My a/c hasn't worked for a while now and Its time to make it work. Whenever I turn the a/c on, the compressor kind of squeels? Not sure why. I don't think its a belt squeel, as I think it would squeel all the time if that was the case. The belts look in OK condition (no fraying of any kind). I have found out the system uses R134a..so one issue down.

The clutch does kick on when I hit the button, doesn't that mean that I have enough refrigerant? From what I have read is that if the system DOESN'T have enough fluid, then the clutch doesn't kick on?

Would a recharge kit solve my problem?

Has anyone used one of these kits and what do you recommend whenever doing the recharge with the kit? How many cans did yours take?

Thanks

 

 

1. Check the tension on the belt. Tighten if needed.
2. Check to make sure the fans are running when the a/c is on.
3. Check to make sure the temp control is fully actuating the air mixture door for the blower assembly. Look under the dash on the passenger side where the firewall meets the carpet and watch while you move the control.
4. The compressor will run with a partial charge but that doesn't mean you are low. You are going to have to check it with a guage. Overcharge is as bad as not enough. The system will hold about 3 cans if it is EMPTY.

 

With the car not running, reach down to the compressor pulley and see if you can spin the compressor (the part in the middle on the outside of the compressor) or do you see smoke and smell a terrible stink when you try to run it.
If you find you can't spin the compressor by hand then it's seized.

 

just remove it ... that's what I did in mine

 

Tighten the belt.

The pulley on which the belt rides is mounted to a hollow tube which supports the Pulley Bearing on the outside, and the Compressor crankshaft on the inside. The face of the pulley bearing is a flat faced electro-magnet and is separated from the Crankshaft mounted Compressor clutch.
When the Clutch is dis-engaged (A/C off) the pulley rotates freely around the hollow tube, being carried along by the drive belt.
With the A/C on, the electromagnet pulls the Compressor Clutch plate against it's magnetized pulley face and turns the Compressor's crankshaft.

With the A/C off, the only thing that's moving is the belt, and the Compressor pulley.

P

 

What is the easiest way to tighten the belt?

I need a helms or something, is there an online version anywhere? I remember seeing this somewhere.

 

The belt is as tight as it needs to be. Almost zero slack.

Both fans kick on, the compressor kicks on when the a/c button is hit.

I can turn the compressor with my hand easily.

Any other ideas?

 

Ok then, so it kicks on and everything seems to work but it "squeals", is this a" cover your ears it hurts" squeal or a "crap that's annoying" squeal. You may just have a noisy belt. If you shoot it with a little silicone it may quiet down if that's the case. Otherwise your compressor may be about to take a dump.
Is it blowing cool or cold air when it's on?

 

It's not blowing cool or cold. I think it does blow cool for a few seconds, but after that it goes away.

It's just a raspy kind of squeel, nothing really like a belt I guess. A belt squeel is super high pitch (atleast when its loose), this isn't like that.

Would any of this be a sign of it needing r134?

 

don't guess; just hook up a gauge to your lowside & check...

those things are relatively inexpensive anyways... (it was included in the recharge kit I got)

 

I will do that...........I am out of options

 

how long as it not worked? you really should have the system leak tested and repaired along with replacing the accumulator. (receiver/dryer)

Most likely your compressor will need a fresh oill charge as well. It should not cost you more than about $400 to fix if there are no problems with the major parts of the system........