hey guys, it's summer and hot as h*ll. I'm a winter person so it's difficult breathing through these hot air. Cut to the point, I recently took my 93 prelude to Goodyear Gemini to recharge some free-on to the a/c line, mechanic there said that the condenser/compressor doesn't turn on when it needs to and the air isn't cool at all. They'll charge about 70 bucks an hour to look through and figure out the problem, which will run me about 300 to 400 dollars to fix everything. Before I want them to do the job I want to be the first to configure the problem and fixed it my self, you know how it is.
I have check the fuse, electrical wires from the compressor, and look at the a/c pipe all around, seems to be no problem at all.
Well, the question is:

1. is there any tool kit that I can get at the auto shop to test any leak in the a/c system?
2. What else do I need to do? (next step)
Your help is appreciated. Thank You.

 

Before you start paying $70 an hour to diagnose the problem, why dont you try to charge up the system and see if it runs? They sell cans of R-134 at auto stores and you can charge up the system to see if the compressor kicks in.

Just make sure you know what type of refridgerant the car uses, if it used r-12 (freon) you are basically out of luck beacuse it is no longer produced or supported.

 

There could be many reasons the compressor wont turn on. If there is no refrigerant in the system the comp wont cycle on so charge up the system and check for leaks with soapy water. Or you could just jump low pressure a/c switch and see if it turns on. If it turns on after jumping the switch then there is most likely a leak. If it doesnt then there is most likely and electrical problem or the compressor is frozen. When the car is off try and turn the comp with your hand to see if it is frozen up. Start there and then get back to me.

P.S. R12 is still available it is just not being produced any more. But its mucho $.

 

Hey thanks (prylwd & integra15). How do you "jump low pressure a/c switch ?" I'll get back to you. Man, it is hot as h*ll here in NC.

 

To jump the low press switch just unplug the connector from the switch and use a paper clip and stick each side of the paper clip in the switch (like you would do to flash read engine codes). The best thing to do though is what I said first charge up the system and check for leaks. Or check if the compressor is frozen. PM me if you need help I actually know a lot about this subject for a change.