How to get AC to blow cold in Q45

[AlabamaDan]

Hey guys! Can you tell I'm on a kick to fix up my Q?

My AC just doesn't blow really cold. Is this system just one of those that I can add a can of Freon to and fix it or does it have one of those special envio friendly systems that's more complicated?

[Jesda]

1994? You can just go cheap add a half can ($10, Wal Mart) of R134A to the low pressure side (up by the firewall) and you should be good to go. Make sure crud isnt blocking your evaporator behind the glove box. I found enough on mine to feed a few rodents.

[AlabamaDan]

Make sure crud isnt blocking your evaporator behind the glove box. I found enough on mine to feed a few rodents.

Can you eloborate?

[maxnix]

Annual cleaning with compressed air of condenser and radiator is a must for longevity.

[Jesda]

Can you eloborate?

http://www.q45.org/cleanevap.html

[yodawill2000]

need to find out how to do that on a J30 .Must have cold air here in Texas

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks Jesda. I need to replace that relay thing anyway. I'll do 'em at the same time.

[maxnix]

1994? You can just go cheap add a half can ($10, Wal Mart) of R134A to the low pressure side (up by the firewall) and you should be good to go.

Don't go willy-nilly adding R134a without knowing your high and low side pressures.

Flushing the coolant and lubricant, evacuating the system, then replacing the drier before a refill to OME specifications would be good preventative maintenance.

[AlabamaDan]

The flushing, evacuating and refilling sounds like just manpower, but replaceing the drier sounds like it might cost something.

I do have some of those gauges for checking the pressures lying around somewhere that I thought I'd use.

[qship96]

I totally agree with Brian- a complete evacuate-recharge is the ONLY way to accuratly measure how much r134a is currently in the system,and that the exact amount is filtered and replaced.on my 96q,after 10 years of never opening up the system,this procedure showed I was down 4 ounces,and the replenishment of this exact amount along with the "filtering" of the 134a returned cooling performance to as new.

[elwesso]

I totally agree with Brian- a complete evacuate-recharge is the ONLY way to accuratly measure how much r134a is currently in the system,and that the exact amount is filtered and replaced.on my 96q,after 10 years of never opening up the system,this procedure showed I was down 4 ounces,and the replenishment of this exact amount along with the "filtering" of the 134a returned cooling performance to as new.

I agree as well..... Be sure to pay the shop to put it under a complete vacuum for AT LEAST 15 mins, 30 mins being more preferable.. Next summer im going to have my AC recharged...

Its good practice to have it evaced and recharged every year because the oil in the system breaks down and what causes compressors and hoses to fail...

[Jesda]

When spending money on servicing your Q, keep the resale value in mind and note that insurance doesn't care how much you spent recharging your AC.

[qship96]

jesda,you cheapscate! in the 164,500 miles I have driven my Q,total dollars invested in my ac system has been the 70.00 spent on this one time service-cant beat that to have a fully air conditioned,dehumidified environment.resale value? what resale value,I plan on driving a well maintained Q till its death,which with proper care should last till 300,000+ miles.the car owes me nothing at that point!

[Jesda]

Buying the Q is the worst, but most entertaining financial decision I've ever made. I go back and forth thinking about it. Since 2003 I've spent $1400 in AC work on a car thats now worth $1800.

[maxnix]

Buying the Q is the worst, but most entertaining financial decision I've ever made. I go back and forth thinking about it. Since 2003 I've spent $1400 in AC work on a car thats now worth $1800.

There are no further discounts, beyond the depreciated used car purchase price already paid, for parts or labor because of a car's age or current market value.

I miss 911/Q45 already.