[chrisexv6]

Hooked up a set of gauges to my warm blowing A/C to figure out whats up. its not the thermo control amp (the compressor does kick on and stay on). The pressures on both sides were low, according to the service manual that means it needs some charge.

I added most of 1 can of the UV/refrig mix and that did most of the trick. I added a tiny bit from a second can (granted, I dont have a perfect measurement of what went in, but Im guessing 10-11 oz total).

It all works now, but I wonder if I should have the system evac-ed, cleaned out and then recharged just to be sure.

Any opinions?

 

[1fstmax]

what you did is fine... however i would of run a vacuum first. You shouldn't have any issues with what you did.

 

[joefrontier2]

If you are that low I´d expect a leak somewhere. Get a die test done. Just my opionion though.

The only AC issue I know of is the termo control amp, and a upper hose issue on the older frontiers.

 

[chrisexv6]

Which upper hose? Ive heard references to it being an issue but I never knew exactly which hose.

I put the UV dye in, so they could just run a light around it to see where its leaking.

 

[1fstmax]

save yourself some money, get a uv light and do it yourself. A shop i used to work for charged 40 for the dye, and 60 to check the ac systems for leaks..

 

[joefrontier2]

I´m not sure which upper hose goes bad. I think it was the high one. However, I could be wrong.

You´ve done the right thing to get the dye and find the leaks. Also it sounds like you already replaced the thermal amp as well. You soon should be running COLD AC.

 

[chrisexv6]

I didnt change the thermo amp, as I was lucky enough to check the pressures and teh service manual before just buying the part. It turned out it was just low on refrig.

Im guessing there is a slooooooow leak in it, because its been 2 weeks since adding the refrig and every time I drive the truck it gets pretty cold. Considering the heat we've been having up here in CT, and the fact that the truck is outside 24/7, its definitely doing a good job.

AutoZone lists a leak detector kit as a loaner tool. I really only need the light and glasses since I already added the UV.....going to check my local AZ tomorrow to see if they have the kit for loan, then Ill check the system for leaks.

Thanks again everyone.

-Chris

 

[chainsaw]

Run your AC a few times in the winter, makes em last longer!

 

[chrisexv6]

Doesnt it come on at the same time as defrost, for that very reason?

I use defrost at least a few times each winter. This winter I turned it on but it didnt actually defrost (probably the same reason it didnt cool very well.....not enough refrig)

Im hoping the seals started to swell up again and may have plugged any small leak once I added refrig. Im not hopeful though.

 

[joefrontier2]

If your ride has more than 45,000 miles on it I would just change the crappy thermal amp. It´s an known part that fails. Since you have placed the dye in it already I would suspect you have a leak if the pressure was so low to have to add a can. If you cannot find a leak then you may want to make sure your pressure testing equip is not failing.

Anyway get a new thermal amp in there and then you know that the AC should get nice an cold and the compressor should stay on for longer periods.

 

[demondrive]

my low side hose has a leak at the crimp right by the brake booster, up on the firewall, i added a can in, and its workin now but its still leakin out... with my current work hours i can afford a can every month or so much easier than a new hose so i think im goin that route lol, but run your finger around that crimp on the bottom and you may get some oil on it, cant miss it its a big hose that comes from the compressor up by the brake booster

 

[chainsaw]

Doesnt it come on at the same time as defrost, for that very reason?

I use defrost at least a few times each winter. This winter I turned it on but it didnt actually defrost (probably the same reason it didnt cool very well.....not enough refrig)

Im hoping the seals started to swell up again and may have plugged any small leak once I added refrig. Im not hopeful though.

Thats what three of my friends have said, guess who all have broken AC systems. All ya gotta do it push the button and let her run for a few.

 

[madmantrapper]

What is the thermal amp.?