Hello all. I've searched and I haven't found anything closely related to the specific problem I'm having. Today I left the beach and my a/c was blowing somewhat cold but not anywhere the way I'm used to, by the time I got home it was hot air. I figured all the freon leaked out and the compressor wouldn't click on. But it does, It comes on and disengages. I'm not sure if I have a leak or my compressor is shot.

1999.5 se-l 150k miles. Had the car a year I've put about 13k miles on it the just over a year I've had it.

 

It's probably tripping out on the low pressure switch. Might be time for a recharge. If it leaks back out quickly, you'll need to find the leak.

 

Put a gauge on the low pressure port. You'll know instantly if you have freon or not.

 

^
This is good advice. I wouldn't waste money recharging it just yet and if you do find you have a leak pressurize the system after fixing it to make sure it holds pressure as 02 is free and freon is not. Then you should put a vacume pump on it for an hour or so to remove any moisture or contaminents then charge the system with freon.

 

i lost all interest when you said beach and no ac. that would be like wizard complaining about not having enough cf on his max.

 

Idk what that has to with anything. This was the first time I've been in forever

 

First, (if ur freon level and condition is okay) engage ac and make sure the clutch on the compressor is spinning. Second check ur condenser (radiator in front of radiator behind grille) dirt and stuff gets stuck in it give a good power wash so air can properly make it through. 3 if that doesnt work check the dryer filter unit. It is a little canister like thing with two lines going into it and a connector going in to it. This is located directly behind the driver headlight if u look down there is a small gap so u have access to it. I tried all these things and the dryer unit was what got mine working again. I went from blowing 90 degree air with the ac on to now blowing 40 degree air. Thats colder than the ac in my dads 2015 silvarado. Ur culprit is most likely one of these 3

 

This morning I got a screwdriver and pushed the low pressure line and nothing came out. So of course the ac compressor isn't engaging anymore.

 

Recharge, if u go to someone with the right equipment have them do a back pressure test to check for leaks, if everything checks out then try what i said

 

Hopefully u get lucky and just need a recharge!

 

Vacuum test underway....

 

I bought a crappy vacuum pump from harbor freight that uses an air compressor. I could only get it to hold vacuum at 15psi. I left it for about 15 minutes and it dropped about 4 psi

 

Maybe try renting a vacuum pump from autozone but if it's not holding a vacuum could be a leak or could be faulty manifold gauges. You should be able to connect the manifold gauge set onto itself to see if it holds a vacuum just to make sure that is not the source of the leak.

 

You have a leak! Vacuming your system is not going to do you any good at this time. Like i previously said you need to find your leak by pressurizing the system then spray it down with soap and water and look for bubbles or charge the system with the dye and get out the black light. I doubt it's the dryer/accumulator. I'd bank on your most likely place being the condensor or a line that has corroded. After finding and fixing your leak then pressurize the system and check the gauge on the low pressure to see if it holds pressure. If so then vacume the system and then charge with 134a or the cans from your local automotive store. Sometimes all it takes is a stone chip on the condensor or where the quick connect fittings are if there are any can often corrode depending on where theyre located but living in florida corrosion may not be as likely.

 

I need this pipe it's the cause of the leak, nissan says it's part of the condenser. But it's easily bolted in. The FSM pictures it but no kind of part no. Or anything any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/ca...49715.jpg.html

 

I think this might be what you are looking for.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/92446-p...784_1822_1845&

It's called:
[92446] PIPE-COOLER,CONDENSER TO TANK
Product SKU: 92446-A32B003

I'm not 100% sure that is it but have a look and see what you think. Apparently Nissan calls the "receiver/dryer" a "tank"

 

Don't worry, there's a group of guys from Central Texas that will be killing the Heat in Florida.

 

Looks like your looking for the line from the dryer to the condensor. Can be tough to find aftermarket. You may only be able to get that one from the dealer. It should come with new o rings aswell. Might be a good idea to change the other o ring at the condensor too while your at it then pressurise the system with nitrogen and get a spray bottle of soap and water and spray down all ac line connections with the system pressurized DO NOT TURN ON THE A/C with the system pressurized while you spray it down to check for any small bubbles. If no bubbles are present then hook up a vacume pump for an hr or so then charge with refridgerant and you should be good.

 

you are a life saver. This is so strange that the a/c system is so different on this car. Is gonna be nearly impossible to find a new condenser if I ever need one though.

 

It is the line from the reveiver/dryer to the condensor. If you are doing this yourself check the previous post I left. Be careful when installing or moving any of the aluminum lines because they can crack quite easily and becarful unbolting the line from the dryer. Metal bolts in aluminum fittings can be a pita when they corrode or seize. Just becarful not to snap the heads on the bolts.

 

LMAO that's ****ed up...And you just had to add an avatar of LJ on your profile to emphasize.

Anyhow...ugh, that's 1 thing I'm glad about not living in Florida anymore. Every car I ever had (2) in Florida had repeated major A/C problems. I'm knocking on wood here, but I have over 230,000 miles on my A/C system and haven't once had to recharge. But then again, we actually get a real winter where I live now. Many residences don't have a/c.

Recharging won't help. Got to find the leak, and if experience has taught me anything, it's always either the evaporator, or the compressor bearings leaking.

 

I agree.

And of course, LBJ is my single most hated athlete ever! Not because of last year, that was very, VERY lucky or him, and them. But because he a flaming douche knuckle.