The light on the A/C button comes on but the compressor does nothing. I know a little about AC, I think if it was just low on r134 it would kick on and then kick off right? It does nothing.

 

Pull the plug out of your condenser and close the plug's circuit with a paperclip while the button is pressed, the fan speed is 1-4, and the car is running. Do you hear the compressor click and start working?

 

Your compressor/clutch will not engage unless there's enough refrigerant/pressure. I believe the clutch engages even when the heater is on but for the windshield defroster only. You can try jumping it for a second to see if it turns on but if it doesnt while jumping it directly to the batt then you might need a compressor.

If you decide to test it by jumping it and it does work, do not leave it connected just to get around the issue, I do believe that will harm the compressor in the long run.

I wish I was in need of AC right now! We're in the low 20s and teens

 

I think I have destroyed my AC system.

I jumped the compressor to the battery it came on, but low side pressure was 0. I let some r134a in and it all blew out of the low side hose.

A couple of years ago I took the hose out of its bracket so that the strut tower brace would go over it. Apparently its been doing a bit of rubbing on the pulley although it appears to have sufficient clearance at idle, a hole has appeared.

I'm trying not to get too angry with myself here, but my stupid mistake has caused this. I don't know what to do, I assume the system is contaminated and I can't just replace the hose and recharge.

 

a hole that small is unlikely to have contaminated your system.
replace the hose and drier, recharge the system, check for leaks and hopefully drive happy.

 

i agree...
replace hose, use new o rings, replace dryer, vacume system and check for leaks...recharge R134a and oil.

 

Me know even less. That is why I did some fact finding... hope this hlps:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/7

 

I can't find a hose on any site, is that only from the dealer?

And thanks Wiking, for the link, good site!

 

If u go to dealer, your car value will triple (=positive thinking)...

Cut it, insert suitable/tight metal pipe in/between, clamp it. Two clamps, 2$...

...Or find specialty shop sellin industrial rubber bits, hoses. Take your whole problem out, visit the shop with it and they will re-build it to you. 50$ ?

 

keep going.
the hose is like $125 at the dealer and most places around me charge at least $75 to redo the hose.

 

Brian cool heat (my old job) did my hoses for 35 bucks each...wonder if they still charge that much with that ***** of a new owner they got now.

 

But you were an employee, no?

 

Not at that time...I just decided to ask if they were hiring when I picked up the finished hoses and got hired the next day.

Anyone can go there and get it for $35 depending on the car, for our maximas should be $35 bucks...its the length of the hose that brings the price up

 

with AC i highly recommend you DO NOT use regular hose clamps.

 

when they make new ones, they crimp new ends on.
even if it is a low pressure line, there are still special A/C hose clamps to use.

 

does anyone know where the low pressurre side inlet is? I can't find it??

 

I guess I should be more specific. Does anyone have a diagram of where the low pressure side inlet for adding freon to? I've been looking and I can't find it. Please help!!!!

 

Random thought, our cars don't use r143a....do they?

 

no, they don't. you have to covert them to 134a or pay a fortune for R-12.

 

93 and newer is R-134a, 92 and older is R-12.

 

Depends on the year.
even if it is R12 I recommend converting it to 134a because of cost and future availability.
I actually have 2 14oz cans of R12 and 1 30lb of R12 for sale if anyone is interested (continental USA only).

 

Look for a blue cap if you have 134a already