My ac only works when its cool outside.

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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:14 PM
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Default My ac only works when its cool outside.

I checked the freon and it is where it is supposed to be. A couple days ago i checked to see if the compressor was running and it was but today when i checked it isnt. I noticed when the compressor was running the ac still blew hot air. I saw today a little switch to the right of the steering wheel that has a picture of a box with lines with arrows going out the box. What is that switch for. I dont get why the ac only works when its cool.
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:45 PM
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the switch is the rear defrost. as for the ac something is not right id take it to a mechanic with a manifold gauge set, the little gauges on the fill hose are pretty much worthless.
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:47 PM
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Yeah idk I just dont wanna pay 500 to get my ac fixed
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:56 PM
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Is the compressor supposed to be running at all times because it wasnt today when i had the ac.
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:22 PM
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no the compressor doesnt run all the time it build pressure shuts off uses the pressure and when it gets low the compressor comes back on. and dont get it fixed by the mechanic just diagnosed, i cant see it being more than 50$. shoot if you lived near me id diagnose it for free, i got a manifold gauge .
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:25 PM
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What would it show, whats wrong or what? or what is that gauge going to show. I know there is freon in there.
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:28 PM
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A manifold gauge set will show high and low side pressures and if everything is functioning properly. The gauges you buy from wally world just show low side pressure. That tells only half the story.
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:37 PM
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your probably building too much pressure (caused by too much freon) causing the high pressure switch to kill the compressor. the pressures are relative to the atmospheric temperature, the hotter it is outside the higher the pressure and vice versa. this might explain why it only works when its cold, because the pressure is lower.
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:57 PM
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I will look into it
 
Old Jul 6, 2012 | 03:08 PM
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You didn't say, but I'm assuming you were checking the refrigerant with the engine running and AC on?
The video shows the DIY procedure, but pros use a dual guage setup to read both the low and high side pressure sides.
And not to split hairs (as if I ever do), but 134a is not freon, the old R12 is. 134a is "refrigerant".
 

Last edited by Camaro 69; Jul 6, 2012 at 03:10 PM.



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