Mistertones

So my a/c didn't work. I purchased one of those kits from walmart to refill it. After refilling it, the a/c worked great nice cold air. But while I had the A/c on, I could hear a hissing sound, like a leak behind my passenger side glove box. Is there a a/c pipe back there or something that holds the R134A stuff? A few days later, the a/c was not hot anymore, and the sound was gone, (assuming it all leaked out behind the dash?) If anyone has input please help. It's 95 degrees out today.

ajm8127

iTrader: (8)

I see, so it's an emergency!

Joking aside, there is a coil back there (evaporator, I think) that the compressed freon flows through to exchange heat from the cabin into the refrigerant. You probably have a hole in the coil, or in one of the lines that feeds it.

fizzel89

I have this SAME exact problem with a 99 maxima I have. I hear a hissing noise behind the glove compartment whenever I have the fan on with the coolest setting. I was thinking about buying one of those recharging things from AutoZone like MisterTones said, but after seeing the above reply I don't know if I want to drop $30 on it without finding out what the real problem is.

BLACKKILA.GTR

iTrader: (16)

yeah like dude said its ur evap thingy back there... i had the same problem... dont go cheap with it buy the one from nissan and have a shop replace it unless u can do it urself...

Mistertones

How much is the EVAP from Nissan roughly??

BLACKKILA.GTR

iTrader: (16)

i paid 90 for mine if i recall.... and i think its like 180-250 to install....smh

Mistertones

Is this what I would need http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-A...5fAccessories?

I found a Youtube video how to replace this, seems pretty simple.

Mistertones

I've read around, and is the Evaporator core different on the 96 maximas vs the 97-99? can anyone verify this for me?

ef9

iTrader: (8)

The leak could be coming from the thermal expansion valve, rather than the evaporator, but most likely from the evaporator.

When you replace the evaporator, be sure to replace your receiver/drier and check the condition of the thermal expansion valve. If everything is out like that, you should change your thermal expansion valve!

Also, when replacing the evaporator, etc. replace all of the o rings at the connections that were disconnected. Then pull a deep vacuum, recharge and enjoy. Be sure to add PAG oil too, since some of it may have leaked out through the evaporator/thermal expansion valve.

ajm8127

iTrader: (8)

This is essential. Do not take everything apart, put it back together, and then slap some 134a in there and call it a day. You must suck out the air/moisture/freon mix and replace it with pure 134a. Any air or moisture in your A/C system will spell disaster.

Mistertones

Can anyone tell me which evap core I would need for my 96 Maxima? I posted a link above...Thanks

sunshine7684

I may be completely wrong here, but i think something similar happened to me. One day i noticed my passenger floor mat was soaking wet, and cold. Took it to my mech and he said (again this may be wrong, or maybe just a different issue entirely) that there is some sort of drainage pipe down thataways, and it can get clogged with debris and leaves and whatnot--also can make stuff smell funny. Well he unclogged it, i guess, and my mat has been dry ever since, until recently. Now if i have the air on low and take a sharp corner, i can hear some sort of liquid sloshing around, sounding like it's going from driver side to passenger side (or vice-versa for opposite turn) and sometimes i can actually feel water or whatever it is draining on my foot. Soo...i don't know if i was getting my leg pulled the first time around, or if that was for real and it just needs unclogged again or something...but hey, might be a similar case to yours.

edit:
yep just re-read your post and it doesn't sound like you're talking about a liquid leaking, oops

ef9

iTrader: (8)

You need a 1995-1996 Nissan Maxima Evaporator Core. Don't forget, you will need a new receiver drier too.

Mistertones

Is it necessary to replace the Receiver drier as well? I can't find any write ups on it, or where they even sell them..

ajm8127

iTrader: (8)

Rockauto.com seems to have both parts you are asking about.

Not sure if you came across it, but here is a pretty good video on removing/replacing the evaporator core:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuJASXZU1kQ

Mistertones

Thanks, I've just finished sourcing the Evap core and the Drier. That video was very helpful. But after reading about replacing that, I've learned that it's recommended to replace the Drier as well. Does anyone know of a DIY to replace this part? or had anyone just replaced the Evap without the Drier?

mista0406

iTrader: (22)

The drier is just held on by 2,3 screws next to the condensor coil( coil in front of radiator) if your facing the front of the car it will be to your right side right below the battery tray. Not hard to change out just unscrew line coming from condensor coil and change out the o-ring and filter and put back in place.

ef9

iTrader: (8)

Since you are replacing the evap core, be sure to use a brand new thermal expansion valve.

Also, when removing the evap core, be sure to replace those o-rings. You can buy the replacement o-ring pack from any parts store (they will come in an assortment pack).

After re-assembly, be sure to pull a deep vacuum before recharging with refrigerent. Also, you will need to refill some PAG oil lost in the receiver-drier and the evap core.

Good luck.

maxed_out_99

just a general rule of thumb if your a/c does not work theres a leak

just so everyone knows ive met quite a few people that just recharge the system and thinks its all good when you need to find a leak


i would also say evaporator

ef9

iTrader: (8)

Actually, my AC quit working because of a clogged thermal expansion valve.

ajm8127

iTrader: (8)

Clogged with what?

ef9

iTrader: (8)

Rust from the failed expansion valve.

maxed_out_99

The pressure build up didn't cause a leak?

ef9

iTrader: (8)

Pressure didn't cause any leak.

Cielo

i should jump on the dealer rebuild kit for my car.

neocry

iTrader: (5)

Wow, hope you got this fixed man.

It was like 100 couple days ago.

Mistertones

So I got my Evaporator Core in the mail today, and it looks similar bu not the same as the video posed. I believe it's the low pressure side pipe is too short. Anyone have a stock picture of it out?

timk22

Yeah, aftermarket evaps are a differnet size - not as wide but they still work and fit in the housing. I've seen them come with the pipe that attaches to the expansion valve (high pressure from drier) and I've seen them not come with it - you have to reuse the original pipe.

The two pipe ends do not align with each other. I forget which one is slightly longer without looking at them.

Key thing is to make sure you got the right evaporator for your car as there are two different models out there and the fittings are slightly different.

ef9

iTrader: (8)

Post pics of your existing evap and the new on you got in the mail.

Mistertones

I finally got it working everyone! I first replaced the Evaporator. Since the new one didn't come with a low side line, I had to use my old one, hoping there was no leak. Then the expansion valve I bought from Autozone didn't fit, so I winged it an tried using my old one. Took it to a shop to get my system vacuumed, then found out the expansion valve was leaking horribly. (thank god my mechanic didn't charge me for doing that). So I took it home, tore it all apart again and replaced the expansion valve I got from Advanced Auto Parts. Got everything back together and got it vacuumed and recharged. The AC blows ice cold air now, even colder than my 2010 Corolla. So total cost:

Evaporator core: $60.00
Expansion valve: $37.99
+ vac/charge: $60.00
$157.99

mista0406

iTrader: (22)

^^^ not bad man great to hear you got working

Mistertones

Thanks! It's such a relief I got it to work. Feels like we are going to have a hot summer this year. It's the best satisfaction I was able to do it myself. Big thanks to everyone for their input and advice and a HUGE thanks to Boredmr for uploading that video on how to remove that Evaporator!!

ef9

iTrader: (8)

Awesome feeling when you fixed it yourself!