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mike
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
08:42:18
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 Subject: A/C questions
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Message:
I would like to know what would cause an AC to just blow "hot" air. Here's the symtoms: 1. The last time I used my AC it worked great (real cold) 2. A week later I use it again and it blows hot air-like the heater is on. 3. I notice that the charging system isn't working properly it's only putting out 12-13 volts.
My belief is the Compressor is bad-causing a drag on the alt. which is causing it to put out low volts. What do you guys think? Could the AC loose the charge that quickly?
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Rascal
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
11:20:15
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
It can lose a charge in a matter of minutes...a good leak in your system will go quickly. It is likely putting a load on your alternator because the system is running under load, only there is no freon...
just a guess, take it and get the a/c system checked, your altenator is likely just fine.
Good luck
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mike
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
11:30:46
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
Thanks
Didn't think it could loose a charge that quick.
I'll get it recharged and go from there.
It "cycles" alot-like the clutch kicks in and out alot. More frequently than usual-is this because the system isn't charged?
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Rascal
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
12:05:39
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
It is likely doing this because the charge is low. You have a leak, make sure they find it before recharging it or you will be wasting your money and your time.
Good luck
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CyberWolf
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
13:09:46
|  RE: A/C questions
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Message:
You have what is called a low pressure switch. It does not allow the compressor clutch to lock in when the pressure gets too low. Also, when an a/c system quits working just all of the sudden it is usually a bad low pressure switch. First thing you should do is turn on your a/c full blast and look at the compressor clutch and see if it is locked in (turning). If it is not locking in then you should check your freon level if you can. If you cant check it or the level is good then you should check your low pressure switch. You can test this by unplugging it and jumping between the two connectors with a small piece of wire. If the clutch locks in and it blows cold then it is a bad low pressure switch.
By the way, if your freon is just low, the compressor clutch will not lock in and it will not put any drag on your belts what so ever.
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mike
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
15:17:33
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
Thanks!
Good info!!! Appreciate all the help. I'll check everything out.
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mike
Dodge Dakota
7/25/2001
08:38:44
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
I took the connector off the low-pressure switch and placed a jumper wire between the two terminals. The clutch locked up but no cold air. Is this because of low Freon? How can I check the AC for leaks? Do you have to have some special certification to buy the refrigerant (R134a) I can the best question to ask is-Can I do the recharge and leak test at home?
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CyberWolf
Dodge Dakota
7/25/2001
09:18:12
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
Yes, that means you are low on freon. Yes, you can buy 134a at your local auto parts store or wal-mart (best prices). Both of them should also sell some small charge kits. You can charge it yourself but if it lost all of the freon you will need to pull a vacuum first. You need a vacuum pump that can pull down to at least 25 hg. To find the leak your best bet is to put a can of freon in (expecting to lose it) and spray soapy water on all of the hoses and joints. If you cant find it yourself you may need to take it to a shop that has a leak detector and a vacuum pump.
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mike
Dodge Dakota
7/25/2001
09:22:22
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
Thanks CyberWolf!!! You da man!!! (I think)
I'll check out Wal Mart.
Thanks again-
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jj
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
00:35:30
|  RE: A/C questions
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Message:
Add it Slow ,too fast and you`ll trigger the high cut off switch,and it wont take it in. Keep can upright so as to add gas only,maybe run the can under a little warm water before you start.DONT turn can upside down or you`ll add liquid and risk valve damage.(GAS ONLY).Might want to stock up now, rumor has it R-134 is on the indangered list . jj
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mike
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
08:24:07
| RE: A/C questions
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks-
I haven't been able to check on prices for the gauges or the refrigerant. I guess I better get crackin'! Maybe this weekend. They thinking about taking 134 off the shelf or changing the refrigerant type again?
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Rascal
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
08:53:26
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
I have not heard that they will remove 134a from the shelves..news to me...it is still all over the place but maybe it is a good idea to cop some of it now while it is plentiful and cheap...
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CyberWolf
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
09:30:30
| RE: A/C questions
IP: Logged
Message:
As far as adding refrigerant goes, you want to hold the can upside down to charge with liquid first until the compressor clutch locks in. After that, you want to charge right side up with gas. Dont' worry about adding it too fast it's gonna be slow. I usually put the can in a cup of warm water while I'm charging to speed it up.
I haven't heard anything of removing R-134a It's an HFC. Why would they remove it? It's not harmfull to the ozone layer in any way. That is why you can buy it with no EPA card. The EPA still wants you to be carefull with it and reclaim it because they look at it as "maybe one day we'll find out that it could be bad somehow". There is an HFC that is used overseas that is a better direct replacement for R-12 but it has not been made legal in the US yet. I can't remember which one, 402 maybe. People are pushing to get it approved in the US because it is a more effecient refrigerant. Even if they start using this refrigerant in new cars they would still keep R-134a around for the older cars. They removed R-12 from the hands of non-EPA card holders because it is harmfull to the ozone. Not because they just want to use a different refrigerant. As of now, I don't see the EPA removing R-134a from the shelves.
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Mike
Dodge Dakota
7/28/2001
11:39:23
| RE: A/C questions
IP: Logged
Message:
Got it done! I got this liquid dye, that Pep Boys sells, to check for leaks in the system. I didn't find any at all. I guess over time the charge goes down? Anyway-I recharged the system and it works fine. It took one complete can. Low side pressure is around 35 and High side is around 225. Is this within normal parameters?
Thanks for everyone's help! I know where to come for answers to questions now.
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jj
Dodge Dakota
7/28/2001
21:45:11
| RE: A/C questions
IP: Logged
Message:
I should have said mandatory recapture of R134 is upon us ,so taking out of the do it yourselfers hands is around the corner.? Cant hurt to stock up on some,as Rascal said its cheap and plentiful.I know my 50lb.jug of R12 has come in quite handy as of late,Makes me very popular around the shop. jj
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94DAK
Dodge Dakota
7/29/2001
02:24:33
| RE: A/C questions
IP: Logged
Message:
OK, how can i tell what type of A/C I have?? R12 or R134?? thanks
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Mike
Dodge Dakota
7/29/2001
09:57:41
| RE: A/C questions
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Message:
Look on top of the compressor-it should tell what kind of refrigerant to use or the owners manual.
Mine does.
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Dean Fitzsimm
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/29/2003
09:32:02
| RE: A/C questions How to safely flush out R12 and
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Message:
I need instructions on HOW TO DO THIS. I am a mechanic and handy but have no idea of HOW to go about doing this and what I need to have, to do, step by step. I have three older vehicles all running on R12 and its impossible for me to find any R12 in order to top them up. I am getting prices of 1,000.00 per conversion. Would like to SAFELY do it myself but cannot find exact INSTRUCTIONS anywhere. Can you help me? THANK YOU, Dean F
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Dean Fitzsimm
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/29/2003
09:34:54
| RE: A/C questions Converting from R12 - R134 safel
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Message:
cannot find information on the procedure on HOW to do the conversion safely, HOW to get rid of all the R 12? (I know about the kits but need to know WHAT TO DO EXACTLY - STEP BY STEP PLEASE!) I have three vehicles and I need to convert all three. I am getting quotes of 1,000 per vehicle which I cannot afford. I do all my own mechanical work but have never worked on air conditioning. I would really appreciate the help. Thanks, Dean F
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Lab Rat
GenIII
5/29/2003
16:48:55
| RE: A/C questions
IP: Logged
Message:
Dean, see:
http://www.sanden.com/support/pdf/sd7servicemanual.pdf
Go to page 31.
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