Why does the A/C compressor line get hot?

JOE1953

MEMBER
2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
3.7L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
127,000 MILES

I use a halogen leak detector to find leaks and the detector found one on the ac condenser, the pressure on my vacuum gauge drop from around 40psi to around 20psi. When I check the pressure in the system do I start engine before I connect the gauges?

Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 AT 1:52 AM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,144 POSTS

It is normal for the A/C line to get hot, please go over this guide to see how the A/C system works.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-air-conditioner-works

This video will show you how to vacuum down and recharge the system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqdrBVb0sY

Please go over these guides and get back to us.

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Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 AT 8:19 AM

JOE1953

MEMBER
793 POSTS

I still have a Freon leak in the system I check the pressure with the engine off the psi was around 40.

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Sunday, August 24th, 2025 AT 9:51 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,144 POSTS

Yep, you have a leak, please start a new question for us to fix it, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken

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Sunday, August 24th, 2025 AT 10:53 AM