A/C Died

[Cloudsurfer]

Just take it to a PROFESSIONAL who knows how to work on A/C rather than guessing at what the problem actually is.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Cloudsurfer

Just take it to a PROFESSIONAL who knows how to work on A/C rather than guessing at what the problem actually is.

+1. Basic rule of thumb #1: If you don't understand the technology; and/or do not have the correct equipment to deal with it, take it to a pro before you make it both worse and more expensive to fix..............

[Viper5]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

+1. Basic rule of thumb #1: If you don't understand the technology; and/or do not have the correct equipment to deal with it, take it to a pro before you make it both worse and more expensive to fix..............

How can one be expected to learn with this demeanor? I am not about to start turning knobs of which I have no idea what they are for. I have a more accurate reading from the guages.

My high is 148 and low is 150 so they are about equal.

[JFP in PA]

Let me guess: The car (or at least the compressor) was not running at the time? If that was the case, the numbers you posted are not anything meaningful.

With the compressor running at 20C (68F) you should be at around 12.5 Bar (181 PSIG) on the high side, and around 1.55 Bar (22.5 PSIG) on the low. Both low and high side values will vary with ambient temps.

You are also aware that a PSTII/PIWIS can read A/C system condition and faults, even from memory, as well? Usually cuts diagnostics time way down.

It ain’t always as simple as it looks………….

And just a by-the-by, there was no untoward “demeanor” implied or intended in that response, it was totally factual. We see more A/C systems damaged by badly executed repair attempts than you might imagine. One of the most common: Over filling the system because it isn’t blowing cold enough, resulting in a $1500 to $2000 repair when the original problem could have been fixed for less than $100-200…….

[Topless]

Another reason for the A/C to not blow cold is a stuck or failing mix flap. Sometimes the foam deteriorates and the flap fails so heat constantly mixes with cool. Not a refrigerant issue at all.

Diagnose carefully first, fix the real problem second.

[Viper5]

I am in no rush to fix this problem. That is to say I will attempt so cautiously.

The car was running at the time the measurements were taken. The low side was measured at 148 psi. The high side at 150 psi. This was while the a/c was full blast and at the lowest temp. Again, I can hear the compressor engaging as well as detect a change in rpm on the guage.

In regards to the foam, there has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the car used a couple years ago. There is constant foam blowing through the air vents into the interior of the car. Even now I can see some behind the vents. This could very well be what is causing my issue, however I am not sure how.

Since it has always been like this, I never thought it would cause any problems, but now that I am experiencing some, perhaps this could have just been compounding. Maybe overtime the foam has blocked something in the system also causing a higher than normal reading for low side?

I do want to thank you all for trying to help me with my issue as well as advising me to be cautious. I don't feel defeated just yet so I would like to still attempt to fix this without the excessive costs of a professional.

Given my foam issue, is this something that is very likely to be causing a problem? I know it may seem silly to ask since I am having a/c problems but again the foam has always been loose and blowing in and never affected a/c prior (at least not detectable to me). I'm gonna hook up durametric and see if it can reveal something.

[JFP in PA]

The pressure near equalization when running says that it most likely is more deeply rooted than a foam blockage in the ventilation system. The compressor section is not compressing the Freon and then allowing to expand in the cooling section (the pressure differential between the high and low side). You’re A/C loop has over and under pressure sensors, as well as over temperature sensors; any one of these can stop the system from functioning. You could also have a bad compressor section seal, or a blown expansion valve assembly; either of which would also create this condition.. A malfunctioning dash control unit is also a possible suspect.