A/C doesn't work

Discussion in 'Modifications & DIY how-to' started by Bug-Rex, Mar 8, 2009.

  1. Bug-Rex

    Bug-Rex Active Member

    This is the perfect time for A/C to go out.... not. :unamused:

    I have never worked on an A/C before. Anyone have any ideas?

    Air still works fine, just no A/C to go along with it.
     
  2. wrxin8or

    wrxin8or Mullitt Staff Member

    Does the compressor turn on at all?

    I would guess you are out of refrigerant and that is the issue...super easy fix
     
  3. Bug-Rex

    Bug-Rex Active Member

    How would I know if the compressor turns on?
     
  4. nsvwrx

    nsvwrx Active Member

    does it make a noise when you toggle the AC button?
     
  5. Bug-Rex

    Bug-Rex Active Member

    No. It clicks and thats it.
     
  6. nsvwrx

    nsvwrx Active Member

    the button clicks or something under the hood?
     
  7. Bug-Rex

    Bug-Rex Active Member

    When I press the button I hear a click coming from the engine bay.
     
  8. WRXCoupe

    WRXCoupe Active Member

    I was told by a very reliable source if you're out of freon/refrigerant the compressor has a fail safe and will not power up. I am in the same boat as you are.

    I believe they carry the freon at auto parts stores and it's incredibly easy to refill. I'm sure someone here who has experience has more detail, but I heard it is real easy.
     
  9. nsvwrx

    nsvwrx Active Member

    ITS REALLY EASY.

    buy a bottle at walmart for 25 bucks. and follow he instructions on the bottle.
     
  10. Bug-Rex

    Bug-Rex Active Member

    Cool. I'll try it tomorrow and report back.
     
  11. wrxin8or

    wrxin8or Mullitt Staff Member

    That is true. You can pick up a bottle of R-134a form just about any auto parts store (NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, ect.)

    If you are uncomfortable, let me know and I can help ya refill it. You might need 2 cans though
     
  12. Bug-Rex

    Bug-Rex Active Member

    It's not that I am uncomfortable doing it, I just don't know where to screw in the tool...
     
  13. nicad

    nicad Yes I am a troll

    just follow the AC lines, there is a fitting specifically for R134a gauges
     
  14. wrxin8or

    wrxin8or Mullitt Staff Member

    There are two small blue caps under the hood. IIRC the one you are looking for is right above the turbo near the intercooler. You will start the car, turn the A/C on full blast, then fill the system. Should only take a few seconds.

    Oh, and of the two fittings, the R134a will only fit one (low pressure fitting IIRC)
     
  15. Alex

    Alex Community Founder Staff Member

    I dont even think it costs $25.00, it is pretty damn cheap and painless to refill.
     
  16. gotsol

    gotsol Active Member

    it is easy to replace but the real question is, where did the freon go? You probably need to replace some O rings somewhere as well.

    My topmount rubbed a hole in the line along the firewall so i replaced that with an STI line.
     
  17. Bug-Rex

    Bug-Rex Active Member

    I put 2 cans of 134 in it today and nothing happened not even a little colder... I here a hiss near my compressor when it starts to go into the system.

    Any ideas?
     
  18. nicad

    nicad Yes I am a troll

    leak?
     
  19. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    The key thing here is that you are not supposed to run out of freon at all, it is a closed system, like the brakes...if it is out of freon, you probably have a leak somewhere in your system. It might be a really slow leak, but a leak none the less. A/C system leaks can be dificult to find sometimes. There are leak detection kits available that are basicly just a flourescent oil that you inject into the system...you run the A/C like you normally would for a couple of days or seconds depending on how bad the leak is and then get a black light out (that sometimes comes with the kit) and just start looking for predator blood on your lines, at the dryer, condensor, and compressor. I would recommend what others have already said, charge the system back up and see if the A/C comes back. If it does and lasts you all summer, cool (pun intended), if it only lasts you a couple of weeks then shoot it further.

    I don't know what your set up is, but typical places on our cars for A/C leaks to occur is at the line that runs behind the top mount intercooler...especially if you are running a larger top mount. They can rub against the line there and over time cause a hole.

    My A/C is not working either. I charge it up and it lasts me for about 3 weeks. When the system is charged and I turn my A/C on I hear a very distinct hissing noise coming from inside of my dash somewhere. In my case it is most likely the expansion valve, or orifice tube that is leaking. A cheap part that is unfortunately buried in the dash.

    It is probably going to have to wait until I do my sound deading project later this summer.

    I am sorry, I missed this...
    Probably a leak.
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2009
  20. G-Man04sti

    G-Man04sti Member

    probably is better if you take it to the dealer or somebody that works with ac. i had a problem with mine, for some reason the compressor stopped working. I heard a loud click noise but mine came out of the fuse box. Anyways i took it to the dealer and it was a rubber o ring that broke.
     
  21. Davidwrx

    Davidwrx Member

    If it is near the compressor, I would remove the lines ( I think there are 2), replace the O rings in them. I got a pack of various size o rings at advanced auto for $5. They were in the A/C section.
     

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