AC Woes

[Scott-o]

So we are loving our new-to-us 2002 QX4.

Tried to turn on the A/C the other day. I can hear the compressor kicking on, the various doors opening under the dash, and the fan firing up.

Basically it blows what feels like outside air through the vents. So it isn't any colder through the vents than the outside air.

I drove it for 25 min today, with the climate control on "auto", so the compressor was on. Really I was just using it as fresh air, since I knew it wouldn't cool the air. I parked, and I noticed a small pool of clear fluid when I pulled away - I thought maybe it was water, but it felt slippery - maybe it is the mineral oil in the A/C system?

Any thoughts on what is going on? I am goning to take it to our mechanic - I don't want any part of doing my own A/C work. Would probably screw it up even more.

Thanks,

Scott

[04pathse]

So you probably just need your freon recharged...

[Scott-o]

It would be great if it was that simple.

The mineral oil puddle concerned me - I thought maybe something else was going wrong.

Thanks,

Scott

[vonscorpio]

I could be mistaken, but I thought the AC compressor oil usually has a brightly colored dye mixed in. It wouldn't look like water/condensation.

[AlanAZ]

I thought the AC compressor oil usually has a brightly colored dye mixed in. It wouldn't look like water/condensation

I've had this scenario play out a few times, including on the QX4. When the A/C starts getting noticeably weak, usually after a number of years, I immediately take it into a A/C repairer (it's hard on the compressor to run with low refrigerant, and the last thing I want to do is lunch the compressor, $1000+ to repair.)

Each time it's been about 8 oz low, out of 32-36 oz, and about $80 to top up. A UV dye will be added at the same time. They will check around hose connections with a UV light for any leakage, if not, it's normal loss and you're good to go.

Normal condensation will be just water, no oil feel to it.

[Scott-o]

Yes, I've been running it in "econo" mode since I noticed the AC isn't cold. I will take it to our mechanic soon for diagnosis. It certainly could have a leak somewhere. It's old. It drives well, though.

Scott

[04pathse]

Or you could purchase a DIY AC recharge kit for around $30-$50 (depending on the brand). Also, most claim to be able to seal leaks if you have any...

Here is one such kit..
.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p2WzuoSHHA

[atraudes]

Before you get it recharged and some dye added, clean all of the hoses and their connections really well (think Simple Green and an old toothbrush). The long rubber A/C hose was leaking on mine when I bought mine. It was leaking pretty badly but I didn't see it until I cleaned it up and then it was clear as day.

[Scott-o]

Just following up - I took it to our shop (which we really like) and they evacuated and recharged the AC system. They put the orange dye in it. They said there is no obvious leak - they ran it for a while with the AC on and couldn't find anything. It sure blows cold air now! Fingers crossed that was it.

Thanks for the posts - all good info that I used.

Scott