a/c cycling

[Markus]

Could someone please tell me if the following observations are typical of a low charge or a high charge?

- Ambient temp 30C (86F)
- Vehicle stationary
- at idle the compressor runs constantly
- at 1500 RPM the compressor runs constantly
- at 2500 and 3500 RPM the compressor cycles on for 16-20 seconds and off for 3-4 seconds.

 

[DJ SHO]

Why do u even ask? Is your AIR not cold?

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

Markus:
Could someone please tell me if the following observations are typical of a low charge or a high charge?

- Ambient temp 30C (86F)
- Vehicle stationary
- at idle the compressor runs constantly
- at 1500 RPM the compressor runs constantly
- at 2500 and 3500 RPM the compressor cycles on for 16-20 seconds and off for 3-4 seconds.

sounds to me like youre right on. i recommend the recharge kit from pep-boys autozone or walmart. costs 30 bucks and comes with a gauge which is very handy. let us know how it goes!
Bob

 

[rangerj]

Markus,

What is the temperature of the air coming out of the center vent of the dash with the A/C on Max?

You can get a better idea about how well the A/C system is working with a set of gauges. The low presure side or "suction" side should be around 50 psi. the high pressure side should be around 250 psi.

The temperature of the air should be between 35 and 45 degrees F, depending on the ambient temperature.

Auto Zone down here in the states will "loan" a set of gauges for a hefty refundable deposit. I just returned from the far North - Eastern part of your Province and do not remember seeing an Auto Zone anywhere along the way!

If you thing your system needs a charge, have you checked for leaks. Look for black oily dirt at any and all joints. Check behind the clutch coil, with a mirror, for the same black oily dirty dedposits.

Look at the front of the condenser core, the thing in front of the radiator, for "wet" spots (black oily spots).

If you are not getting cold air you most likely need a charge. If you need a charge (of R-134a) YOU HAVE A LEAK, PERIOD. You may be able to add a charge and have it last the rest of the warm season, or longer. Try this first.

If it leaks down relatively soon, your leak needs to be addressed. Let us know if you need more info. shrug

I stopped at the duty free store on the way back and got some Molsons *** (thre max amount allowed by U.S. Customs). Great stuff! beer

I got to do some great fishing, and best of all, did not see one darned windsurfer!!! rangerj

 

[Markus]

The air is cold (40F) but whenever the engine revs go above 3K when accelerating the compressor cuts out for 3-4 seconds. This results in a noticeable warming of the discharge air. I find this annoying, especially as it did not happen last year. I recently sweet-talked a service shop here in Ontario to top up the refridgerant without fixing a very minor leak. The cutting out is not due to the WOT a/c cutout feature, by the way (I duplicated the symptoms with the TPS disconnected). I'd really like to know if the symptoms I originally detailed can be symptoms of an overfilled system.

 

[projectSHO89]

The A/C WOT cutout is applied by the computer when the computer determines that it is necessary. This determination does not rely on the TPS, but on the PIP signal combined with several other parameters.

The only way to determine if this signal is being activated and is cutting out the compresor is to monitor it under the specified conditions.

Your pressures all sound fine and do not indicate any mischarge.

The only way that your symptom might be a overfill condition is if you have an R134 factory system with the high pressure cutout installed.

Steve

<small>[ July 08, 2003, 07:52 AM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[Ian Macoomb]

I'm also in Ottawa. I've got a recharge kit that I picked up in the States this weekend. I've also got a second can of R134.

If you want to drop by tomorrow evening go ahead. I'll be working on my car prepping it for the convention. It's the only house on Fallowfield between Woodroffe and Greenbank. You can't miss it.

 

[Markus]

Ian Macoomb:
I'm also in Ottawa. I've got a recharge kit that I picked up in the States this weekend. I've also got a second can of R134.

If you want to drop by tomorrow evening go ahead. I'll be working on my car prepping it for the convention. It's the only house on Fallowfield between Woodroffe and Greenbank. You can't miss it.

Ian, I'd love to take you up on your offer. Thankyou. I'm in Calabogie for the next week or so. Perhaps I can contact you next week?

 

[Ian Macoomb]

Markus:

Ian Macoomb:
I'm also in Ottawa. I've got a recharge kit that I picked up in the States this weekend. I've also got a second can of R134.

If you want to drop by tomorrow evening go ahead. I'll be working on my car prepping it for the convention. It's the only house on Fallowfield between Woodroffe and Greenbank. You can't miss it.

Ian, I'd love to take you up on your offer. Thankyou. I'm in Calabogie for the next week or so. Perhaps I can contact you next week?

I'm at the convention next week. The week after is fine. If you're in the neighbourhood drop by. I've got a black '97 and a smurf blue Pontiac Firefly. So if you see both of those cars there I'm home.