ac system

[zippoman]

my ac system will not cool, is there a temp. regulator inside the car? could my my ewitch be bad? coolant and compressor should be good I even changed the drier but no cold air! thanks

[cbeck]

Any chance we could help each other? I've got the manual with some troubleshooting guides and what not, but no idea how to pump down the system...

I'm not to good with terms, I think the dryer is what is called "the accumulator" in this book?

Possibilities that jump out at me off the guide include

1) no refrigerant circulation (supposedly, when my compressor blew, it dumped enough parts in the condensor to completely block it)

2) Expansion valve stuck open (suggested: replace)

3) Air in system (suggested: evacuate)

Well, I don't know if any of that was useful or not. Let me know if you need anything (spec's or whatnot) out of the shop manual, I'll be glad to throw em up.

[zippoman]

does it show where the expansion valve is located? My trouble began after I had to replace the condensor. When you say pump down the system do you mean removing the coolant? Thanks

[cbeck]

Originally Posted by zippoman

does it show where the expansion valve is located? My trouble began after I had to replace the condensor.

I think the short answer is "on the evaporator." Unfortunately, they don't show a picture of it attached and labeled. I would say it is on the firewall side of the evaporator as it is "prior to" on the plumbing route.

Below is what it has to say:

Description and operation
The expansion valve allows high pressure liquid to expand as it enters evaporator. By allowing liquid to expand, it will absorb more heat in evaporator. Valve also meters amount of refrigerant entering system to prevent evaporator core from flooding.

Removal and instalation:
1. Remove Cooling unit (evaporator/blower i believe is what they are refering too)
2. Disassemble cooling unit. Remove evaporator and expansion-valve as an assembly.
3. Remove expansion valve.
4. install in reverse order of removal. (do you see why i love this manual, it is so specific. )
*notice, appliy clean compressor oil to O-rings before connectin fittings.
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pressure reading of 36psi low, 307~326psi high are the measured pressure readings the troubleshooting chart suggests might indicate a stuck open valve...

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Pressuree reading of below 20psi on low and below 80psi on high could indicate clogged expansion valve

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Heres' a 30sec drawing of what their diagram looks like. I'm no good in comp. drawing, so it may do more harm than good... click
maybe someone'll come along with a better one.

I should say that the guy from the A/C shop told me that the condensor on mine was completely pluged from metal/shards resulting from the compressor destruction. He determined this by disconecting hoses, and trying to blow out condensor with compressed air. I'm still hoping if I get mine off, I can figure out how to salvage it.

When you say pump down the system do you mean removing the coolant? Thanks

Yes. in the thread I linked up above, i poorly describe my issue, but I am faced with having to replace most of the system by myself since I can't afford the labor and new parts. I assume I will get the shop to evacuate and charge when I am done, but I was concerned about how to discharge the system. Can I just disconect things and let the R124 drain out? Unfortuately, the manual only refers me to the refrigerand recovery/recycling/charging procedures of my station. The one I don't have. (y) I've never dealt with a/c before other than to charge window units years ago. any thoughts?

[zippoman]

I just put a rag over a screwdriver and discharge it thru the low side port. My hanes manuel doesnt say a thing about an expansion valve, guess I will try and follow the lines to find it.

[cbeck]

Originally Posted by zippoman

I just put a rag over a screwdriver and discharge it thru the low side port. My hanes manuel doesnt say a thing about an expansion valve, guess I will try and follow the lines to find it.

just updated that post to get the stupid picture in, been having "cookie" issues with the forums today.

You gotta haynes manual for kia? didn't know they came out with one of them yet. It's about time.

Thanks for the info on the discharge, I'll do that.

[msrosermn]

Ok got a question. I have a 2000 sephia. My ac doesn't blow cold air. I attempted to charge is but the guage on the can showed in the yellow (meaning to see attendant.) I really can't afford to take it to the shop and it is extremely hot here. My husband said it may be that it is clogged. How can i find out and/or fix it my self. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks