A/C Not working....any suggestions?

1slow95

Founding Member
May 16, 2002
1,797
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48
ohio
I got my windows tinted the other day and I can't roll the windows down for about a week now. It's about 80 degrees so I turned on the a/c, but all I get is warm air. Not too warm, but definitely not cold. Do I just need to recharge my a/c? can I do this myself?
 
I would not recharge it myself. You have to have some type of Haz Mat removel service and a spill response kit. Just take it to a local shop that is authorized to do the job. It cost me less than 50 bucks and they replaced all the hose at the same time. Also with the new freon my A/C was blowing at 44 degrees. Well worth 50 bucks in 120 degree weather
 
If you don't have a leak and your system is fully charged it could be a pressure switch. There are two switches on the 94-95. One has a four wire connector and the switch is green in color. It is located in the front passanger side near the CCRM. The other switch has a two wire connecter to it and is black in color. It is located on a canister mounted to the firewall on the passanger side. They are like $16.00 each at an autoparts store. All you do is unscrew the old one and screw in the new one. You will hear a quick release of pressure from the line. This is a schrader valve and will stop leaking when you remove the switch. One switch is a high pressure and the other is low pressure. When the pressure on the line increases to a certain point the high pressure switch engages and then pressure in the line decreases. Then, when it reaches a certain pressure the low pressure switch engages and the line pressure increases. It is a cycliac system.
 
Also, if you see that the compressor only comes on for a few seconds and then stops this is another sign of a bad pressure switch. Another possibility is the clutch on the compressor is slipping. Not really worth replacing just the clutch because it will cost just as much as a new compressor. I would try the switches first then go for the compressor which you will want an A/C train person to install.
 
JJ95GTID said:
Also, if you see that the compressor only comes on for a few seconds and then stops this is another sign of a bad pressure switch. Another possibility is the clutch on the compressor is slipping. Not really worth replacing just the clutch because it will cost just as much as a new compressor. I would try the switches first then go for the compressor which you will want an A/C train person to install.

Well I know I have a leak...just started last summer, as far as I can tell. I'll check that but it probably just recharged...I know a guy that should be able to fix it.
 
CivicEater said:
Tint = no windows for 7 days? I had mine done and 2 days later I was fine.....just a thought

He told me about a week...but I checked it and I think its fine now...anyway, I should still get my a/c fixed because I might need it later. Thanks for the help guys! :nice:
 
I bought a recharge kit from Wal-Mart with gauges, fittings, hoses, etc,etc. It's called "2 Way R-134a Retrofit, Charging & Measuring Kit" I think I paid around $30 for it and did it myself. Freon isn't used in cars anymore. R-12(freon) is what needs to be removed from a recovery unit. My 94 has the R-134a stuff. It took me 15 minutes and I've never done it before in my life. Save your money and do it yourself.
 
Just to let you know, if you are out of r-134a, the pressure switch is doing it's job by not turning on the compressor. You need to see if you have freon in the system. If you don't, then you have a leak. Next you need to hook up a vacuum pump, and see if it will hold a vacuum. If it does, then the leak is small enough to maybe get away with. It will leak eventually. How long will it hold? Who knows.

Have them put a flourescent dye in with the r-134a. That way you will be able to trace the leak with a black light & fix the problem if leaks too fast. You can get the dye at NAPA for 5 bucks.
Scott
Scott