A/C Problem Unknown - Please Read Symptoms

[rodeovyn]

This is a '99 LSE Rodeo / 3.2L V6

I did all the steps in the Haynes manual for Checking the Refrigerant charge and determined the following:

a. Warmed the engine up, placed the AC temp on its coldest setting and the blower on the highest setting. Although the book said I should hear this sound, "With the compressor engaged - the clutch will make audible click and the center of the clutch will rotate", I DID NOT HEAR A CLICK".

b. After running the system long enough for it to reach normal operating temp, I felt the two pipes connected to the evaporator (condenser outlet & evaportor outlet) at the firewall and they were both warm, with no hint of possibly cooling down. This condition was supposed to be an indicator the the system needed charging.

c. After buying a charger kit and hooking it up, the indicator read that the sytem was still under pressure and that I SHOULD NOT recharge it. It was clearly still under pressure because when I removed the connector it would pop off.

d. An inspection of the sight glass on the top of the reciever/drier was clear with neither a foam or bubbles.


Ok, that's it. Given these symptoms does anyone know what the problem is or can you tell me what to do, short of spending a lot of money at a shop?

Thanks

Rodeovyn

[Cat Fuzz]

Check your fuses and relays. You can usually swap another relay into the a/c slot from a known good circuit. Check the wiring going to the compressor clutch. Other than that, its shop time. Usually not a good idea to open up an a/c system if you don't know what you're doing.

[rodeovyn]

Thanks, I'll check the fuses again. The only problem is how can you tell if the fuse under the hood is bad, its all black?

Originally Posted by Cat Fuzz

Check your fuses and relays. You can usually swap another relay into the a/c slot from a known good circuit. Check the wiring going to the compressor clutch. Other than that, its shop time. Usually not a good idea to open up an a/c system if you don't know what you're doing.

[stanger42]

The line between the compressor and the condenser should be hot, from the condenser to the metering device (should be a Thermal Expansion Valve) should be warm, after the metering device it should drop to cold and after the evaporator should be cool. I'm about 88% sure it has nothing to do with any of your fuses or relays but it couldn't hurt to check them. If your compressor doesn't engage you probably have a bad clutch or entire compressor and will need to replace it along with your receiver/drier. It's a really bad idea to buy that A/C recharge in a can from Autozone or Kragens. You have a good chance of getting air and/or moisture in the system which will not make anything any better. Not sure what the Rodeo has (my Chiltans doesn't say squat about it) but you should check whatever engages the clutch, usually some kind of low-pressure switch but there are others, maybe your Haynes is more detailed. But that sensor could be bad. A Low charge would read low on both the high and low pressure sides. High/high means overcharge or air/moisture in the system... As far as I know, the only real way to check system pressure is with a set of manifold gauges but buying them isn't cost effective. There's not a whole lot you can do to an A/C system in your driveway.

By the way, what exactly is the problem? Blows cool not cold? Blows warm air? Doesn't blow at all?

[rodeovyn]

Blows whatever the ambient temperature is, neither hot or cold. Blows strong but no cool air.

=======================================

Originally Posted by stanger42

The line between the compressor and the condenser should be hot, from the condenser to the metering device (should be a Thermal Expansion Valve) should be warm, after the metering device it should drop to cold and after the evaporator should be cool. I'm about 88% sure it has nothing to do with any of your fuses or relays but it couldn't hurt to check them. If your compressor doesn't engage you probably have a bad clutch or entire compressor and will need to replace it along with your receiver/drier. It's a really bad idea to buy that A/C recharge in a can from Autozone or Kragens. You have a good chance of getting air and/or moisture in the system which will not make anything any better. Not sure what the Rodeo has (my Chiltans doesn't say squat about it) but you should check whatever engages the clutch, usually some kind of low-pressure switch but there are others, maybe your Haynes is more detailed. But that sensor could be bad. A Low charge would read low on both the high and low pressure sides. High/high means overcharge or air/moisture in the system... As far as I know, the only real way to check system pressure is with a set of manifold gauges but buying them isn't cost effective. There's not a whole lot you can do to an A/C system in your driveway.

By the way, what exactly is the problem? Blows cool not cold? Blows warm air? Doesn't blow at all?