Dead Air Conditioning

[blue02]

Moody Blue's air conditioning is MIA. It disappeared a week after we got back from our 125 degree vacation in Vegas.

When you turn the air conditioning on, it sounds like the compressor isn't engaging. When we first noticed the problem, the rpm's would change like the engine was under a load from the compressor. Now, when you turn on the air, there's no change in rpm's or air temp.

For those who service these cars or have had the same experience, what might be the solution to the problem? Replace the compressor, replace the compressor clutch (if that's possible) or a blown fuse somewhere? Should I ask what the cost of a compressor and air condition service is?

Thankfully, it worked beautifully when we needed it the most. Hopefully, this is where I need to post this.

Thanks!

Bill

[hyojun]

First a little quick looking around.
With the motor running, turn on the a/c. Do the front radiator fans turn on?
If not, then the most likely cause is either the Thermo switch in the bottom of the radiator, or the a/c fan control module.
Try that and check back.

[xracer33]

i have a prob with mine too , it cools if at idle but with rpm's the compressor cycles on and off .. high or low pressure sensor ??????
fans come on , put a can 134 in it didnt help .. no gauges to check pressures with .. any guesses ?? anyone ..

[Beesel]

See hyojun post.

I am a DIY'er and try to do everything myself. If the refrigerant is LOW, the clutch on the compressor may not come on or will cycle on and off.

I have a CRACK in my condenser. Using R134a that has a leak detector in it allowed me to find the crack in the condenser. (The condenser is the radiator part of the cooling system in front of the radiator.) An inexpensive recharge kit can be purchased at Wal-Mart. I could repair the condenser if I took it out of the car by welding the aluminum tube that is cracked. Cannot do it on the car as there is a bracket and PLASTIC near by. I feel that the repair may not work and I would then be wasting refrigerant and doing the job twice. I am going to replace the condenser after my vacuum pump and gauge set arrives. This will be the FIRST complete service of an AC where I have done everything. I have replaced parts before and PAID someone else to do the vacuum and filling. The price I am paying for the vacuum pump is about what I would expect to pay for the work to be done in a shop so am investing my money in the equipment and using it as an opportunity to learn more.

To learn more about servicing your own air conditioning, see the videos at this web link. http://www.id-usa.com/how_to_videos.asp

[blue02]

Thanks, everyone, for the input.

Well, the AC is fixed. According to the dealer, the fuse block above the battery had melted causing the AC problems. Is this a common thing?

Anyway, the vents blow cold, but now I've got other issues - see VAGCOM post.