Impala AC

gonzo55 · 04-17-2006, 06:04 PM

I own a 2000 Impala LS and had the AC radiator replaced cause it had a leak.
That was two years ago. After this past winter I decided to check it but it did not go on, it has gas as I did check. I notice that after awhile it click on. . . after a long while. It was working but not always on demand. Somtimes yes other times I would have to wait. When it's 90 degrees and humid it seems like a lifetime. Now it quit working altogether. And yes it has gas. Can anyone give me some suggestions as to what might be the problem. I'm hoping I can fix it before being force to seek a pro which is expensive!

BNaylor · 04-18-2006, 10:23 AM

Have you run a test with gauges of the low and high pressure ports to see if the refrigerant charge is within specs based on the ambient temperature?

A lot of times it is a good idea to get it serviced by having the system evacuated and recharged with fresh R134a. This is providing there are no leaks. Evacuation will pull any moisture out of the system and any possible contaminants.

gonzo55 · 04-18-2006, 05:43 PM

So you think it needs to be evacuated and refilled. Only after two years? I owned a Ninty eight that lasted for about 5 years with no real ac problems. But then I hear Impalas have a lot of problems. I guess I'm lucky this is the only real headach. Thanks for the info. Think I'll go this Thursday. By the way when is a good time to replace the timing belt.

bigrod118 · 04-18-2006, 09:03 PM

Never. We dont have a timing belt, the Impala's have a timing chain, so you should enver have to replace it, unless you somehow figure out a way to break a metal link chain.

BNaylor · 04-19-2006, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo55

So you think it needs to be evacuated and refilled. Only after two years? I owned a Ninty eight that lasted for about 5 years with no real ac problems. But then I hear Impalas have a lot of problems. I guess I'm lucky this is the only real headach. Thanks for the info. Think I'll go this Thursday.

It is one of those if all else fails remedies. It is recommended in the GM service manual for AC system diagnostics. If low and high pressure readings are good, compressor is good, accumulator is good, condensor is good, no leaks, check valves, pressure switch, etc.

gonzo55 · 04-24-2006, 05:58 PM

Thanks. Also I found the problem. . . it appears all the freon pissed out of the high pressure line. I took the cap off and it was leaking air. My friend replaced the valve and vacumed plus charge the line.Now it's purring like a kitten but is as cold as an angry women! Another one for you, If I install one of those cold air intakes what mods does the muffler and pipes need. And do I really need to do do it after I install the new air intake or can it wait. Will it have negative effects. Also do I need to put all the factory stuff back when I go for an inspection?

bigrod118 · 04-24-2006, 06:27 PM

you can install a CAI or FWI anytime you want, you dont have to upgrade your exhaust at all if you dont want to, so it can wait until you are ready to do an exhaust upgrade.

Negative effect... no, if anthing, as long as you keep off the lead foot, you may see an increase in MPG, because the engine is breathing a lot better.

And each state is different, I for 1, live in WI, and I dont have a vehicle inspection, only emmissions testing. So i'm not sure if you would fail a vehicle inspection for your state, if you are worried about it, just keep your stock setup laying around and when inspection time comes around, just quick swap it out for that day and get inspected.

gonzo55 · 04-29-2006, 07:51 PM

Thanks.

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