Air conditioner does not work properly

Hello,

There is only one reason the low side hose will collapse is the expansion valve is plugged not allowing refrigerant to flow throughout the system. Please vacuum down the system to inspect the valve. Also, if the valve is plugged which it sounds like the compressor is coming apart and filling the system with debris.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

You will need to flush the system as well as replacing the receiver dryer.

Here is the expansion valve #4 in the diagram. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

Hi, Heather.

Since I am starting after two different diagnoses, I have to ask a couple questions. First, what rational did the mechanic provide indicating the compressor was bad? Were there any sounds or changes in the ac prior to it railing?

Before I can really make any determinations, I need you to check if the Freon in the system is low or not. I am going to provide you with a link that explains how to add Freon. It isn't hard. You will need to get the Freon at a parts store and I need you to get one with a gauge.

Follow this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Make sure you get Freon with a gauge. Once you recharge it using the above link, the A/C should work. If it doesn't, then I will need you to ask the parts store if they have an A/C pressure manifold they can lend you. However, we will get to that if needed. I don't want you to get confused.

So, if the mechanic that told you it needed recharged is correct, by performing the procedure above, it should work.

Let me know what you find. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Take care,
Joe

Okay, if it wouldn't take any Freon, did you notice what pressure was indicated on the gauge? Also, when you turn the A/C on with the engine running, does the compressor engage? Basically, you will hear a clicking sound from the ac clutch behind the compressor pulley, and usually you will notice a load placed on the engine.

Let me know. Also, let me know if you have access to A/C pressure gauges. They are referred to as an A/C manifold gauge set. There are two of them. Often times a parts store will have them to lend out to customers. If the compressor won't engage and you can't add Freon, I need to know what the system's pressures are (both high pressure and low pressures)

If you take a look through this link, you will see the gauges I am referring to:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Let me know.
Joe

Okay, if it is turning on, that means the system is working and there is enough freon in the system to allow it to turn on. Now, a faulty compressor can cause the problem or it could be something totally different such as a blend door actuator in the vehicle not allowing the cool air to reach the passenger compartment. Basically, the system is working but the cold air can't get to you.

The only way for me to confirm one or the other is this. Either we remove the blend door actuator can make sure it is working, or I need to know both the high and low side pressures when the AC is engaged.

I wish I had an easier answer, but I don't want to guess and cost you money that doesn't need spent.

Let me know if you can get the pressures from a shop or if you feel comfortable getting under the dash to remove the actuator.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe

Sounds like a plan. Let me know what you find.

Joe

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If the compressor is working, the suspect there is a problem with the blend air door actuator. This component allows cool air to enter the vehicle. If it is not working, you will get heat or ambient temperature air flow.

Here is a link that in general discusses the component and its replacement. Take a look and see if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

If you find the air door actuator (blend air door) is not working, here are the directions for both testing and replacement. All attached pictures correlate with these directions.

REPAIR PROCEDURES
Inspection

1. Ignition "OFF"
2. Disconnect the connector of temperature control actuator.
3. Verify that the temperature control actuator operates to the hot position when connecting 12V to the terminal 3 and grounding terminal 4.
Verify that the temperature control actuator operates to the cool position when connecting in the reverse.

[Drive]

4. Check the voltage between terminals 5 and 6(Drive).
Specification

[Passenger]
5. Check the voltage between terminals 6 and 7(Passenger).
Specification
It will feedback current position of actuator to controls.
6. If the measured voltage is not specification, substitute with a known-good temperature control actuator and check for proper operation.
7. If the problem is corrected, replace the temperature control actuator.

Replacement

1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
2. Remove the crash pad left side cover (A).
3. Remove the extension cover(A).
4. Remove the crash pad lower cover (A).
5. Disconnect the diagnosis connector (A).
6. Remove the reinforcing panel (A).
7. Remove the shower duct (A).
8. Disconnect the temperature control actuator connector (A).
9. Loosen the mounting screw and then remove the temperature control actuator (B).
10. Remove the right extension cover (A).
11. Disconnect the damper (A) from the glove box (B).
12. Remove the glove box lift (A).
13. Disconnect the pine (A), then remove the glove box (B).
14. Remove the crash pad passenger panel(A).
15. Remove the glove box housing (A).
16. Remove the shower duct (A).
17. Disconnect the temperature control actuator connector (A)
18. Loosen the mounting screw and then remove the temperature control actuator (B).
19. Installation is the reverse order of removal.

_________________________________

I hope this helps. As you can see by the directions, most of the dashboard needs removed.
It is not a fun job. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Sure it sounds like the system is down on charge.

Here is a guide to help you confirm the problem and refill the system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Here are some additional guides that should help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

and

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

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

Please let us know what happens and upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken

This can take up to 3 minutes to start which is normal. If it never runs then we have a problem. Does it run at all?

Please let us know

Cheers, Ken

Sounds good please let me know.