A/C Bit The Dust

[profdlp]

During our unseasonably warm weather last week I turned on my A/C for the first time in two months, only to discover it does not work. The light on the snowflake button lights up, but that's it. I threw a cheap gauge (kind that comes with a refrigerant refill canister) on it and it read abnormally high.

Any advice on where to start? I have a warranty from the place where I bought it but if it was something I might easily fix myself it would be worth it to avoid the hassle of having to take it in.

 

[LibertyTC]

That is good that you still have warranty! You should during the winter months still engage the AC every couple of weeks!
A good set of gauges is needed to read & diagnose the system properly.
Too high can cause some real problems..get it back to him ASAP.
A good read and good Luck!!..
AGCO Automotive Repair Service - Baton Rouge, LA - Detailed Auto Topics - Automotive Air Conditioner Problems, Part II

 

[profdlp]

That is a great read. ^^

 

[uss2defiant]

You need to read the high side and low side pressure.

There's a pressure chart in the FSM depending on what the ambient temperature.

 

[uss2defiant]

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/ac-system-specifications-%5Btorq-vals-r134-refrig-oil-amount-performance-chart%5D-58537/

 

[Hockeygoon]

The Liberty runs the AC when any climate function is being used - including the heater - even when the AC button isn't lit up. Nearly all vehicles - including the Liberty - run the AC pump (if equipped) when the defroster is in use.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

The Liberty runs the AC when any climate function is being used - including the heater - even when the AC button isn't lit up. Nearly all vehicles - including the Liberty - run the AC pump (if equipped) when the defroster is in use.

Not all model years. My '03 only runs the compressor when in defrost or A/C modes.

Bob

 

[uss2defiant]

my 03 runs it even in heat mode.

 

[profdlp]

I hadn't even thought about the always (or almost always) on stuff. I'm heading for Ohio on Thursday. It's going to have to wait until I get back.

 

[twowings]

Sorry to hear it, Prof.....hope you can fix it before Global Warming makes it summer return.....

 

[turblediesel]

window down".

Don't your windows fall down automatically?

Drive north until it's cooler?

Got sunroof?

 

[uss2defiant]

there's someone selling a remanned AC compressor for $100

 

[profdlp]

My warranty from where I bought the Jeep ought to cover it. I'm just looking for anything simple I might be able to try on my own before I go through the hassle. If it runs into money I will take it in.

 

[JeepJeepster]

The low side will read high until the compressor kicks on. If the low side is reading high and the compressor isnt kicking on at all, something else may be wrong.

 

[profdlp]

Any easy things to check as to why the compressor wouldn't be kicking on?

 

[ltd02]

Could try to jumper the AC pressure switch on the top of the accumulator to force the compressor to run (briefly) and if that doesn't work check the relay in the PDC under the hood.

 

[uss2defiant]

The FSM has a good step by step procedure.

A/C recycling/charging station.
(2) Set the A/C Heater mode control switch knob in
the Recirculation Mode position, the temperature
control knob in the full cool position, and the blower
motor switch knob in the highest speed position.
(3) Start the engine and hold the idle at 1,000 rpm
with the compressor clutch engaged.
(4) The engine should be at operating temperature.
The doors and windows must be closed.
(5) Insert a thermometer in the driver side center
A/C (panel) outlet. Operate the engine for five minutes.
(6) The compressor clutch may cycle, depending
upon the ambient temperature and humidity. If the
clutch cycles, unplug the a/c low pressure switch wire
harness connector. (Fig. 2). Place a jumper wire
across the terminals of the a/c low pressure switch
wire harness connector.
(7) With the compressor clutch engaged, record the
discharge air temperature and the compressor discharge
pressure.
(8) Compare the discharge air temperature to the
Performance Temperature and Pressure chart.
(9) Compare the compressor discharge pressure to
the Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. If
the compressor discharge pressure is high, see the
Pressure Diagnosis chart

 

[profdlp]

Going under the knife...errrr...wrench on Wednesday. I paid big bucks for the warranty, so I'm letting them fix it.

Thanks, everyone.

 

[JeepJeepster]

Let us know what it is for future reference.

 

[profdlp]

Let us know what it is for future reference.

It's a system for controlling the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a building or vehicle, typically to maintain a cool atmosphere in warm conditions, but that's not important right now.

And don't call me Shirley. :mexsmoke: