Car AC temperature help
- Thread starter webmonkeyuk
- Start date
noticed my wife's AC wasn't working today, thought it might need a top up but when I checked the pressure it was quite a bit over pressure so something wrong somewhere. can see the clutch on the compressor engaging on and off when I press the AC button on the inside. Dealers shut so can't get it looked at for a few weeks unfortunately, as it's over pressure and not under pressure then it's not likely to be a leak.
Warranty says it covers: Air-conditioning: compressor, evaporator, condenser, fan. so hopefully a free fix.
Warranty says it covers: Air-conditioning: compressor, evaporator, condenser, fan. so hopefully a free fix.
Think it was about 68 Fahrenheit when I checked which should have shown a pressure around 35 PSI - I think it was reading over 55 and in the 'red danger' zone.
With 68F (Around 20c) you should be reading around 68 PSIG standing pressure - assume your on R134a.
I was reading from the low side port if that matters?
Looking at this: http://rechargeac.com/how-to/ac-system-pressure-chart it shows 25-35 PSI as the expected reading. I'll do some more research as well.
When the compressor is engaged and operating then 25 -35 PSIG is good, You mentioned 55 PSI which would indicate the compressor not running and this would be standing pressure - unless the valve gear on the compressor is knackered and your recirculating discharge pressure!
I'll try and clarify a bit, the compressor starts and stops when you press the AC button in the car but the temperature out of the vents is not changing. I measured the pressure on the low side port with the AC on Maximum cold setting and it was reading around 55 PSI with the AC on and compressor visibly spinning.
Possibly the compressor is broken internally. Not even going to try and diagnose further but I do know for sure the system hasn't been topped up so is not overfilled.
Sounds like the compressor is faulty, the suction pressure should drop to roughly 30 PSI soon after running, ideally a gauge on the discharge side will also give an indication.
Thanks - I'll see what the dealer says when it goes in.
I think it's got an expansion valve as opposed to an orifice tube but it's possible that something has broken and blocked the path the refrigerant would take.
Fun and games but at least the dealer said if it's not covered by the warranty then the inspection fee would be up to £60+VAT which is very reasonable.
If you fear a leak just ask them to run a contrast die through the unit with the refill and it will show the leaks, Halfords autocare did this after my refill emptied inside two weeks and found a realy small hole in the compressor.
Got the car into the garage today - new compressor required which is good as that is covered by the lifetime warranty. Expect it would have cost a fair amount to get the system back to working both in time and parts so happy it's all getting done for nowt.