If the compressor clutch is not turning, check to see if it is getting voltage. Then start the car and put the A/C on. That is because all cars leak some refrigerant through tiny pores in the hoses and through the seals. If the A/C works for awhile, but the fuse subsequently blows, you have a short somewhere. If both gauges read low, the problem could be with the compressor or that the system is low on refrigerant.
If you do not find any leaks, the system could still need to be recharged. To correct the problem, use a vacuum pump to purge the system.. Most cars have a safety switch that shuts off the compressor if it is too low on refrigerant. If your A/C works for awhile, but then begins to blow warm air, it is freezing up. Most new cars have an R-134 system. If the compressor itself makes a lot of noise or you hear a squeal, it is telling you it is time to replace it. If not, look to see if the compressor clutch is turning. If yours is not, there are some things you can do to fix it.
Attach the gauges to the high and low service fittings on the A/C unit. Unfortunately, if your evaporator or condenser is leaking, the replacement cost will be high. That occurs when there is air and/or moisture in the system. The older the car, the more refrigerant will have leaked. If it is not, replace the fuse.If your A/C only blows warm or hot air, check the compressor by starting the car and putting the A/C on. Remember, before you replace any parts, the refrigerant must first be evacuated from the system.
batching plants The clutch is located in the front of the compressor.If you have an older car with an R-12 system, you can feel for an oily residue around the compressor, condenser, hoses, etc. If it is turning, there is enough refrigerant in the system. Newer cars have a smaller system capacity than older ones. If you feel any liquid around the compressor shaft seal, you should replace that also.
Therefore, even a small amount of leakage in a newer car can negatively impact its cooling capability. If the compressor is getting voltage but it is not engaging, the clutch is bad and needs to be replaced.One good way to diagnose the system is by using a set of A/C service gauges. Before you recharge the system, check for leaks. If you find a leak, you need to replace that part. Leaks with this system are harder to find because you will not find any oily residue.
This is the time of the year when you want the air conditioning in your car to be running at its peak performance. Another way to check for leaks is to spray some soapy water on the hoses, connections, etc. The price range for a set of gauges is $50 and up. Wherever you see a bubble, there is a leak. If you do replace the leaky part, you will need to recharge the system afterwards. Then turn the A/C in your car to the highest setting and rev the engine.