A/C problems

Ever since I got my '96 JGC in '01, I've had problems with the A/C. So, I take it in and have it recharged, and it works fine until the end of the summer when there's a noticable difference in the cold air it puts out. It's been checked for leaks, and there's a new compressor on it. The only thing anyone has been able to tell me is that there might be a leak under the dash. So, this brings up two questions. 1) is that feasable? and 2) how do I fix it?

Ive got a 96 and I usally have to add about 3/4 to a pound of R 134 each year. The only way to find aleak is to put some dye inthe system and watch for it to surface somewhere. usally there is a leak in the lines or condenser and evaporator. The Evaporator is under the dash on the passenger side. It is hard to find a leak there even with dye because of the Housing.

They had mentioned something about a leak being under the dash somewhere, and that it would be expensive to fix, which I don't doubt. However, I'm tired of having to take it to get it recharged every year (and getting charged $70 for it), so I'd like to do it myself. Problem though. I don't know what I'm doing. I don't even know if that's something I can do in the first place. So here are my new questions.

1) Is this something I can do myself?
2) How hard is it?
3) Is it more cost effective than paying someone to do it?
4)How do I do it?
5) Are there any special tools I would need to buy?

Thanks for your help!

Its not that hard to put a charge in the system. They sell kits at Wallmart, Auto zone for around 25. No special tools to buy everything comes with the kit. Just hook up to the low pressure side which is marked on the AC System Start the Jeep and turn the AC on add the charge. After you by the kit its only $5to 10 a season for the R134. You can spend a little more if you buy the guage set around $50 but if you only doing your vechicle you can get buy with the kit.

You should pop for the gauges. If you over charge the system you'll put stress on the clutch and other componenets.

Check your readings and use this chart as a guide: http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Chart

Also, you will want to add oil every 6 or so cans you put it. The freon will take some oil with it when it leaks.

Perhaps I'm looking for the wrong thing, but I've looked online and in Checker, and everyone's told me I have to be certified to buy any type of refrigerant. Any suggestions?

If you have a 96 JGC it should have R134 which is different than R12 which is goverment Regulated. R134 can be purchased about any where and you dont have to be certified.

You know, that's what I thought. Perhaps the guy misunderstood me then, because he wouldn't sell me anything. I'll have to go back there this weekend and see what I can get. Thanks for the help!

Put the red dye in the system. If it is the evaporator you will find red residue around the drain line. (the line that always leaves a puddle under the car during summer) If it is this don't try doing this yourself take it to the dealership (not the local corner meachanic) while they are doing the work and have the dash apart have them go ahead and put in a new heater core. Total cost about $1,000. If it is the evaporator you will more than likely have an odor coming through the vents when the system is not cooling.

I'm pretty sure it's the evaporator. Everything else has checked out OK. I do have an odor coming from the system - musty. That doesn't bother me so much because it goes away pretty quickly. $1000 is well beyond my budget at this point. Still no luck with the recharge kit though. Is there any site online I can buy it from?

The recharge kit can be bought at Walmart for about $20.
Musty odor says its the evaporator.

And what is the reason why you can't change the evaporator yourself? Just out of curiousity why change the heater core? I can understand the you have it all apart and wouldn't cost more than just buying the core, there is alot of factors before getting into changing the heater core just because. Especially on a tight budget.

Getting the dash out and getting into the box are two totally different things. Its not a Chevy. Do as you wish but after I took my dash apart and realized what was involved I put it back together and took it to the dealership. As far as the heater core. The vehicle is close to 10 years old. While the dash is out and tore apart replace it to save future headaches.

If you have a 96 JGC it should have R134 which is different than R12 which is goverment Regulated. R134 can be purchased about any where and you dont have to be certified.

My local Advanced Auto has a can of r134a that has a leak sealer in it. I don't know how well it works, but it says on the can that it is designed to seal leaks, including at joints and at the evaporator...At any rate, it's worth the $14 to dump in a can of this stuff than the $1000 to take it to the dealer...
And he's right...as long as you have the dash apart, it's just better to replace everything while you're there, because you know, the minute you get everything back together, your heat is going to act up...better safe than sorry.

Ed
web/gadget guru