Just bought the car, a 94 DX hatch with the 1.5.
I new there was a problem with the a/c, and simply planned to get it recharged.

However, I drove it a couple of days ago, and the a/c blew nice and cold.

I then got to some stoplight driving and it started blowing warm again.

Next couple of days, I couldnt get it cold again.

Do you think it needs freon or that there is another problem?
I know the a/c switch is working as I can feel the compressor come online when the button is hit.

Anyone have a similar experience?

p.s. For those who helped me with the timing belt debacle, dont worry, this is not going to turn into a week long post-fest ....the car is driveable and now I'm just going to slowly tackle some of the little problems as time allows....

 

Okay, Ive gone ahead and set up an appointment for tomorrow with a local a/c shop.
I'll try not to get taken to the cleaners

If he fixes it, I'll post up the fix....

 

Difficult to diagnose a problem if you don't give us more information. You say the compressor is running. Is the condenser fan running too ? is the condenser hot or very hot ? is the suction return line to the compressor hot or cool ? have you gauges to test the high/low pressures ? It may be something simple like needs a small charge, or maybe its overcharged. It could be the drier is blocked and needs changing, could be the belt is just not tight enough. Could even be the compressor itself. Might even be the expansion valve is faulty, or the evaporator is full of leaves. You need to give us as much info as possibleso you can get a chance to fix it yourself. That's why a set of manifold gauges are a must to dignose a/c problems.

 

So what was the outcome ? did you get stung ?

 

I dont have manifold gauges...are these things that the local advanced auto will come out into the parking lot with for free?

I agree that it could be some valve or other part that is malfunctioning, but with my limited knowledge of a/c systems...I think it would be impossible for me to figure out the problem.

I'll take it in, and then post up with the answer tomorrow.
thanks

 

Okay, update.
Took it in to a mechanic.
He found it was something in the condensor. Said he called around and they dont sell it separate.
Said a new condensor, dryer, labor, etc. would be 600 donuts.

So, I'm gonna go pick it up after paying him for his time and do the work myself.

I think advanced auto sells the tool to recharge with 134.

 

Ok, it is not the condensor, it is the compressor.

So, I am going to replace the compressor and the dryer. The guy at the auto parts store said I should either replace or clean the expansion valve under the dash.

Do you guys think this is necessary?

I dont want to go into the dash if I dont have to

Then, I will rent a vacuum device from the autozone nearby to purge the system.

Then, I will recharge with 134.

What do you think?

 

It is very important to replace the expansion valve. If your compressor blew, there will be tiny metal fragments and dirt that will clog up the expansion valve. A stuck expansion valve can allow too much pressure to build in a system and thus blow out the head of the compressor. If you don't replace the expansion valve, and dryer at the same time, the manufacturer of the compressor will void your warranty and your compressor may go out again. An expansion valve is only about $45. I'd do it, unless you like spending $200-$350 + time to replace compressors.

 

ok, Ill just plan on doing it.

Hopefully it isnt too hard to get too