A/C help...

[bbfalls]

Hello,

Of course the refrigerant leaked out of my 92 toro trofeo, (it was in there about 3 years); it is a 134a conversion, so I tried to add some refrigerant, same as I did a couple of years ago, and this time - nada....what I mean is the computer is showing very low refrigerant on the dash display and the compressor will not kick on to pull in the refrigerant. I jumped the low pressure switch, checked the fuses, and relays. Sooo, my question is, is the computer totally shutting down the compressor as the safety? Do I need to (somehow) clear the 'code' from the computer, then start the car, then quickly start adding the refrigerant?

I just wanted to ask you experts before having to pay big $ for a recharge that will only last a while....

Thanks in advance.

[brcidd]

Yes, You have a low charge code set- unhook battery for 10 seconds and then proceed to charge system.

[bbfalls]

Cleared the code...(thanks for the tip on that.) Started car, added (?) some refrigerant, compressor still does not kick on? You can hear the engine slightly ramp up in speed when you turn on the a/c button but the compressor never kicks in. The system measures 35# on the low side during and slightly after the car was off and sitting for a bit. That 35# shows in the light blue zone of the gauge that came with the retro kit. Any ideas? Do I need to keep pushing more refrigerant in before it will kick on? I just don't know how much I should put in at this point; if my memory serves correctly, I think in the past the compressor has always started by now.
Thanks.

[brcidd]

The gage is useless UNLESS the compressor is running....35 psi is not enough to trip the pressure switch

[bbfalls]

Originally Posted by brcidd

The gage is useless UNLESS the compressor is running....35 psi is not enough to trip the pressure switch

Hmmm, ok so can I jump a pressure switch or do I just keep adding until it turns on? And what pressure should it start? Although, I am only checking the low side with the cheapie gauge and the compressor is off. How can I get that compressor to turn on????

[brcidd]

keep adding until system comes on---pressure in can will equal pressure in system- so warm the can if you must- If still not coming on, then you have other issues....a wiring diagram would be of use....

[bbfalls]

Originally Posted by brcidd

keep adding until system comes on---pressure in can will equal pressure in system- so warm the can if you must- If still not coming on, then you have other issues....a wiring diagram would be of use....

Very good, I am attempting this tomorrow...The refrigerant will probably be slightly warm from being in the trunk of the car. Someone I work with was saying I should put the can on for about 5 mins before starting car...any advantage to this? It could only be to equalize (slightly) out the system, and to save gas as without the car running the compressor is obviously not going to turn....right?