A/C blowing hot after winter.

[Montec313]

2018 equinox 1.5l. Ac is blowing hot after winter. This is the second time. First time it happened after I first bought it and I took it back to the dealer. They fixed it. Fast forward to second winter after ownership it’s back to blowing hot. Blew cold all summer. Cannot go back to the dealer from where I purchased it. Looking for any pointers in the right direction to narrow the problem. I know it had prior front end damage and was fixed. Was told it held good vacuum

 

[PoManNox]

What did they do to fix it the first time?

 

[mejh63]

Check the psi on the a/c port? might have a leak and needs a recharge?

 

[mejh63]

Guess I better try the A/c

 

[Montec313]

I don’t hear or see the compressor engaging

 

[ricklack]

I don’t hear or see the compressor engaging

check all fuses. Years ago, they used to use a fusible link to protect the compressor in the event of a leak. Not sure what they use today, but if the compressor is not engaging, fuses are a good place to start.

 

[CocoaJeff]

And if all the fuses are good, it's likely low on refrigerant. The compressor won't run if it's too low.

 

[CocoaJeff]

What did they do to fix it the first time?

Good question.

 

[Montec313]

He didn’t say. I asked him.

 

[Montec313]

What is the normal pressure range for the low and the high side?

 

[Montec313]

I put a gauge on it and it had no pressure at all. I added probably like 3.5 oz of refrigerant to the system and the compressor finally kicked on. After like 30 seconds or a minute I could hear it leaking out quit loudly at the center of the condensor. Guess I’ll order a new one and put in an expansion valve while I’m at it.

 

[ricklack]

Do they still use driers with dessicant in them? If so, you may want to change that at the same time. It removes moisture from the refrigerant which can ice up the expansion valve and create a blockage. With a major leak the system had to have some moisture get in there.

Back in the day, when we had to replace any AC components, we replaced the drier and expansion valve as standard practice.

 

[Montec313]

from my understanding there’s a new one in on the side of the new condenser. Does anyone know how much oil to add back to the system? 3oz is what people are adding on internet. Seems like there should be oil left to a degree in the system