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Mechanics of the OT - AC Question
Posted on 4/27/25 at 4:51 pm
Posted on 4/27/25 at 4:51 pm
2011 Suzuki SX4, kids car. AC is blowing warm. Initially looked for leaks but didnt see anything with a UV light.
Compressor clutch engages and stays engaged Not cycling on and off while the AC is on.
When the AC is off, clutch disengages.
Can switch between all the vent settings and it directs the air to the corret vents. Also, l If I set it to heat, you get HEAT. Set it to cool, just disgusting humid Louisiana warm air.
Hooked up gauges. Static pressure AC off Low side 65 psi, High side 60 psi
AC on, compressor clutch engages
Low side 15 psi steady
High side 100 psi
What ya think?
Compressor clutch engages and stays engaged Not cycling on and off while the AC is on.
When the AC is off, clutch disengages.
Can switch between all the vent settings and it directs the air to the corret vents. Also, l If I set it to heat, you get HEAT. Set it to cool, just disgusting humid Louisiana warm air.
Hooked up gauges. Static pressure AC off Low side 65 psi, High side 60 psi
AC on, compressor clutch engages
Low side 15 psi steady
High side 100 psi
What ya think?
This post was edited on 4/27/25 at 4:52 pm
13
Posted on 4/27/25 at 4:54 pm to geauxturbo
Take it to a mechanic
Posted on 4/27/25 at 4:56 pm to geauxturbo
You sure know a lot about cars to be asking for a mechanic
Posted on 4/27/25 at 4:56 pm to geauxturbo
Needs charged, I'd think. Low side running should be up in the 40s. At least how it is in my truck. My compressor won't even kick in until it hits about 25psi.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 5:02 pm to geauxturbo
Kind of surprised the compressor is coming on at 15 psi. Anyway it is probably low on refrigerant or the compressor is not pumping right. Would say expansion valve but most time high and low side equals when it goes bad. I would try adding a little 134a and watch gauges. Do not put one of those huge cans in at the parts stores as it is more than the system holds. Best of luck!
Posted on 4/27/25 at 5:03 pm to Miner
Thats why Im confused, seems a tad low but the compressor clutch is engaging.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 5:37 pm to geauxturbo
Have you tried turning it off then on?
Posted on 4/27/25 at 5:45 pm to imageauto
quote:
Do not put one of those huge cans in at the parts stores as it is more than the system holds.
I am not saying that it needs a full can but I guarantee the charge for that AC system is a lot more than a typical 16oz can. I bet the charge is around 2 pounds. If the compressor is OK it is likely low refrigerant or a clogged expansion valve. I would guess it should be 30-40psi on the low side.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 5:54 pm to Obtuse1
Total charge is 15.2 oz. It has some in it or it would never kick on
Posted on 4/27/25 at 5:55 pm to geauxturbo
Refrigerant too low. Clutch should cycle and not continuously stay on. Low side pressure should vary because the clutch cycles. Google and see what the pressure specs should be.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 5:59 pm to geauxturbo
Also I bet it’s leaking very very slowly from the charge ports. Little rubber o rings inside the valves degrade over time. The cap is also supposed to be a secondary seal but those can loose their effectiveness as well.
This post was edited on 4/27/25 at 6:00 pm
Posted on 4/27/25 at 6:49 pm to geauxturbo
A little low pressure on the high side. Way low on the low side. If I had a parts shotgun I would load it with an expansion valve. Pull a good vacuum and find the leak. They should have a sniffer at your local AutoZone you can loan.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 7:53 pm to geauxturbo
While your clutch is engaged both pressures are way low. That can be indicative of low charge or a clogged expansion valve. Your pressure on the low side with a full charge should be around 25 to 35 and the high side should be 200 to 250. Evacuate the system, put a vacuum on it and see if it will hold the vacuum, find out exactly how much it's supposed to hold buy, some 134 cans with the leak detecting dye in it and service it.
This post was edited on 4/27/25 at 7:56 pm
Posted on 4/27/25 at 7:58 pm to geauxturbo
Temperature-pressure chart
There’s a chart in the link, I use it when in your shoes, topping off a partially charged system or filling a system not knowing how much it holds. It’s always worked for me.
There’s a chart in the link, I use it when in your shoes, topping off a partially charged system or filling a system not knowing how much it holds. It’s always worked for me.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 8:09 pm to Planetarium
Pulled a vaccuum for 10 minutes, closed the manifold and it held. So, I think you may be right about the ports. Leak detecting dye loaded with 134a. Its blowing cold. Washed the ports out with soapy water and we'll see if the dye shows up there.
Strange that the compressor kicks on so low.
Oh, and the condenser fan is weak as hell. Had to help it start. So, that isnt helping matters. Have to order a new one.
Appreciate the input.
Strange that the compressor kicks on so low.
Oh, and the condenser fan is weak as hell. Had to help it start. So, that isnt helping matters. Have to order a new one.
Appreciate the input.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 8:10 pm to geauxturbo
quote:I recently rented this little Suzuki Jiminy in BVI.
Suzuki SX4
It was a kick.
Too bad they don’t sell them here.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 8:10 pm to geauxturbo
Yes. Needs freon added and most likely has a leak due to being low. If you don't see a leak with the dye and light chances are they don't have dye in the system due to the age of vehicle. Charge system with a dye additive. 30-50 low side and 175-225 high side. Depending on outside temp. (Higher outside temp,Higher pressure) Use a temp gun to messure air coming from vents should be about 40 degrees once full. Once system is charged check for leaks. Like someone said the check Schrader Valves in the charge ports. Also check the condensation dripping at the bottom of car for dye which indicates a leaking evaporator.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 8:12 pm to LaBarfly
quote:
Also check the condensation dripping at the bottom of car for dye which indicates a leaking evaporator.
Never thought of that. Good tip.
Posted on 4/27/25 at 9:07 pm to geauxturbo
You have to have enough refrigerant in the system to condense it to a low pressure liquid. That why it's running but not cooling.
Posted on 4/28/25 at 12:06 am to geauxturbo
quote:
Low side 15 psi
That sounds really low. I know for my vehicle the suction side (low side) runs around 40 to 50 lbs while the clutch is engaged. That’s all dependent on what the ambient air temperature is
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