Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting A/C wont take R134A

Ok guys, 1st post on the boards. I just bought a Contour and the AC doesnt work.

The previous owners gave me a recipt that shows they serviced it last yr (3,000 miles ago) and dye was added. No leak could be found then.

So I tried adding 1-2 cans of 134 in and it seems the system is not taking it in , even thou the guage is showing below 25psi.

I was able to get the compressor to finnaly start cycleing off /on every 2-3 seconds, but still no cold air and the 134 cans dont seem empty. At least we know the compressor has power

What am I doing wrong?? Im holding the cans upright and shaking them alot.

Any ideas, Thanks. im sure I will be back with many more

Ken

Recharging works only to a point. At that point, it takes $$$ to fix it and throwing cans of refrigerant at it just won't cut it anymore.

To recharge if the system is empty is between 21 to 26 oz. The system doesn't start to get cold until around 22 oz or so.

I takes a while to get it in. Normally you keep the can upright. I tend to move the cans from upright to on its side and increasing the idle some. Don't fill with the can upside down. it will freeze the reed valves in compressor and ruin it....

Bob

Put the can of refrigerant in a pan of hot water from your faucet, helps it flow in. The compressor will cycle until it is almost full 2 cans plus a bit more if empty. I recently discovered the valve you put the refrigerant in with was leaky on my car. Ford dealer should have one, and you will need an a/c valve tool. There were bubbles in the valve oil residue after charging. After a new valve and more r134, so far, it's cooling well.