C5 coupe AC problems

[oahuyahoo]

Noticed the AC started working intermittently, first started off slowly, then more often it would not work now it doesn't come on at all. Installed a new climate head unit and still no go. Going through the codes the dic states "no communication". Checked the fuses all good. HELP anybody!

[froggy47]

Originally Posted by oahuyahoo

Noticed the AC started working intermittently, first started off slowly, then more often it would not work now it doesn't come on at all. Installed a new climate head unit and still no go. Going through the codes the dic states "no communication". Checked the fuses all good. HELP anybody!

Look up the correct refrigerant pressure & check it with a gauge. It varies with ambient temp.

:)

[oahuyahoo]

That will kill the entire system?

Originally Posted by froggy47

Look up the correct refrigerant pressure & check it with a gauge. It varies with ambient temp.

:)

[froggy47]

No, it's like checking the air pressure in a tire. There is a valve. Check the high pressure side.

Best to use an a/c manifold gauge set. It is also used to recharge the system if it's low. Google a/c manifold set. Do not use a tire gauge.

Some recharge bottles also have a gauge on them.

[oahuyahoo]

I'm not trying to be stubborn or difficult, I appreciate your help, I'm doing all I can to keep from taking this pile of junk to the dealer but if the refrigerant (or lack thereof) in the system is not killing the AC shouldn't I be looking elsewhere?
[QUOTE=froggy47;32496]No, it's like checking the air pressure in a tire. QUOTE]

[froggy47]

[quote=oahuyahoo;32497]I'm not trying to be stubborn or difficult, I appreciate your help, I'm doing all I can to keep from taking this pile of junk to the dealer but if the refrigerant (or lack thereof) in the system is not killing the AC shouldn't I be looking elsewhere?

Originally Posted by froggy47

No, it's like checking the air pressure in a tire. QUOTE]

I'm not sure I am following you. You said the a/c doesn't work & you replaced the controller on the dash. Right? That did not fix the a/c.

I am giving you a suggestion on how to troubleshoot the a/c system & not throw parts at it. The first thing (well except for looking to see if the a/c belt is missing) is to see if the refrigant pressure is over or under spec.

Either will cause the a/c to not work.

Over/under pressure will "kill" the a/c if I understand your question.

There is a pressure sensor. A/C will not run if the sensor does not signal correct pressure.

You don't skip by the basic trouble shooting steps.

Or maybe I don't understand the question?

Trying to help.

:)

[oahuyahoo]

Got ya now.

[Junkman]

Some guys would just dump some more R-134a into their system in your situation. Do NOT make that mistake. What you need to do is go by a mom and pop shop that has a ACR 2000 (evacuation and recovery machine), and have them find out exactly how much R-134a you have in your system. That way, you'll know if your system is low, which will then tell you if your system is leaking or not. The system is sealed so the amount of R-134a in the system should never be low. If it is, you have a leak. The amount of R-134a that should be in your system is an EXACT amount, depending on the year of your car. Too much or too little can affect or damage your AC system.

If the system is low, they can inject some green dye into the system that can assist you in locating the leak. You want to fix any leaks that you may have. I did a writeup on the repair of my own system and

posted it here

posted it here

.

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by oahuyahoo

That will kill the entire system?

Yes, low refrigerant level can stop the a/c from working.

[oahuyahoo]

So this leak could be anywhere, possibly under the dash or like where your's was is this correct?

Originally Posted by Junkman

Some guys would just dump some more R-134a into their system in your situation. Do NOT make that mistake. What you need to do is go by a mom and pop shop that has a ACR 2000 (evacuation and recovery machine), and have them find out exactly how much R-134a you have in your system. That way, you'll know if your system is low, which will then tell you if your system is leaking or not. The system is sealed so the amount of R-134a in the system should never be low. If it is, you have a leak. The amount of R-134a that should be in your system is an EXACT amount, depending on the year of your car. Too much or too little can affect or damage your AC system.

If the system is low, they can inject some green dye into the system that can assist you in locating the leak. You want to fix any leaks that you may have. I did a writeup on the repair of my own system and posted it here.