Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

joepeterson56 on Wed July 10, 2013 11:59 PM

Year: 2009
Make: Hyundai
Model: Elantra
Engine Size: 2.0
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Ambient Temp: 84
Pressure Low: 63
Pressure High: 112
Country of Origin: United States

A/C suddenly stopped blowing cold air. Put cheap aftermarket charging hose w/gauge on it first, said charged, showed blue zone for ok. Not satisfied w that, I put my mastercool gauge on & got some bizarre readings.

1st reading, engine & comp off - gauge valves closed, reading L=63 H=112.

2nd reading, engine on A/C not on yet - opened low side valve on gauge, reading L=25 H=125. Pressure Line too hot to touch/hold, not temp hot or cold to touch on low line.

After checking all connections fuses etc, took readings again, L=26.5 H=0. Thought that reading was strange, removed gauges made sure lines on it were purged, valves closed, hooked back up reading 0/0. Started engine & A/C, reading 0/0. WTF? My gauges crap the bed or what?

Put cheap aftermarket hose back on, gauge still says charged/ok, but showed a slightly lower pressure then the first time I checked it with that one. Totally frustrated I call dealer & ask questions, figuring it must be a blockage in the system, so it may be covered under warranty due to a part failure, so I bring it in tomorrow 7/11.

Service dept tells me that MOST cars USUALLY need an Evacuation & Recharge every 4 to 5 years. Anyone ever hear of this before? If so, is that the usual Life Expectancy of 134a?