96 xj 12
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 9
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From: Miami
96 xj 12
Hello,
Looking to see if someone can shed some light.. My AC is not blowing cold. No leaks in the line.. Would this be an issue with the expansion valve or drier? Would this be something I could handle and how? Thank you
Looking to see if someone can shed some light.. My AC is not blowing cold. No leaks in the line.. Would this be an issue with the expansion valve or drier? Would this be something I could handle and how? Thank you
Veteran Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,542
Likes: 2,544
From: Crewe, England
Hi Isuarez
Well, you're in the right forum now, but nobody seems to be awake yet !. Air con not blowing cold could be a number of things, but lack of refrigerant gas could be causing it. My advice with air con is to take the car to an air con specialist for a check, like I do.
When was the system last checked out ?
Well, you're in the right forum now, but nobody seems to be awake yet !. Air con not blowing cold could be a number of things, but lack of refrigerant gas could be causing it. My advice with air con is to take the car to an air con specialist for a check, like I do.
When was the system last checked out ?
Veteran Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,050
Likes: 1,069
From: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
A few thoughts for you:
A/C work can be tricky and dangerous if you're not very careful. You can get a gauge set to check the system pressures as it's running and that would tell a lot. Again, you have to know pretty well what you're doing because any air that gets into the system will ruin its efficiency, and any gas that escapes could freeze burn you!
Basic checks you can do without tools and without much risk: While the system is on, note whether the compressor is running, and feel the temperature of the two lines near the firewall. One should be cold, and the other not so cold. If you see frost developing there or anywhere on the pipes, there could be a blockage. Also the drier (visible through the grille, in front of the condenser) tends to get clogged and might need replacing. It is not unusual for a slow loss of refrigerant over time, that requires a recharge. Again, that is a separate process, using a gauge set, that needs proper knowledge and care to be done right, and safely.
Sometimes we need the pros. But (mostly) only for tires, and a/c!
A/C work can be tricky and dangerous if you're not very careful. You can get a gauge set to check the system pressures as it's running and that would tell a lot. Again, you have to know pretty well what you're doing because any air that gets into the system will ruin its efficiency, and any gas that escapes could freeze burn you!
Basic checks you can do without tools and without much risk: While the system is on, note whether the compressor is running, and feel the temperature of the two lines near the firewall. One should be cold, and the other not so cold. If you see frost developing there or anywhere on the pipes, there could be a blockage. Also the drier (visible through the grille, in front of the condenser) tends to get clogged and might need replacing. It is not unusual for a slow loss of refrigerant over time, that requires a recharge. Again, that is a separate process, using a gauge set, that needs proper knowledge and care to be done right, and safely.
Sometimes we need the pros. But (mostly) only for tires, and a/c!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 586
Likes: 243
From: Merseyside, United Kingdom
A common fault is the condensor matrix at the front of the car failing. They are exposed to the elements & can corrode, leaking the refrigerant gas out. They can also be holed by stones thrown up when driving.
I've done air-con repairs myself although only after a long period learning the theory of operation.
All my vehicle air-con failures have been due entirely to failed condensors which have leaked the refrigerant out. If the refrigerant leaks out then the system pressure will fall & the pressure safety switch will stop the compressor from operating.
So the first thing to do is to have the system pressure checked by an air-con specialist. If it's low, then try a recharge to see if it holds pressure. If it won't hold pressure, then it's usually the condensor, which will require replacement & then the sealed repaired system evacuated of air & refilled with the correct amount of refrigerant.
I wouldn't mess about with air-con systems unless you are very confident & have proper knowledge or training. They run at very high pressures (>250psi on the high side) & as stated above you are at risk from 'freeze burns' if you get any refrigerant on your skin.
I've done air-con repairs myself although only after a long period learning the theory of operation.
All my vehicle air-con failures have been due entirely to failed condensors which have leaked the refrigerant out. If the refrigerant leaks out then the system pressure will fall & the pressure safety switch will stop the compressor from operating.
So the first thing to do is to have the system pressure checked by an air-con specialist. If it's low, then try a recharge to see if it holds pressure. If it won't hold pressure, then it's usually the condensor, which will require replacement & then the sealed repaired system evacuated of air & refilled with the correct amount of refrigerant.
I wouldn't mess about with air-con systems unless you are very confident & have proper knowledge or training. They run at very high pressures (>250psi on the high side) & as stated above you are at risk from 'freeze burns' if you get any refrigerant on your skin.