A/C only blows cold while driving?

Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
I just watched the video. Doesn't explain the eratic behaviour of my ac but it's excellent! Thanks!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
Yep, it looks like the A/C compressor is going out, the high side is too low. How much refrigerant is in the system? There should be 1.7 pounds.

Here is how to change the compressor out with instructions below for your car:

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

Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Thanks! Is it important to change the drier of any other components when installing the new compressor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
Yes, it is, sorry I should have mentioned that. Here is the location, check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Any idea how I get to that?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Replace expansion valve as well?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
Yep, the receiver dryer can be tough to get to, I would open the system after the refrigerant has been removed and see what it looks like, there are two ways a compressor with stop working, messy and not. I other words are the compressor seals spread throughout he system or is the system clean inside, this will determine if you need the expansion block or not. You can upload an image or video of the inside tubes once apart so I can tell.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Okay. Appreciate it all. Thanks!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Turns out the system is leaking. Added dye but not showing up yet. Going to check again within the next few days to try to find the dye. If the leak was in the evaporator core would I see the dye?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
Yes, you should be able to see the dye. If the front of the compressor is leaking, which is common it can be difficult to see.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Where else is a common leak to take a closer look?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Front of the compressor is where the clutch is?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
Yes, do you have a leak detection device? Please go over this guide to see what I am talking about.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-leak-detection

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Can't find the dye leaking anywhere so assuming it's leaking in the evaporator. Is it worth trying a stop leak product?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
I have not seen those work but you never know, if you have a leak detector and can sniff the evaporator drain tube as in the guide above.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, July 12th, 2024 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Where would the evaporator drain be?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, July 12th, 2024 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
It will be on the passenger's side at the lower part of the firewall.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, July 12th, 2024 AT 9:54 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Thanks!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, July 12th, 2024 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
My mechanic claims I don't have a leak but the compressor is gummed up with garbage so it would need to be replaced. I've decided to do it myself. Would you recommend replacing the condenser drier and expansion valve as well?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, July 21st, 2024 AT 7:04 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
The compressor hasn't failed completely it still works sometimes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, July 21st, 2024 AT 10:48 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links