94 JGC Laredo A/C cool not cold!

[stx620]

My JCG blows cool air (cooler when on the recycle setting) but doesn't seem to get cold. Everything sounds ok. Nothing is straining or whining or grinding. Refrigerant level is fine(checked that with a gauge). Is there an intake filter somewhere(hopefully inside the car) that i can remove and clean? Would this help or is the cool air a clear sign of something else? Thanks.

[JDPascal]

Get an A/C thermometer and put it in one of the center vents. That way you know for sure what the temperature performance is.

A laser IR works real good but a dial one (kind a like a meat or candy thermometer) is what we used in the shop before IR. Any that will read the temp range will work.

http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Laser

With the temp control at the max setting and NOT on the recirc position and the fan on high, the temp should go down to about 40-45 deg F.

Switch the fan to the lowest speed (not in the recirc position) and measure the temp. The duct temp should drop to atleast 35 and maybe lower after a few minutes.

If your pressures on the high and low sides are right for the pressure/tempurature chart and the duct temps are as above, it's working right.

I don't know of a cabin air filter used on the Jeep but check the cowl at the base of the windshield wipers. That is where the air intake is for the heater/AC is. Sometimes leaves and other debrie collect there and might cause a restriction. More often though, it's the moldy smell that attracts attention.
http://home.sc.rr.com/janet/TSB/24-11-97.htm and http://home.sc.rr.com/janet/ have lots of info from TSB's

JD

[stx620]

Thanks JD,
I will get a thermometer asap. You mentioned the pressure on the High and Low side. I only checked the low side for sure(it's the same spot I refilled with 134 correct?) Can I hook up the same guage to the high side(once I find it) or do I need something different?

I am guessing my temps in the cabin won't be that cold but we'll see. Any thoughts on another area to check if that's the case? In the meantime, I will definitely check out those links you posted.

Again, THANKS!

[JDPascal]

humidity has a significant effect on the perseption of coolness so if the humidity is high where you are at, you won't think the air is as cool

The high side gauge is different than the lowside. Higher psi as might be expected so don't connect a low side gauge to the high side.

If you run the A/C on recirc, the air will dehumidify as it passes thru the evaporator. and the cabin will feel cooler.

One of the dial type A/C thermometers are cheap - like 15 or 20 bucks. the IR unit is around a hundred but much more useful for trouble shooting things that heat up like brakes and bearings later on. More worthwhile if you can swing it.

Use it to check the barbeque and beer temps too


JD

[Bob D.]

Originally Posted by JDPascal

I don't know of a cabin air filter used on the Jeep but check the cowl at the base of the windshield wipers.

Chrysler has a cabin air filter available for 1999s and up, but it has never been a "from the factory" item. Nice to have, keeps things clean.