How to Repair Automotive A/C
- Freon Check. You will need a set of manifold gauges to check you freon pressure. ...
- Expantion Valve and Flushing. If you decide that the A/C system needs to be flushed in order to remove debris and oils you will need to remove the ...
- Compressor. If your compressor is leaking freon from the central o-ring seal or making clicking noises then its probably time to replace it.
- Vacuuming. It is important to change the drier each time the a/c system has been opened or loss of pressure has occurred.
- Filling the System. Once you are sure that the system can hold a vacuum for an hour you may proceed to filling the system with Freon.
- Leak Checking. Leak checking can be done with a leak checking device. You will need to hold the device up to any connection, compressor, condenser and the drier.
- Useful Tools. Here are two tools that can be useful when servicing air conditioners. The firsts one is a valve removal and installation tool.
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How much does it cost to repair a car AC?
Most AC repair services charge $50 to $150 per hour, and some have a minimum service call fee or a flat rate of $70 to $200. More extensive AC repairs such as replacing the compressor, evaporator coil, or condenser coil cost $500 to $2,000 on average. AC units close to fifteen years old may cost less to replace than repairing and replacing parts.
How do you recharge the AC on a car?
Part 3 Part 3 of 5: Testing Your System Download Article
- Crank your engine and turn the AC on high cool, high fan. This allows you to check to make sure your parts are working.
- Make sure the compressor clutch is spinning. The compressor clutch looks like a circle. ...
- Set the refrigerant temperature gauge to the ambient temperature. ...
- Check the pressure gauge to make sure it’s in the white or green zones. ...
Why does car AC need recharge?
- Step-1. At first, you need to do is turning on the car. ...
- Step-2. It this step you will need to check the remaining. ...
- Step-3. Put the quick connecting fit from the end of the recharge hose and push down gently until you hear a click sound.
- Step-4. Now turn on the car and put the AC at high. ...
- Step-5. ...
How to recharge the AC in your car?
Part 2 Part 2 of 5: Checking the Pressure Download Article
- Put on your eye protection and gloves. Refrigerant is very dangerous and can result in injuries. ...
- Find the low-pressure line port, which will have thicker tubing. There are two ports on your air conditioner.
- Remove the port cap by unscrewing it. ...
- Hook the pressure gauge hose to the port. ...
- Check the reading on the pressure gauge. ...
How much does it cost to fix the AC of a car?
Typically, depending on the severity of the issue, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $900 to fix a car's air conditioner. Costs tend to run higher when you need to purchase additional parts, like a new compressor, condenser, sensor, or hose.
Why is my car AC not blowing cold air?
The most common cause of a vehicle's air conditioner not getting cold enough is that it needs to be recharged. You can recharge your refrigerant by yourself, but to save time and make sure the job is done correctly you should make an appointment with your local professional auto shop.
How do I fix my car AC blowing hot air?
0:263:41How to Fix Car AC that Blows Hot Air (AC Compressor) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing to do is open the hood and check the pressures. So get a set of AC gauges and hookMoreThe first thing to do is open the hood and check the pressures. So get a set of AC gauges and hook them up but don't worry they don't cost much I got these at Harbor Freight tool for like 50 bucks.
What causes car AC to stop working?
There are several things that can cause electrical problems for your car's air conditioning. These can include failed switches, a blown fuse, a problem with the control module or something else. Fuses can short out and make the A/C stop working or a loose connection can create an electrical short that is easily fixed.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.
Can I recharge my car AC myself?
Topping off a car ac system can usually put you back in the deep freeze. That's a job you can do yourself if your vehicle was made after 1993 and is filled with R-134a refrigerant (check the label under the hood or the specifications section of your owner's manual to be sure).
How do I know if my car AC compressor is bad?
Four Signs Your Car's AC Compressor Is Going BadOdd Sounds. You might hear some strange noises when you flip on your vehicle's air conditioner and if you do, it's probably the compressor. ... Hot Air. The whole point of turning on your vehicle's AC is to get cold air to come through the vents. ... Fluid Leaks. ... Stuck Clutch.
How do I know if my AC compressor is bad?
Clicking, ticking, or rattling sounds coming from your AC are signs of trouble. Either your compressor has gone bad or something else is wrong. These sounds are definitely a sign to schedule your air conditioner maintenance. Puddles or moisture around any part of your HVAC system could mean there's a refrigerant leak.
How do I know if I need to recharge my car AC?
If your AC has been blowing warm air from the in-cabin vents, this is a red flag that your AC system needs a recharge.
Will AutoZone recharge my AC?
If you need help performing this, or any AC recharge or service, check out our list of preferred shops in your area that can help. Or, if you'd like to tackle the job yourself, AutoZone has all the tools and refrigerant to service your R-134A or R-12 vehicle.
How to speed up a car's refill?
If you want to speed up the refill process then dump the can in some warm water or heat it with a hair drier. Do not use heat guns, gas burners or boiling hot water. Once there is some pressure some pressure in the system, turn on the engine and the a/c fan to max.
How to check if your car has low Freon?
1. Replace thermostat 2. Set to driving condition 3. Check for excessive duct hose length, kink or bend. If you can't get your a/c to turn on then use this chart to determine if you are low on freon. Remember that this is a general char and will very for different makes and model cars and refrigeration units.
Where is the freon condenser located?
The condencer is located in front of the radiator.
What is the PSI of a R134A?
You can also use this good rule of thumb with R134a, run fan on High with all windows open and engine at 1500 rpm. High side pressure in PSI should be about 2.2 to 2.5 times outside air temperature in degrees F. Example if it's 90 degrees F, high side should be no higher than 225PSI.
When installing a new drier, do you drain the oil?
This should be done right before vacuuming, since the drier will become useless ofter two hour or so of being in the open. Now it is time to pull a vacuum.
Can you fill a can of Freon with UV dye?
NEVER fill through the high pressure side as tough this may cause the can to explode. If you are adding a can of Freon with UV dye or oil you need to have the can upside down. This will cause liquid instead of gas to come out; you should open the low side valve just a little bit in order to have a little bit flowing.
Why does my car's AC go out?
Having your car’s air conditioning go out suddenly can ruin your day fast. The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.
How to check if air conditioner is working?
If the air conditioning is set to max cool and fans on high, but is only blowing moderately cool air: 1 Check to see that the cooling fans on the condenser or radiator are running when the air conditioning is on. 2 Look for any restrictions like leaves, bugs or dirt that would keep air from passing over the condenser. 3 Check the cabin air filter to ensure that it is not clogged.
How does an AC condenser work?
The AC condenser looks similar to a radiator and works in conjunction with the radiator fan (s). Air flowing across the AC condenser tubes cool the hot (gaseous) refrigerant that absorbed heat from inside the vehicle.
What to look for when air conditioning is on?
If the air conditioning is set to max cool and fans on high, but is only blowing moderately cool air: Check to see that the cooling fans on the condenser or radiator are running when the air conditioning is on. Look for any restrictions like leaves, bugs or dirt that would keep air from passing over the condenser.
What is an AC clutch?
The engagement clutch, called an AC clutch, can also fail rendering the compressor inoperative. What to Look For: If the refrigerant is low, check for visible system leaks that appear green and oily. Failing internal components caused by normal wear or low AC Oil levels caused by leaks. Failed AC clutch.
What is an evaporator in an AC?
The AC evaporator acts like a huge ice cube with holes in it. It allows the hot, cabin air to flow through the core, rapidly cools this air, and blows it out into the cabin again. The cool air felt from the dash vents is provided by the AC heater blower motor assembly.
What causes an AC evaporator to fail?
Common Problems: The number one cause of failure is a leak due to age and wear. An electronic leak detector is the best way to check for leaks. Give attention to the AC evaporator box water drain tube. Use the tester to search for a leak.
How Does A Car AC Work?
A car air conditioning has five primary components that make cooling possible. These components are:
How Do You Fix An Overcharged Car AC By Yourself?
Fixing an overcharged ac outside can be very dangerous, so perform this task at your own risk. The overcharging of your AC over a short while is primarily because of the Freon you have there.
How Do I Know If I Have An Overcharged Or Undercharged AC?
If you want to know why your ac is blowing hot air in your face, this is probably because of two reasons. First, the ac system is undercharged and needs a charge. And second, it is having overcharging problems.
How Should You Recharge Your Car AC?
To recharge your ac, you need some gears. It is the toughest part, and if you do not have the correct tools, the process will not be successful.
Recharging The AC System
The very first thing you need to do is to connect the manifold gauges to your ac system. Take your time and make the connection secure. Next, you have to make sure the valves are in closed positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The AC installed in the vehicles need to be recharged with proper coolants after every two years.
Conclusion
How to fix an overcharged ac in your car? Did you get the answer right? Fixing the car ac by a mechanic is the safest way to fix it. If you plan to do it yourself, you can use the method I mentioned above, but it is risky.
Must have tools for diagnosing and fixing car AC problems yourself
You simple cannot diagnose a car AC problem with just the low pressure gauge on R-134a recharge kit.
Where to start diagnosing your car AC problems
Most cars and trucks from the 90’s until around 2017 used R-134a refrigerant. That refrigerant is inexpensive and easy to buy at any auto parts store. But late-model vehicles use a more planet-friendly R-1234yf that you CANNOT BUY WITHOUT A LICENSE.
If you own a hybrid vehicle, find out if uses an electric AC compressor
Conventional engines power the AC compressor with a drive belt, but some hybrid vehicles have an electric compressor. Older hybrid systems still use R-134a refrigerant but they use a different oil.
Next, find out if your system uses a magnetic compressor clutch
All older systems use a magnetic compressor clutch to disengage the compressor when the system is off or cooling needs are low. But some newer vehicles use a “clutch-less” variable displacement compressor. The pulley and compressor shaft on those compressors rotate any time the engine is running, even if the AC is turned off.
Next, find out if the system in your vehicle is an orifice tube or expansion valve design
Orifice tube and expansion valve systems differ in how they meter high-pressure refrigerant into the evaporator coil. Some of the testing routines I refer to below are system-dependent; in other words, the temperature checks for an expansion valve system are different than the temperature checks for an orifice tube system.
How to tell if you have an orifice tube or expansion valve system
The images below show an accumulator and a receiver/drier. Orifice tube systems use an accumulator and it will always be located near the evaporator exit at the firewall of the engine bay. An expansion valve system uses a receiver/drier instead and it’s located right next to the condenser in front of the radiator.
Step 1: On a clutch style compressor, turn on the AC and check for compressor clutch engagement
If the compressor doesn’t engage, see this post. If it does engage, move on to the next step
How to check if compressor clutch is spinning?
Start the engine and turn the AC to the MAX position. Pop the hood and examine the compressor clut ch to see if the clutch disc is spinning. If so, you can proceed. If not, see this post to determine why the compressor clutch isn’t spinning.
Why won't my clutch engage?
• Compressor clutch won’t engage due to wear which enlarges the air gap between the compressor pulley and the clutch plate. Symptoms: Clutch won’t engage or does engage but makes screeching noise.
Can AC condenser be flushed?
If the AC condenser is leaking or is clogged it must be replaced. The condensers on most late model cars and trucks cannot be flushed! The passages are too small and once debris is caught, it stays caught. So bite the bullet and replace both the condenser and the receiver/drier.
What parts of an AC system go bad?
There are also several other parts in your auto AC system that make it go. This includes an AC condenser, an accumulator, a thermal valve expansion valve, and an evaporator. There are also a series of hoses that are used to keep your car’s AC system ...
What does it mean when your car only sends out warm air when you turn on the AC?
If, for example, your car only sends out warm air when you have your AC turned on, that’s a pretty clear-cut sign that you need to schedule auto AC repairs and prepare to pay the auto AC repair costs that come along with them.
How to avoid being surprised by auto repairs?
One of the ways that vehicle owners can avoid being surprised by auto repairs is by figuring out how long certain parts in their car are going to last. A repair won’t catch you off guard when you have some general idea of how long your car’s parts are going to stick around for.
What is the compressor in an AC system?
The compressor is probably the first part that comes to mind when you think about your car’s AC system. It’s responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant in your AC system so that it’s able to cool air off for your car, and it’s also in charge of keeping the air in your system moving along. It’s a part that you’re going to have to repair ...
How long does an AC compressor last?
But generally speaking, you should know that something like your AC compressor is going to continue working for about 8 to 10 years before it’ll need to be replaced. The same can usually be said for your AC condenser, too, which will often last as long as the compressor if not longer in some cases.
Should I dump money into my car to fix an AC compressor?
You shouldn’t dump hundreds of dollars into a car to fix a part like an AC compressor when there is a chance that another part of your AC system could break next week. You would be better off avoiding the auto AC repair costs and leaving your AC system alone.
Can I get a discount on my car's AC?
There isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to auto AC repair costs, either. Auto repair shops aren’t going to be able to offer you much of a discount on their AC products and services, which could very well make it difficult for you to arrange to have your car’s AC system fixed.
How Does An AC Work?
Before we jump into the reasons why an AC might stop working, understanding the process of cooling your cabin will give you a better chance of finding the root cause of the problem.
Cost To Fix A Faulty AC
As previously mentioned, there are many possible reasons why an AC might not work properly. These possible reasons include a problem in one of the components or a leak in one of the many hoses.
Summary
The air conditioner makes the cabin of your car cool and pleasant. It works by changing the state of the refrigerant from gas to liquid which involves high pressures and temperatures.
