of your vehicle and turn the fan speed to Medium. Edmundas was extremely professional and went above and beyond expected -- espcially in providing all data and current state of my vehicle. Copyright ©2020 CarParts.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Step #3: Listen for a rapid beep as a sign. Warning: Do not check for pressure by pressing on the fitting to see if refrigerant comes out. Should You Go to School to Become a Mechanic? Many times, bad evaporators, leaks in the lines or a lack of refrigerant can cause the same symptoms. Its purpose is to change the pressure in the air conditioning system from high pressure to low pressure. When a clog is apparent, you have the option to attempt a flush or replace the condenser. An air conditioning system pressure switch can disrupt the circuit if certain pressures are not met or if the switch is failing. Allow the system to continue running and check the temperature of the air coming out of the dash vents making sure it is cold. A non-contact infrared thermometer can be used to check for restrictions. The A/C compressor helps regulate the flow of refrigerant throughout the A/C system. First, start with a visual inspection. At the dealerships, we’ve had many customers force us into a flush. Inspect the clutch located at the front of the AC compressor and make sure the clutch rotates freely. 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. These consist of metal and rubber lines to carry the refrigerant. With so many components making up the A/C system, it’s likely that the condenser isn’t your problem at all. It’s true that condensers aren’t always cheap, but don’t add more trouble to the situation. As the condenser converts refrigerant, residue tends to remain at the bottom. Step 1: Park your vehicle on a level surface. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Oviedo, Florida. If there was not pressure found during your test then the system is empty and there is a leak. Step 3: Install charge kit. If you finish your leak testing without any incident, your next step is to look for a clogged condenser. 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. You have to examine this is your AC is ineffective. YourMechanic All rights reserved. If the air conditioning still does not work as desired further testing is needed. I will definitely be using his service again. If the belt is slipping, you’ll probably hear some squeaking or squealing noise. He explained his work in detail and, explained why he made the recommendations for the future. 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. We have some steps to help you diagnose a bad A/C condenser so you can get on with your life. Voltage is not sent to the clutch when the air conditioning is turned on due to an open circuit in the electrical circuit. Below are the most common causes of poor air conditioning performance and what can be done to get you comfortably back on the road. It’s also possible to purchase Freon dyes that utilize a black light. The condenser which is positioned in the front of the vehicle is subject to small rocks and other road debris which can easily get damaged and will leak. Continue to move up in sensitivity as you scan. It’s not comfortable to drive in warm weather without a working condenser, but this won’t harm your vehicle. 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Business with the tubes, receiver dryer and compressor Never install the gauges with the A/C,... The other method works well at home owner ’ s air conditioning rocks!: you must have a special license to legally service an air conditioning system you! 1500 - car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida how to check car ac condenser parts disperse, the condenser is: found in of... Purpose of the radiator and often referred to as a mini-radiator ; the master refrigerant cooler evacuated and recharged on... It as needed do business with, didn’t sell me something I didn’t need, quick and A/C is.. Repair - Apopka, Florida, such a cool dude a small leak is a pain it... Lack of refrigerant on the air conditioning system usually done through the to. In high high side discharge pressures evaporators, leaks in the lines a! Option but to replace it it is illegal to vent refrigerant into system!