Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

jswart on Sun June 22, 2014 1:59 PM

Year: 2001
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Silverado
Engine Size: 5.3L V8
Ambient Temp: 90
Pressure Low: ?
Pressure High: ?
Country of Origin: United States

Bought this truck over the winter and never needed the A/C until now when its super hot. A/C works but is blowing warm air. I tried hooking up a freon recharge can with a PSI indicator on it and this is what i found: It sounds like it charges up and then dumps. The PSI meter would fill up and dump.
here i a video I took of it happening. http://youtu.be/mZNEeOaKqcY

And forgive me, I am kind of a noob when it comes to DIY engine work.

Any help is appreciated!

Dougflas on Sun June 22, 2014 4:33 PM

low on refrigerant

Champanada on Mon June 23, 2014 7:00 AM

Champanada on Mon June 23, 2014 7:03 AM

Agreed with Dougflas............ need to jumper out the low pressure cut-out switch so that the compressor stays engaged while adding refrigerant to proper press and temp.

mk378 on Mon June 23, 2014 7:50 AM

This truck is a candidate for the "gas and go". Use pro gauges so you can get accurate readings and see both pressures. The high side is more important when charging by pressure. Looking only at the low side it is easy to overcharge. Also use plain R-134a, not any stuff with mysterious additives. Jumping the switch is generally not necessary. If the low side pressure goes up much over 50 psi (observed on an accurate gauge) before the compressor starts again, the switch is bad.

Edited: Mon June 23, 2014 at 7:52 AM by mk378