Does anyone know how to charge the A/C on a 96 Max? If so please give me some ideas of what I need and how to do it please. Thank You.

 

Reason I,m asking is because if it is not as cold as it used to be then you have a leak somewhere which needs to be fixed first. Otherwise you will be wasting your money.

 

My A/C still works and I'm pretty sure I don't have a leak or else it would be completely gone by now. Not being as cold as it use to be DOES NOT necessarily mean a leak in the system. I believe I am just going low on refrigerant because it hasn't been charged for five years and I have my climate control on all the time which means my A/C is constantly on. So again, does anyone have any info on how to charge the A/C system?

 

It does not always deplete itself because the seals/connections could hold up to a certain amount of pressure but yet leak enough out to cause cooling problems.

You are correct in saying it does not necessarily mean a leak, could be defective mechanical parts in the system (compressor, expansion valve, liquid tank, condensor etc) but usually a pressure check is in order first.

Although you very well may have a small/minute amount leaking, refrigerant does not get consumed in the process of cooling so you don,t allways have to get it charged every so many years. My dad just sold an 83 Ford ltd and NEVER EVER had R-12 added. Just a few pressure switches and he had the car for 12 years.

If you feel that I am beratting you in any way, I am not trying to do so. I just hate to have you spend money that is unnecessary.

 

Theoretically, the people who don't want to use the AC because the want to 'save' it is hurting the system more than those who leave it on all the time.

There is lubricant and such for the seals suspended within the refridgerant. You need to run the system every so often, at least once a month or so, to circulate the refridgerant and lubracate the seals. Otherwise, they have a higher chance of drying out, cracking, and letting the refridgerant out.

Here is my question, I have a '97 SE 5sp and the AC almost never gets cold anymore. I've checked the pressure with a pressure gauge and it is in the normal range (slightly high) range. The compressor cycles normally, the cooling fan under the hood turns on normally and such, and the defrost clears the windows quickly, so it seems like the ac system is getting rid of the moister in the system ok. What could be causing the lack of cold? Some sort of blockage? Where should I take it to get it checked out? The dealer or should other garages be able to diagnose this problem as well?

Thanks.

-V

 

If you want to, you can look for possible leaks by doing the following.....
look at the lines from the compressor and look for all of their connecting points. Look to see if you have a substance that looks like a combination of dirt/oil/grit at any connection. Follow these lines to the condensor and all in the engine area. If you see any substance as such, that is a leak more than likely. Refrigerant/oil will leak out and dust and grit will adhere to these areas.

You can also check your condensor for any type of contamination/dirt clogging the lines. This will obstruct air flow and reduce the effectivness of the system. Your condensor fan could even be running to slow or not at all. Doubt it but possible.

 

I don,t suppose you now the readings and temperature/relative humidity during these tests. My FSM states different causes/fixes for different readings. High side to low, Low side to high and so on. Post back and I or anyone else could maybe shed some light on the subject.

In the meantime, is your condensor cooling fins clean? Thats one thing to check.