ac - low pressure side

I have a 1997 Windstar and would like to make sure that I have found the right side to add the r132a freon. There are two connectors - One the gauge will not fit on and the other is on a black cylinder (The gage does fit on this one).

I am asking because the system is not taking any of the freon out of the can. The system is on high and only hot air blows out.

yup thats it.

Does the compressor engage? If the compressor does not engage, it will not pull the refrigerant into the system.

Does the compressor engage? If the compressor does not engage, it will not pull the refrigerant into the system.

It wasn't however I have gotten some r132a into the system now the compressor is engaging, the air is getting cooler.. However I am not sure if this is normal but the freon doesn't go in very quickly.. Takes a while say 6 or 7 minutes to empty the can.

I am going to try and get another can in tomorrow.. However I noticed that the high side doesn't have a whole lot of pressure on it.. According to the gage I have it is at 68. I assuming that once the system is running normal it will be higher?

A general rule of thumb is to add 100 to the outside temperature. This is just a guideline. If the pressures do not rise, you need to look for something that will not allow the refrigerant to slow down(orifice tube) or the compressor.

If after adding the other can today the high pressure does not go up what would be the best suggestion then?

I'll post later letting you all know if it is working or not.. I am learning so much - My current job is really forcing me to learn about the basics or else I would be shelling out alot of money constantly. Putting on avg 150 miles a night is taking a beating to the windstar but it is handling it well even with 123,xxx miles on it so far runs almost like new. I've just taken a more personal attitude towards maintance issues and doing all I can before going to the shop.

Thanks so much for helping.

Jeff

Are you using a set of gauges or a gauge from the recharge kit? If it is a set of gauges, the low side should hover around 30 and the high side should be 200 or over. Tle lowside will vary sue to the cooling of the a/c system.

I am using a set of gauges. I felt that was the best way to go to ensure the job gets done correctly. If the high pressure does not go up to 200 after the adding the r132a then what are my options? Also should I add some lubercant also?

That is dependant also upon the outside air temperature. It may not reach 200. If the low side is turning on around 40-42, and off at 24-28, and system does not cycle rapidly, it will be ok. If the system is reading good numbers,and cycles rapidly, check the low pressure switch.

That is dependant also upon the outside air temperature. It may not reach 200. If the low side is turning on around 40-42, and off at 24-28, and system does not cycle rapidly, it will be ok. If the system is reading good numbers,and cycles rapidly, check the low pressure switch.

I agree, those low pressure switch go out all the time.

I've added another car and am getting good cold air, the guage is showing 42 now on the low side. It seems that everyday I get out it seems to be doing better.

I am having one weird problem now and I am sure it is a sensor or switch somewhere. After I've been running around for a bit and have to stop and turn the car off if I am not gone long when I come back the rear ac/heater makes a goofy noise and starts blowing out heat from the heating vents not the top where the AC comes out of. If I shut the van off again for say 10 minutes or so and come back it returns to normal again.

The front works just fine during this and blows out the cold air.

I think there was a recall for the fan in the back catching fire or something.

Also you could be getting a heat bubble in the line.

What happens is one of the lines is close to a high heat source and the heat is causing the fuild to expand which causes a bubble in which fluid slow or stops. This is why A/C stop working sometimes when it gets really hot.

I wrapped all of my Low Pressure "only" lines and now my a/c blows about 37 - 42 when it is 100 out side.

Send me an email address and I can send you a picture of what I have done.

I wish I knew how to post pictures here.

Later.

The reason the rear AC system blow hot air out the heater vents when set on AC is that the rear diverter door that controls whether you get cool or hot air is not actuating. I just had this happen on my '96. The door is controlled by a vacuum "motor" that gets vacuum thru the front switch for the rear air on your dash. When you set it to AC, the switch sends vacuum to the actuator which moves the door to direct air over the AC radiator in the back. This door is normally in the heat position, so no vacuum (or a bad vacuum motor) and no AC.

Take off the panel over the rear AC system (there are only three screws on the bottom and it swings out). You can then manually actuate the door between lower vent (heat) and upper vent (cool). Check if there is vacuum to the actuator as well. You are probably getting intermittent vacuum due to a vacuum leak or a bad from panel switch. In my case it was the front switch; $25.00 at the dealer.

Good luck.