Air Conditioning Check Up

[99TaurusBlack6Cyl]

Hi All,

Currently, the AC seems to work fine.

I stopped into an automotive repair shop and asked how much to check out the a/c. They wanted $200 for a check up and 'top off'. This seems a little high when I can get a can for less.

What are my options?

99TaurusBlack6Cyl
6Cyl 3.0L "Gas, Fuel Injected, VIN U" S/E

[shorod]

I would say $200 is high too for a system check. If the system seems to work fine, what were you hoping to accomplish by the checkout? Do you suspect there are problems, or are you just looking for a preventive checkout? Have you ever had the system serviced, or has the car been in a front end collision that you are aware of?

If it's been serviced, chances are pretty good there is dye already in the system, and with a ordinary black (ultraviolet) light you can check for leaks. You can also inspect the lines and fittings of the A/C system for evidence of wetness indicating oil from the system is leaking.

If the system works fine and you don't find evidence of leaks during your inspection, I'd say your most reasonable option is to not worry about it and keep using it. You can quite easily inspect the entire system for leaks (assuming you have a safe way to raise and support your car) with the exception of the evaporator core.

-Rod

[99TaurusBlack6Cyl]

Hi Rod & all,

Yes, I'm just looking for a preventive checkup; You know, pay a little now, rather than a lot later. I've never had the system looked at, it was a rental car before my ownership and I've owned it a little less than a year. No colissions.

I'll see if I can get a black light to look around. My regular mechanic(who doesn't have AC service), charges $10 to put it on a lift. So, that's not a problem.

But, if there were no visible leaks, there's no reason to top-off the AC unit? In my real-world experience, I've never known a pressurized system not to have some minor, non-visible leaking. Example: I have to put air in my tires once or twice per year. No reason to replace or suspect a puncture, though. It just the limitations of seals at any PSI.

Thanks for your input. I look forward to responses.

Kindest regards,

99'

[TaurusKing]

Get yourself a thermometer you can clip into a dash vent, on a good hot day, I'm thinking the temp should be pretty close to 40F. I bought mine at Walmart, long pencil-type with a clip. In the a\c products aisle.

[shorod]

The thermometer is a good way to go, as well as checking for signs of leaking yourself. The A/C systems are designed to be nearly hermetic. I had a 1993 Stealth twin turbo that I sold two years ago. It still had the R-12 in it (yours will have R-134a) but in the 5 years I owned it, I never had to service the A/C and it worked great when I sold it. Same with my wife's 2002 Lincoln LS. Never needed A/C service and it still worked great yesterday. I had a '98 Taurus SHO for a few years (4 or 5) and never had to touch the A/C system in it. The spring lock couplings Ford uses have certainly gotten better over the years.

Also, the A/C system incorporates pressure switches to prevent the A/C from turning on if the pressure gets too low. Since the refrigerant carries the lubrication for the system, the pressure switch is there to prevent the compressor from self-destructing should the pressure get too low. Many of the newer systems also incorporate a high pressure switch too to shut off the system if the pressures get too high, along with the blow-off valve on or near the compressor.

-Rod

[12Ounce]

All auto ac systems leak. Some may leak so little that there will never be an refrigerant issue during the service life of the vehicle.

For the rest of us, a simple DIY test/check can be made on operating systems to see if there are leak concerns. ( Systems that have leaked to the extent that they no longer work will require more elaborate testing and repairs.)

DIY ac check: ... assuming 134a refrigerant.

A. Idle engine. Open all doors, lift gate, and windows. Turn ac, front and rear, to "Hi".

B. If the ac clutch stays engaged (doesn't cycle on-off), your system refrigerant-fill is OK.

C. If the ac cycles, obtain a fill kit from the parts store and follow the directions on the can to add refrigerant.

I recommend the above test/check two or more times during cooling system.

[99TaurusBlack6Cyl]

Excellent advice on all fronts. I’m going to get a thermometer and see if I can pickup a cheap black light tomorrow and check it out.

I didn’t know about the spring lock couplings nor the pressure switches if the pressure gets too high or low. My Crown Vic used to run all the time. It had major leaks and I’ve never had good luck with AC systems in any of my cars (until now, maybe).

Excellent DIY test outline. I’ll work that into the diagnostics, too.

Thank you for helping me keep my cool.

Kindest Regards,

99'

[mannyjfk]

I just had mine done at R.S. Strauss in Jersey City and they charged me $42. Call your local Strauss and find out. Good luck.

[99TaurusBlack6Cyl]

Thanks for the Tip. $42 seems a lot more reasonable than $200.

99'