What's wrong with my A/C?

[search4aztlan]

I had it recharged w/ 1lb of whatever they use now. I'm not sure if Freon is still used. NEway, it blew cold air for a few weeks and now I find that it struggles to put out even cool air. It does cool down after driving on the highway for about 20 minutes, but never really gets cold even on Max setting.

Could I have a leak or is the compressor not working at 100%??

I've drive this car in Florida so there won't be any relief from the heat for about another month or two.

 

[sgarlic]

Ok, you're going to have the R-134A stuff in yours unless it's earlier than I believe 96 (don't quote me on that.)

First, pop the hood with the a/c on full blast (not max a/c, just regular a/c).. check to make sure the compressor runs all the time. If the clutch is cycling every few seconds, or whatever, you're low on refrigerant. That would be my first check. You may have a slow leak, which can be easily diagnosed with some leak UV leak detector and a black light. Check to see if the compressor is in fact running/engaging the clutch, and see if it cycles.. and go from there.

Good luck.

 

[search4aztlan]

I drive a '98 so it uses R-134A. Thanks for clearing that up.

As for your comments, I have noticed that the compressor DOES cycle on and off every few seconds when on full blast. It sounds like there may be a leak. Are there any typical leak locations on Mustang 4.6s? I would hope for some signs left behind by a leak, but I'm assuming there is no such thing since they have products such as UV leak detectors. The car is under a warranty so I'll go ahead and schedule an appointment

Thanks for the input!

 

[LI98GTStang]

Yes, when low on refrigerant it will cycle on and off (you can hear it clicking). I had the same problem and purchased an A/C recharge kit at the autoparts store with the gauge. Directions are on the package. If you find the refrigerant is OK, have a look at the A/C cycling switch. They are also known to fail and have the same symptoms (clicking on and off the A/C compressor) as low refrigerant even though the charge is OK. Replacements are usually kept in stock at the dealer (wonder why?). Good luck.

 

[forpit2000gt]

if you add more refrigerant, use the kind with dye in it or take to a mechanic to do it. It will make it real easy to find the leak.

 

[nyuk98gt]

search4astlan:

FWIW, my compressor seal failed and refrigerant would leak out slowly (2 cans per year). The o-rings that seal the slip-joints of the A/C tubing can leak, too. Either way, the fix will cost you some loot. The dye is visible with black light so it is a great idea (good suggestion, forpit2000gt).

Chris

 

[Kilgore Trout]

+1 for dye will reveal the location of teh leak...