AC question

[Matto4785]

The AC in my car kinda sucks. It blows cool air, but nothing like it did last summer. Blew so cold last summer my buddies glasses would steam up when we got out. Now, its barely enough to keep up with the heat.

The compressor still kicks on like normal. I checked under hood with it on, and one of the metal lines that go in near the firewall, gets real cold, but past the where the sensor thing goes into the line, barely anything. The accumulator(silver thing near radiator, correct?) doesnt get cold.

So, does it simply need a recharge, or possibly something else?

The lines were disconnected in the spring when I had plugs put in(no way i could get my arm in to do the passenger side) The shop said they recharged the AC. I turned it on after to see, and it blew cold, but then again it wasnt very warm out yet, so what i thought was cold then could be the crap i am stuck with now.

Any ideas?

Also, the low pressure fitting is the one on the accumulator right? Not the one nearest to the condensor/radiator.

[rbob93]

When was the last time you changed the AC belt, and how many miles are on the one you have?

[2001NBMZ28]

Sounds like the charge is low, at least the compressor is still coming on - if it was really low that wouldn't happen. No need to disconnect the lines for a plug install???? Look for oil leaks around what you disconnected, that would indicate a leak - or bring it back to the shop, maybe they put the wrong charge in. If you bought a recharge kit it'll only connect to the low side.

[Matto4785]

When was the last time you changed the AC belt, and how many miles are on the one you have?

I personally have never changed it, not sure if the previous owner, or the dealership did before i bought it. I have been meaning to do it one day. I get this wierd squeek like noise coming from the front of the engine everyone once in while, goes away if the compressor kicks on though, so i figured the belt is worn. I'll get it done this weekend if the weather is decent(ie not pouring like it has been). The car currently has about 76K on it, bought when it had 55k.

Sounds like the charge is low, at least the compressor is still coming on - if it was really low that wouldn't happen. No need to disconnect the lines for a plug install???? Look for oil leaks around what you disconnected, that would indicate a leak - or bring it back to the shop, maybe they put the wrong charge in. If you bought a recharge kit it'll only connect to the low side.

I checked around for a oil leak, nothing. The shop said they had to remove the lines to get at the plugs. Figured they may be able to go underneath. I would have done it myself, but my arm was not fitting regardless of where i was trying to get at it from. Tried from underneath, but I cant get my car that high, and I dont have access to a lift.


I found my AC pressure gauge and its at 30psi, with the AC on high, engine warm, and with a outside air temp of about 82 with 90% or so humidity. Seems kinda low, I thought fully charged systems were usually around 45psi or so. Anyone know what our systems are supposed to have? '01 WS6 if that matters.

Thanks for the replies

Matt

[SeVeReDiStOrTiOn]

I wouldn't bring my car back to that shop...they should've either moved the coils or go at it from underneath like you said.

Did they vacuum the system out when they did the recharge? If you have a lot of mositure in there it won't be as cold. Also check for anything blocking the air flow to the condenser. Did you add any ram air mods like the FTRA or the slp version? After I put in my FTRA mine doesn't get as cold either...

[2001NBMZ28]

Helms - AC Performance Chart:

76-85*/60% + humidity - 40-44 PSI, MAXIMUM discharge temp 66*

[Pitchlock]

sounds like it needs to be recharged.

[Matto4785]

Well I recharged it. Figured for 10 bucks for can of refrigerant it wouldnt hurt. Got the one with the uv dye in it to see if it leaks any. It blows a lot colder now. I'll check in a week to see if its leaking at all.

Thanks for the replies.