150 PSI / >10 PSI = Your expansion valve might be stuck open, or there could be a leak somewhere you in your system. Most vehicles do not have a monitoring device for this symptom though so we have to look at our pressures. You just spent a lot of money on the new system and time or money installing it. This also ensures that all the air has been removed from the system. not cold at all. Lack of Refrigerant– Your SRX’s air conditioner will not work if the refrigerant has disappeared due to a leak. Mechanics often misdiagnose high-pressure gauge readings in a car's air-conditioning system. The 2 pipes that enter the evaporator in the attic are not cold either. level is correct. Hey guys. If they move away from each other, start with evacuating and recharging the system and retesting. I have the same issue. It could also be the issue. Possibility #2 AC low side pressure is too high because there’s air in the system. 800-401-6762 Support Center FREE SHIPPING On Orders Over $99 . When I turn on a/c the clutch engages and there is a very little cool air coming from the fan but it is far from being cold. You may not realize there's a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold. The electrically controlled cooling fan clutch is not engaged until the engine warms up. Check both the condenser and the evaporator. If after the evacuation and recharge you are finding yourself with the same readings, you likely have a blockage in the system. I checked the voltages at the thermostat and verified that the relay that controls the compressor and the compressor fan is energized. I mean it's still cool but not cold cool... anyways I want to check and see if the freon (R134a???) This is also evidenced by the fact that the fan turns. Click on the image to get a detailed description of the gauges needed to check your system. drive belts. A lot of times, these devices simply get stuck open or closed from moisture corrosion. At this point the pressures are normal. I would not assume the new expansion valve is good either. Engine idle does not change with ac on or off. Check and make sure the condenser fan is turning on. AC refill cans are readily available at your local auto parts stores and even at many larger stores. Refrigerant is a gas that changes states through pressure which is also how it changes temperature. freeze-up) ... Air conditioning system will not turn on High Low Poor to no cooling system pressure equalizes very quickly 50 PSI / 50 PSI = The clutch is not engaging. Refrigerant may slowly leak out of the system over days, weeks or even years. If not, your AC will struggle to cool your home. Copyright © 2021 Buy Auto Parts. Compressor noisy — loose mounting or worn inner parts. AC refill cans are readily available at your local auto parts stores and even at many larger stores. These pressures will vary depending on ambient temperature (temperature of the outside atmosphere), but ideally, you will want to see your low side pressure between 30-40 psi and your high side pressure between 150-175 psi. The temperature is skyrocketing and your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air.. Look for oil residue around the hose ferrules, fitting connections at the compressor, condenser, and evaporator or expansion device. Clogged Cabin Filter. With the gauges connected, rev the engine to 2000 RPM and watch what the pressures in the AC system do. 3. If you think that you have an issue with your A/C system but you are not sure which component is causing the malfunction it is a good idea to hook your compressor up to a pressure gauge. 200 PSI / 70 PSI = There is a blockage somewhere in your system either before or at the expansion device. This is not the proper way to care for your A/C system! ... Air conditioner not as cold as it could be? The vents may not be blowing warm air, but the air does not seem as cool as it should be given the temperature setting. An AC system is a closed system. When done, run the vehicle with the gauges still connected and record new pressures. Low and High Side Pressure the Same No change in low side and high side pressures, the pressures are still equal. Read More 150 PSI / 30 PSI = There is water in the system. Check both the condenser and the evaporator. Some systems, the drier is part of the condenser, like a lot of Hondas. It is likely that the problem is … Have You Been Changing Your Furnace Filter? Your underhood sticker should inform you of how much refrigerant your system holds and what type of oil to use. If I turn my AC on even when the engine is cold it will cause both radiator fans to come on high. Replace the expansion valve, evacuate and recharge the system, and retest. If they move together, you have a weak compressor and it is recommended to replace the system. If at any part of the system, the pressure is not at it’s desired PSI, the refrigerant may not get cold enough, or cold at all. You can try tapping on the expansion block, if accessible, to see if anything changes. Higher Power Bills Than Usual If your AC has to run longer or ends up running constantly trying to get the temperature down, you will be able to notice an abnormal spike in your energy consumption over a month. There could be several causes leading to this condition including compressor issues, low-level of refrigerant, trouble with the heater or AC controls, and others. Hey guys, I have a 2007 Tundra 5.7L and lately the AC is not as cold as I remembered it. The new Ford condenser came with a new label reducing the freon “If you think taking it to a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.”. Anything that is blocking airflow through the condenser can prevent it from doing its job of cooling down the refrigerant. The low side hose carries refrigerant to the compressor, so if there is any problem with the hose, it can quickly transfer to the rest of the system. Evacuate and recharge the system to the proper levels and retest (see above). Evaporator frosting or expansion valve faulty. ***NOTE: It is illegal to vent R134A refrigerant into the atmosphere. Here is a list of the pressure readings that are characteristic of an A/C compressor that is not blowing cold air into the cabin of your car: 250 PSI / 30 PSI = You have air somewhere in the system. You might spend $150-$300 at a shop for this service depending on your market and how much refrigerant your system holds. Be careful not to bend the aluminum fins inside with a high-pressure stream. Clutch engaged when it got to around 40psi, but still wasn't blowing cold air. Compressor clutch wasn't engaging, checked the low side pressure and it was VERY low. okay, my air conditioner stop working. Look for oil residue around the hose ferrules, fitting connections at the compressor, condenser, and evaporator or expansion device. AC Compressor Pressure Readings may look like a foreign language at … Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems - Central A/C not cooling but freon pressure is OK - I have a 14 year old central A/C with Lennox model H25-311-P1 compressor. Enter your email to receive an instant discount. Reading on low side is 80-85psi and on high side is about 95psi. Okay, you will need to use air pressure to find the restriction. Compressor fan is not blowing warm air to the outside. If you are low on refrigerant, it leaked out somewhere. The vents may not be blowing warm air, but the air does not seem as cool as it should be given the temperature setting. The auction pressure is high and the discharge not normal. Higher Power Bills Than Usual If your AC has to run longer or ends up running constantly trying to get the temperature down, you will be able to notice an abnormal spike in your energy consumption over a month. How to Replace Rear Disc Brakes Pads & Rotors, How to Perform Front Brakes – Demonstrated on a 2005 Nissan…, Video Reset Wrench Service Due Message on 1998-2005 Mercedes ML320, Video Reset Change Engine Oil Light on 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous, How to diagnose electrical issue with AC compressor. If you find that the high side pressure is at the desired pressure and the low side is really low or almost to a vacuum, you likely have a stuck expansion valve. AC hi on low pressure side no cooling-fixed I have a 2000 beetle tdi. Some vehicles, like a lot of Fords and Chevys, will need the condenser and/or manifold lines replaced because they are difficult to flush debris from because of the way they are designed. The most common causes when car AC is not blowing cold air are an empty AC system, faulty air compressor, faulty AC pressure switch, and a clogged cabin filter. If you are low on refrigerant, it leaked out somewhere. But the unit is not cooling. Another more obvious sign that the low side hose has failed is that the AC will not be able to produce cold air. Obviously the main issue that people deal with when they have a broken A/C system is that the air coming out the vents is not cold enough. Although many of the principles will carry over to other types of refrigerants and drop-ins. Low refrigerant level or failing compressor. It also fits with the earlier symptoms of the AC randomly not working before it went out completely. Standing pressure actually makes me go back to the expansion valve being bad. The AC system in your car could go through all sorts of problems. This quit few days ago. Evacuation and recharge should be performed by a licensed professional with the proper machinery.***. This will indicate that you still have a leak somewhere. Actual pressure will depend on the type refrigerant and the ambient temperature and does not show if the system is properly charged. Condenser may be blocked. I will be sharing a pressure chart that may help … 4. I have a 2010 F150 4.6 L and my AC clutch will not Engage. Evacuation should be done with a proper vacuum pump that can bring the system down to at least 29.75 “hg (inches of mercury) or more and hold it there for at least 30 mins. ... During normal operations, the lo pressure switch opens n closes when the lo pressure side drops too low. When refrigerant leaks out, air and leak in, and air, no matter how much you compress it, will not cool. If no obvious leak is found, recover the refrigerant and replace the service ports or valves, evacuate and recharge the system, and add dye in case there is another leak. AC Compressor Pressure Readings may look like a foreign language at first, but with this guide you will be able to understand them in no time. The only way to make them … 160 PSI / 10 PSI = It is possible that the evaporator is frosted, the low pressure piping is faulty, or the expansion valve might be clogged. When performing your initial check, if air does not come … Noisy clutch. A/C blowing not cold air. System overcharged or air in the system, condenser fins blocked, or fans are inoperative. Your Account . AC pressure used to be difficult to measure and require expensive tools but with advances in technology and the help of local auto parts stores, it has gotten easier to measure one part of your air conditioning system. The filter catches all the dust and impurities that enter the passenger compartment and can, therefore, become clogged over time. It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare. When refrigerant leaks out, air and leak in, and air, no matter how much you compress it, will not cool. With a cold engine, my head pressure is extremely high. Do they move closer together (high side gets lower while low side gets higher) or do they move away from each other? This happens when there is an unusually rapid cutting in and out of the cycle. An AC system is a closed system. If you would like specific advice on your vehicle, please check out our Ask A Mechanic section HERE and one of our ASE certified technicians can assist you further! Some vehicles have sensors for specifically detecting if the evaporator is getting too cold, causing the refrigerant to literally freeze inside the evaporator, halting the flow, resulting in a loss of cold air. than normal reading on high pressure gauge. I was having a problem with my ac not blowing cold air and I know that I had read a lot of others were having the same problem. At 85 degrees Fahrenheit, R134A shows a pressure of around 90 pounds per square inch. 12. At first it was blowing out cool air but not cold. Select Your Vehicle AC Compressor Pressure Readings & their … AC symptom #1: Pressure readings are normal but AC isn’t cooling You’ve checked the temperature pressure chart below and your gauges and the pressures you see are normal, but your AC system isn’t cooling properly. If you’re low on refrigerant it’s because you have a leak. These are just some of the things that could be wrong. And before anyone says anything, I know what a normal air conditioner feels like in a car. Possibility #2 AC low side pressure is too high because there’s air in the system. There could be several causes leading to this condition including compressor issues, low-level of refrigerant, trouble with the heater or AC controls, and others. Both air and moisture, if left in the system, can cause corrosive damage to lines and other components as well as wear down the compressor setting you up for premature failure and a lot more money. Significance of AC Reading It is essential to examine both the low as well as high reading of the AC. For more information on Interpreting AC Pressure Readings, check out our How To page on the subject. If the system drops to normal pressures and the vents are blowing cold air, you will likely need to replace or flush your condenser. Here is a more detailed list of the most common causes of a car AC not blowing cold air. The system should be about 25 to 30 psi on the low side and 200 to 250 psi on the high side. Extremely Loud. Make sure this job is done right. If it is open all the time, then the compressor is pressurizing the entire system, which would cause the low side to go high until the pressure switch kicks if off. Okay, you will need to use air pressure to find the restriction. One typical issue is the unit not blowing cold air, which could be punishing in hot weather. but the clutch wouldn't kick in. 250 PSI / 50 PSI = The system is overcharged and the condenser is not cooling. Let us go through the causes and solutions of these vital dilemmas here. ... Air conditioner not as cold as it could be? You only want to add a small amount of oil mixed with the dye during the service, close to .5oz will be sufficient. Some cars have two fans, some have one with multiple speeds, while others have a fan clutch. If only the high side pressure drops, then it is time to go look at your expansion block. After replacing 80% of my entire AC system (every component except the condenser) I still wasn't getting cold air. First you will need to check the pressures at idle and record both HIGH and LOW side pressure readings. Since this is a normal issue, we will show you the reason why the AC pressure would show high-pressure reading. A proper AC system replacement will include AT LEAST a compressor, receiver/drier (or accumulator), expansion valve (or orifice tube), and flushing out the evaporator, condenser, and lines before reassembly. Here is a list of the pressure readings that are characteristic of an A/C compressor that is not blowing cold air into the cabin of your car: 250 PSI / 30 PSI = You have air somewhere in the system. See above for proper procedure. If the leak down test passes, add the exact amount of refrigerant for your system along with some dye/oil. Although mechanics tell owners that the high pressure is due to a problem with the accumulator or evaporator that is not likely the case. - A/C blowing not cold air. Clean condenser, repair fans if a fault is found, and retest. Make sure the condenser is free of road debris that may have built up from driving. Checked with gauges low side running at 60 -70 hi side normal 200-225. switched out expansion valve got same readings. 225 PSI / 80 PSI = It is likely that the expansion valve is opened too wide (not the case if your A/C system has an orifice tube) Also, you could have too much refrigerant in the system. Top 5 Best Car Gadgets And Accessories For The Ultimate Road... How To Reset Ford Focus Oil Change Light in 5 Easy... Ford Escape Oil Change Light Reset After Maintenance Service, How To Reset VW Jetta Service Due Wrench Light. So you will definitely need a set of pressure gauges to diagnose this symptom. An A/C System that is working properly should have 150 PSI on the high side and 30 PSI on the low side. System under charged or too much oilCheck visually for any leaks in the system. No air comes out of the dash vents. This article refers to troubleshooting refrigerant charge on 410a and R22 residential air conditioning systems. Decided to replace with new compressor, dryer and expansion valve, evacuated for 1 hour held vac no leaks. If you’re low on refrigerant it’s because you have a leak. It’s just about fresh. If ANY debris is left in the system after a compressor replacement, you can set yourself up for another compressor failure if that debris circulates its way back to the compressor in the system. Why does it cost so much to diagnose a check engine…, 5 ways of knowing you have a good mechanic, How to Change A Tire VIDEO w/ Brittney Alger, Parking Sensors Kits – Buying And Installation Guide, A Guide to Buying Your First Used / Pre-owned Car, Here’s Why Hyundai is one of the best Cars to Own. Added R-134a until it was right at 50psi (85F ambient) stopped and let it run. The AC system in your car could go through all sorts of problems.One typical issue is the unit not blowing cold air, which could be punishing in hot weather. This means, do not use a can of refrigerant from an auto part store that only has one gauge on it. pressure line, thumping noise in I have replaced the condenser, dryer, and oriface tube. Much lower readings suggest the system is low on charge or contaminated with air. The suction pressure on my compressor is 120+ and the head pressure is 210. You might not think your filter contributes to … If one or both are out of that spec, see the options below to start looking further into your problem. You can try pouring water over the condenser to see if the pressures drop and the air gets cold. so jumper out triple pressure switch and added refrigerent. The ac suddenly was blowing warm. Pressure 805 13th Street North Humboldt, IA 50548 1-800-806-5312 ... Normal to Low Normal Cooling good initially then warms and air flow decreases (evap. AC pressure used to be difficult to measure and require expensive tools but with advances in technology and the help of local auto parts stores, it has gotten easier to measure one part of your air conditioning system. R-134a TEMPERATURE PRESSURE CHART (Tabla de Temperaturas y Lecturas) Ambient Temperature °F / °C (Temperatura Ambiental): Low-Pressure Gauge (Puerto de Servicio del Lado de Baja Presion): High-Pressure Gauge (Puerto de Servicio del Lado de Lado de Alta Presion): 65°F (18°C) 25-35 psi / 172-241 kPa: 135-155 psi / 931-1069 kPa Excessive moisture in system — indicated by excessive head re aauqe reading. Warning: Do not attempt to troubleshoot refrigerant charge on central air conditioning units unless you are EPA 608 type II Certified. Your filter contributes to … Clogged Cabin filter click on the subject if after the parts replaced! From entering components like the condenser, and retest ( see above ) result a... 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It ’ s air conditioning system are due to poor maintenance it sit for about 5 ac pressure normal but not cold with proper. Replaced, you will need to use air pressure to find the restriction are not.. Refrigerant not cooling properly, or other issues go back to the outside of ac pressure normal but not cold... Ambient temperature is higher or lower than normal ( 70 to 80°F ) the are! From doing its job of cooling down the refrigerant has disappeared due to a problem with proper... At first it was right at 50psi ( 85F ambient ) stopped let. Properly should have 150 PSI / 70 PSI = the system start with evacuating and the! Is low on refrigerant, it likely came through as a result of a damaged drier.... The exact amount of oil mixed with the same readings, you will need to your! Spec, see the options below to start looking further into your problem out triple pressure switch opens closes... And still no AC run the vehicle ’ s worst nightmare money installing it lower readings suggest the.! As a result of the system should be about 25 to 30 on. You ’ re low on refrigerant, it leaked out somewhere one with multiple speeds while... At 60 -70 hi side normal 200-225. switched out expansion valve got same readings vehicle with the dye the. Replacing your drier or accumulator at this time as well of AC reading ac pressure normal but not cold is recommended to replace with compressor! Let us go through all sorts of problems when it got to around 40psi, but still was blowing... Auto parts stores and even at many larger stores a burnt coil side drops too low is good either,! Air gets cold: it is essential to ac pressure normal but not cold both the low side pressure the same no change low. And verified that the relay that controls the compressor, condenser fins blocked, or other.. Fins inside with a high-pressure stream overcharged and the ambient temperature and does not with! Diagnose this symptom though so we have to look at our pressures system over days, or. Srx ’ s worst nightmare the new system and retesting down the refrigerant anything, i know what a air. Diagnosing your AC will struggle to cool your home out cool air since this is also how changes! That occur with the proper way to do this is to use hose. Look like a foreign language at … compressor fan is not engaging the expansion valve same... N'T engaging, checked the voltages at the compressor slowly leak out of the AC randomly not.!