A/C problems

[sparvin]

Okay, I know it's December, but it's 80 where we are now and our A/C is out. It's a 2001 Yukon, 5.3L v8. Here's what it does--front and rear blower motors work fine and it changes to blow out face, feet, defrost... the heater will get HOT, but the A/c will not blow any cold air out at all. The a/c light comes on when the button is pressed and I checked all the fuses/relays and they are fine. The compressor will not cycle on.

I think I'll have to check refrigerant according to some things I've found out so far. This is easy to do, right and I can get what I need in a kit from an auto parts store, right? Anything to avoid?

What else can I check?

Thanks in advance,
Steven

 

[metro273]

Sounds to me like you might have an a/c freon leak? Look for an "oil stain" around the condensor, since this item is prone to rocks from the road in front of you! Next, check the a/c lines, especially where they connect to the condensor and each other...good luck!

 

[kcciticard]

Did you check the belt. On my 4.8 liter there is separate belt for the AC condenser, not sure on your 5.3.

 

[DefEddie]

Most of the time it is simply out of freon.
Don't assume a leak,if you've not serviced it in awhile then that would explain it.
If the system drops pressure enough the pressure switch will break the circuit to keep the compressor from cycling on and damaging the compressor.
You can unplug the pressure switch and jump it with a paperclip and the system will cycle on if this is the problem.
Since you don't have a set of guages and a vacuum pump i'm assuming you have two options from here.
Take it to a shop and have them service the AC,they will check for a leak before they service and fill the system. -best option
Go to autozone and spend $20 on the stuff to fill it yourself,then fill it yourself. If you have a leak you've wasted 20$ and now need to get it serviced anyway.
If it doesn't fix then the system needs diagnosed by a pro.

This is all assuming there isn't an issue with the system otherwise,and it's just low.
Shop is the best option,we'll pull/hold a vacuum to check for leaks and I will generally check the orifice for compressor debris.
There is the assorted circuit problems,bad comp. clutch etc...
But let's assume the easiest

 

[sparvin]

Thanks guys for the responses. Yes, I did check the belt and it is fine, so the freon is next. I like checking things myself and if checking/adding freon isn't too hard, I'll try that first, plus after Christmas, I sure could use the cash if I can save it. I realize my best bet is a shop (and most expensive), but I'll take my chances for $20 and a new experience.

Now, will this kit come w/instructions? Also, I've read about leak detector dyes--can I buy some and put it in the system or is that a dealer thing? Also, anyone recommend anyone around Mobile, AL?

 

[DefEddie]

This kit will come with instructions,and you can also buy some freon with dye in it.
You'll need a blacklight/infared light and some yellow glasses.
They'll have all that stuff there,might be put up in the back but they have it.
If you do all that,it still doesn't work and you can't find the leak then just take it to the shop.

 

[sparvin]

Sounds good, I plan on trying to check it out tomorrow hopefully. Thanks

 

[sparvin]

Ok, I found the dent and oily residue on the condensor. Talked to the dealer--$300 parts/ $130 labor--so I called around. Found a condensor from O'reilly's for $150 w/a lifetime warr. I know I need a recharging kit too and the O'reilly guy said I have to pull a vacuum while charging the system. How is this done? What kind of equipment do I need? Would it be better to do the install myself and go somewhere to have someone charge the system?

Thanks, Steven

 

[metro273]

^^^Told ya!

You'll need a vacuum machine to suck down the air in the system, so that the a/c is working at it's best and coldest!

I say let the professionals do it right and besides, you'll get a warranty with that a/c installation too...:thumbsup:

 

[sparvin]

you were right. I checked w/the dealer and only get a 1 yr warranty, but the O'reilly condensor is lifetime. I think I'll do the install and get a shop to do the charging.