AC not working

RJBRAUN

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA COROLLA

Air Conditioning problem 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 110000 miles

My wife's car has poor A/C cooling so I bought a R134a "recharge kit" online and hooked it to the low side port to bring the charge up. There was some cooling before and the sight glass inline showed bubbles while running. When I opened the can the pressure gauge pegged and it would not take any refrigerant at all. I am absolutely sure I had hooked up to the low side (larger hose, labeled and the only fitting the charge hose will fit). The compressor is running and the clutch engaged (I jumper-ed it to 12 v direct to be sure) Does this sound like a plugged orifice( where is it located so I can check ) or bad compressor or what? I'm baffled and don't know what to do next.

I have been a technician for 25 years, am ASE certified and Wi. State certified. I'm not in the business anymore and don't have access to all the equipment. I just needed a little direction on this situation.

Thanks

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

Hello,

The low side pegging the gauge is telling you there is a blockage or the expansion valve is stuck on the evaporator core. This means the system will need to be vacuumed down so you can take the valve out and inspect it. If it is clogged with debris it means the compressor is coming apart and will need to be replaced.

Here is a diagram and a couple of guides to help you get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

and

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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