No Air Conditioning

[Zudnick]

Hello,

Well, just like the title says… I turned on the air conditioning for the first time this season and nothing but hot air!

So, the first thing I did was to come here and do a search about air condition. I found a lot of people who had low pressure and a compressor that circulated on and off quickly…

I checked mine, and the compressor doesn’t seem to turn on at all! I checked both AC modes and defrost (because isn’t the compressor supposed to run in defrost mode too?), and nothing under the hood turned on or off. Does this automatically mean that the compressor is shot and needs to be replaced? Other than the AC Comp fuse, is there anything else that I should check before taking it into a repair shop for some incredibly expensive repair?

And on the topic of cost, if the compressor is bad and needs to be replaced, what would a fair price be for parts and labour?

If it matters, it’s a 1996 Blazer LS 4x4. 183,000 Kms and I’m on Vancouver Island in Canada.

Thanks for the help.


Z

[BlazerLT]

You will need your R134a refrigerant topped up.

The low pressure switch will not turn on the compressor of the pressure is too low.

Make sure they use a sealer and a seal conditioner as well as the r134a when they top up your system.

[nickledimed]

Dude, I hope you are just a little mechanicaly inclined, becouse that is all it takes to work on this system. You probably do not have a bad pump, that would be the last thing I would check. more than likely your coolant is low.
Now, the reason your coolant is low is becouse you have avery small, and I mean very small leak. you may be able to put one can in it and run it all summer, which is how mine started going. If you feel you can handle it just go down to the parts store and buy an r134 ac kit, get one that has a guage on the hose, it should also come with a can of r134, just follow the instructions. now make sure you dont go over on the pressure becouse if you do you will blow the seals on your pump....but it takes alot to blow them so dont feel scared to do this. just keep an eye on the guage and youll be fine. I guess I could write up a how to on this with pics.....may do that soon....Im going to pull my system apart this summer and fix the leak in mine...that may be a good time to do the writeup.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by nickledimed

Dude, I hope you are just a little mechanicaly inclined, becouse that is all it takes to work on this system. You probably do not have a bad pump, that would be the last thing I would check. more than likely your coolant is low.
Now, the reason your coolant is low is becouse you have avery small, and I mean very small leak. you may be able to put one can in it and run it all summer, which is how mine started going. If you feel you can handle it just go down to the parts store and buy an r134 ac kit, get one that has a guage on the hose, it should also come with a can of r134, just follow the instructions. now make sure you dont go over on the pressure becouse if you do you will blow the seals on your pump....but it takes alot to blow them so dont feel scared to do this. just keep an eye on the guage and youll be fine. I guess I could write up a how to on this with pics.....may do that soon....Im going to pull my system apart this summer and fix the leak in mine...that may be a good time to do the writeup.

Sadly, in Canada, we can't use one of those recharge kits nor do they sell them here.

We are only left with going to the shop, bending over, lubing up and biting down on a piece of wood.

[OverBoardProject]

I've got a friend that'll re-charge mine, but he still wants $200.00
I don't know how much he'd charge Joe Blow off the street, and I don't want to know.

On the good side the product that he uses is compatable with the old R-12 or whatever came in my vehicles.

I'm 1/2 thinking of getting my own ticket. It would pay for it's self with just my 2 drivers alone. Depending upon the cost of the freon of course.

[BlazerLT]

R-12 is quite expensive, but you can always find a shop that will do it rather "cough" cheaply if they don't have to provide a receipt.

R-134a is actually more affordable seeing it is the common refrigerant used today.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Sadly, in Canada, we can't use one of those recharge kits nor do they sell them here.

We are only left with going to the shop, bending over, lubing up and biting down on a piece of wood.

BlazerLT
The link below would help a DIY on the proper way to do it there self if they are inclined to do so.
But as always the proper equipment and know how is needed.
http://www.autoacforum.com/

The little Wall Mart recharge kits are Death traps.
I would advise against anyone using one.
A person should never attempt to recharge an air condition system without a recharge manifold with a high and low side gauge.
If something goes wrong. Pressure in an air cond system can reach 500 lbs or more.
Newer air condition systems also need an exact set charge.
Too much or too little will lead to system problems.
Also if it is leaking off very bad the leak needs to be fixed before recharging.
Not that people on this site do not know there stuff on air condition systems.
Here is a link to a air condition site that do them all of the time and have very good info on them.
Most info is already there or you can ask if you do not see what you need.
Good Luck
http://www.autoacforum.com/

MT

[nickledimed]

ahh, the new r134 is relativly safe, and there is no way the r134 could ever reach 500lb. the seals in the compressor will go way befor that...I know, I blew mine out at 75lbs. and the r134 guages in the kits Im talking about, only go to 100lbs.
you dont need all those guages to just add coolant to your r134 system.
Those guages are used if you are vacuating the system.
and the kit I got is from oriely auto parts.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by nickledimed

ahh, the new r134 is relativly safe, and there is no way the r134 could ever reach 500lb. the seals in the compressor will go way befor that...I know, I blew mine out at 75lbs. and the r134 guages in the kits Im talking about, only go to 100lbs.
you dont need all those guages to just add coolant to your r134 system.
Those guages are used if you are vacuating the system.
and the kit I got is from oriely auto parts.

The kits are dangerous both to the person installing with them and to the system.
That is why they are refered to as death kits.
R-134 is more dangerous than R-12 as far as pressure goes and does build more pressure when compressed or overfilled.
If you get to much in it or if there is a problem with your system it can reach 500lb or more under pressure and heat.
All the more reason to have a high side gauge and watch the high pressure side.
MT

[BlazerLT]

We can't DIY in Canada MT-2500.

We don't have access to the kits or the equipment, you have to be licensed.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

We can't DIY in Canada MT-2500.

We don't have access to the kits or the equipment, you have to be licensed.

10-4 BlazerLT
I see says the blind man.
That does create a problem.
But not being able to get one of the Wal Mart recharge death kits may be good.
In the USA only R-12 is under the license law.
Which amounts to a big joke.
Years ago when I got mine the test and lisense only amounted to having the 20$ Us.
The answers on pass the test was gauranteed to pass.
Just hand them the 20 and they would mail it to you.
How hard is it to get a license in Canada?
MT

[BlazerLT]

Quite an ordeal really, only mechanics are allowed with previous training.

We are left with going to a shop only, sucks, I know I could do the recharge myself.

[Zudnick]

Hey,

Thanks for the help...

So, being in Canada, it looks like I have no other choice but to take to a shop.

So with that in mind, what should I be looking to pay for the most common air conditioning services (recharge/check for leaks/seal any leaks/etc)?

Any ball park figures would sure help as start phoning around to see where I should take it to get fixed.

Thanks again.


Z

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by Zudnick

Hey,

Thanks for the help...

So, being in Canada, it looks like I have no other choice but to take to a shop.

So with that in mind, what should I be looking to pay for the most common air conditioning services (recharge/check for leaks/seal any leaks/etc)?

Any ball park figures would sure help as start phoning around to see where I should take it to get fixed.

Thanks again.


Z

I would phone several shops. At least 10-15 for a good price range for your area.

Pricing vary for the area.

[spano]

Can you e-bay the parts for the recharge? Allot of people are selling those R-134a shot cans and adapters. Maybe even have somebody state side hook you up. You probably only need a few ounces as your entire system is a total of 20 oz.
By the way for any intrested parties, when charging a system with 134a, you have to maintain the fan running and RPM's at 1300-1500 to have a true charge. Little info that the book won't tell you is that is the optimal running speed for charging and checking a system also has a fan running at the car to simulate real world conditions.
Also, there are more than 4 differant R-12 replacements. One I have used is called "hot shot" and is compatable to add to R-12 running vehicles. Don't let DuPont know I told you, they still make money from R-12. Liquid gold.