I just completed my 1st ever A/C system (clutch) inspection, relay test (used paper clip), and REcharge using most of this video. It was SUCCESSFUL. Ahhhhh...cold air! System STILL worked on my 1997 Mitsubishi Galant ES! Now that's quality! This young dude knows his stuff. Trust him.
If it's not broken, DON'T fix it. This video did nothing for you. Your system way fine. What you did was you "purposefully" let a little Green House Gas out to help fuck-up the environment a little more. Why?
HHH100 hummm.and you must be 1 on those psychotic, govt. conspiracy, right wing, feminine like thinking ReTARDlicans. lmao If you're gunna dish it, get ready 2 take it.
dude I love how you broke it down. I'm a single woman with not much knowledge on cars. but you made it so easy for me to get my AC going. thank you so much. great job. keep up the good work.
This really helped me out. Thank you for the video. My 07 Avalanche was not blowing cold ac and the compressor was not switching on. I did the paper clip trick them I was able to refill my freon. I took the paper clip out and now it's working great again. Once again, thank you
I cannot thank you enough for putting this video up - it's the only one that really explains the isues - and you helped track down the actual root problem - compressorn not running; shorted it, still not running - got under the car - of all stupid things the plug to the compressor was off. Plugged it back in, restarted the car with the short - compressor kicked right on - took the fluid no problem - removed the short - ice cold air. You are the best! Thanks again - the wife has A/C back in her car and my life can return to normal :-) --Pat
Pat Savelli this is the moral of the story right here bravo sir! Don't right or wrong, you and your wife get to enjoy all perks of a nice climate controlled car and laugh at the yokels that are sweating they're asses off trying to save up to have a "pro" do it Good day sir
I'm impressed with your A/C recharge video because I knew right away that you knew what you were doing and I understood exactly how to take care of recharging my 20 year old Jeep G C. Jumping the pressure sensor to kick the clutch on is an epic procedure that you explained fully how and why to do it, even under the discrepancy of the 2 or 3 wire pressure sensor. Thanks for your help, my friend. I subscribed because you deserve the notoriety and I'm sure you will be a source of more good information and help. Two thumbs up, Kid. :-)
you all prolly dont give a damn but does someone know of a method to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost the login password. I love any assistance you can offer me!
@Reign Bishop I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
i have a 1989 jeep cherokee pioner 4.0 liter.compresser would not kick on.tryed this with the paper clip to engage clutch.still have cold air.thanks a lot //made my day.and saved a shit load of money
Dude your a life saver i'v seen a few other videos and by that i mean like 42 and they all make it sound so complicated when it comes to a clutch not engaging you made it super simple and i have air now . i almost went and spend 600$ on a new compressor . so thanks take care
Your description of the terminal 30 and 87 function, or I should say the flow of current was extremely helpful. I'd seen a couple others and they'd, say, show the relay diagram and say 87 and 30 were responsible for starting the clutch....but not that 30 was power to the relay, and 87 is power to the clutch (compressor)....and - say - used alligator clips to 87 and 30 with no explanation as to WHY....THANKS!!
I had to have all my system emptied to replace heater core. When I was ready to refill, my clutch would NOT engage. Followed instructions to put 1/2 can in. Then 3/4 of 20oz can, and best I would get was it engaging for a few seconds every 30 seconds or so, but could not get enough in to"satisfy" the computer. I did the paperclip trick and had it working in less than a minute. Great post and instructions despite all of those that disagree! Thanks!!!
+Joel Gueck If It is charged, what is the pressure on the high side of the system? If I were You Joel, I would get a video of the PROPER AND CORRECT procedure of how to do work like this...Dis-regard the video the air-head 101 dude posted above.... And Joel, never-ever use the sealant he suggested... It often destroys a/c systems and will give You consistent problems...
Thank you. My air is now working. Spent the last month dying is this heat. I watched a few videos on how to do this and the guys doing it are talking like I know what they're talking about. It was very easy for someone like me to understand and now I have a/c. Thanks.
Oh my Jesus! that was a great straightforward video right to the point thank you so much!! I am a 62 Year young Miss and I'm my own mechanic haha most of the time !! I have watched at least 30 videos on what's up with my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokees AC system and your video is the first to describe that the clutch has to be actually engaged in order to put the freon in it LOL can you believe that!!! and how to bump start it I have seen But thank you for that part as well!
Your the man...I was thinking something was wrong why my clutch didnt kick in but it starts but not all the time. And when it stops it doesn't start back on it's own I have to help it.
Wait, if the system is empty it must be because there is a leak on the system. Adding Freon on a lakey system is just throwing money. Find the leak first and fix it. Jumping the compressor tells you if the compressor works or not. I Wouldn't run the compressor for more than 10 seconds if there is no Freon and/or oil in the system. Apply vacuum to the sytem to locate the leak. Once fixed, vacuum should hold for 30 min. Then you can connect the supply hose/pressure gauge and Freon, the vacuum in the system will suck the freon into the system even with the engine and AC off. After one or 2, 12 is can inside the system turn on the engine and AC on high and compressor will kick in. Add freon as required. Vacuum pumps range from $20 to $200. The low cost pumps are air operated. The more expensive electricity powered. A manifold to check the vacuum and freon pressure run approx $60 to $100. Watch you tube videos on how to check leaks and fix them ETCG, CHRISFIX, REAL FIXES REAL FAST, SCOTTY KILMER, and many more.
As someone who works on computers on a day to day basis and just starting to tinker with cars, this video has helped me a lot. Thank you so much. Really.
Alan Trevino De Arcos Hello Alan, what really needs to be done is to refer to the PROPER methods of doing work like this... Get info from a PROFESSIONAL technician who has EXPERIENCE doing things like this... Please dis-regard this video as it is wrong in several points...DO NOT use the sealant he described in this video as this will probably RUIN Your a/c system...Use the video available at Auto-Zone of how to PROPERLY do this procedure....
if you add refrigerant it will tell the low pressure switch to turn on the compressor. than you watch your gauges untill you are close to your temp psi chart. weighing tanks takes too much space in my trunk. DO NOT RUN YOUR COMPRESSOR BY A PAPER CLIP!!!!!! THERE ISNT ANYTHJNG TO LUBRICATE IT IF THERE IS NO REDRIGERANT!!!!!
@@soupboy2391you can't even spell refrigerant correctly. You do need to force the compressor on with a 📎 if it's to low on freon. Otherwise you won't get it to accept freon if the compressor won't click on!
@James Medina the refrigerant is pressurized. When you add it, it will trip the normally open low pressure switch to turn on compressor. Freon is owned by Dupont.
Kid did a good job, is knowledgeable about the A/C system and how operates. The only thing , that bothered the hell out of me was saying “short out” when I know you didn’t mean it like that. Smart to teach with Jumper Wire to keep clutch engaged, probably helped out a huge amount of people. Good job
Just recharged the a/c in my 1998 C1500 W/T after years without. Tried before but always thought since the compressor didn't turn on it was going to be an expensive fix. Never thought of jumping the relay, it worked. Most relays have marks near the prongs, 30 and 87 are labeled clear as day, three inch piece of 18ga wire and go. 90 degrees today but not in the cab. Thanks man
Thing is, once you’ve put that stop leak stuff in your A/C system, if later you have to take it to a shop, you’ll be pretty hard pressed to find a reputable shop that will work on it because that stuff fouls up refrigerant capture systems. Further, if the paper clip test activates your compressor, you’ve found the problem...why not get a new pressure switch and correct the system fault properly?
@@douglasashby4862 The sensor is noticing low pressure. So it won't let the compressor run. No compressor means no recharge. So trick the compressor into thinking the switch says there is pressure, then refill.
@@douglasashby4862not enough freon, won't allow your compressor to kick on. The 📎 is forcing the compressor on without enough freon in the system. Once you get enough freon in, the 📎 is t needed. That's not an indication of "finding the problem"
I watched several videos on this topic today. This has the most straight forward and information to someone that isn’t mechanically inclined. Little bit of the Blare Witch camera work going on but the information was right on the point and easy to understand. Thank You very much
Well if the system has residual gas in it but is low so the clutch doesn't engage, then recharging should still occur without clutch operation. When the system is getting enough pressure from filling, then the clutch should automatically come on. The Hi/lo pressure switch on the drier (or elsewhere) is just an on/off arrangement. If there is no residual pressure in the system (check by pressing on Schrader valve pin) it needs the leak fixed and then vaccing out before recharging. Gas should only be put in to a system (which has been opened or has had nil pressure) that has been evacuated because the low pressure causes any moisture in the system to boil off and be removed from the pipes. Moisture mixes with the refrigerant and causes acid which eat the steel pipes ie. the evaporator (which is in the dash). Residual gas pressure - even if it is low, in a non working system is generally a good sign.
Even though there is nothing that special in making of this video but I can say that it is fill in all that is missing in all experts videos have watched so far. Good information, just what I need, thanks a lot.
fantastic, did this yesterday because the air coming out of the vents was warm. compressor not spinning. used this method and followed the instructions and the compressor started to run automatically when the pressure went above 25psi. now its reading 40psi and the air coming out the vents is cold. great. thanks.
I know you made this comment like a year ago, but I'm in a similar situation. Did you use the paperclip to force the clutch to engage while recharging, or did you just recharge without doing that? Is it even possible to recharge it without the clutch engaged? I'm guessing no, but I don't know much about this stuff.
The compressor must be forced to engage if isn't engaging on it's own. You can't recharge without it engaging. It won't suck in the freon into the system if it isn't engaging.
I want to say thank you for providing this video. I realize there are a lot of people here commenting who are great mechanics and have a great deal of knowledge about cars. The individuals who are commenting about his using of this method to force the AC clutch to engage are in a way correct about the methods used, but the author of the video is also correct . Always wear protective eyewear when working anywhere near pressure lines and/or fluids/chemicals that can damage the eye(s). His method of shorting out the fuse so that the clutch will engage will in fact work and he is knowledgeable in that regard. The problem, if the pressure is in fact low, is that there could be a number of things wrong causing this to happen and may even be a leak somewhere in the system which means adding more freon is a waste of time, effort, and money. Make sure to talk with a mechanic before doing any of this work as a simple freon leak could be present and that may be all that is causing the problem. Low pressure due to a freon leak can cause the clutch to disengage. If however the clutch is not engaging because of something else, adding more fluid (i.e. increases pressure) which can damage the compressor possibly leading to you having to buy a new one altogether. So make sure to get quality advice to ensure it isn't a simple repair resulting in low cost repairs that can also be warranted by a professional. All in all, think of your car as a necessity and give it the proper professional care it needs to run optimally.
+Brandon Nelson His methods are nowhere near to the proper way to do work like this!!! Get info from a credible source before attempting this!!! Do get the video from Auto Zone or a service manual or a publication written by EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS and study it and adhere to it... DO NOT use the information posted in this video...
Thanks. Nice video. You helped me find my problem and saved me about $100. Just one simple thing I picked up did the trick. Some of these video's get into too much for ordinary people to understand. Yours was short and sweet and to the point.
Hi and great presentation. I was wondering, what if I put Freon in side my truck and didn’t follow those steps? My truck is super warm after adding. What shall I do… I thought it it was something I can do myself however I think I screwed uo
Forcing compressor to kick in low pressure is a bad idea. If refrigerant is low the compressor is designed to stop, so not to grind dry and damage itself. Forcing it could damage compressor and you could be down for $400+ in damages. If you're low in Freon and compressor stops, the refrigerant in the refill can has enough pressure to kick start the compressor. Make sure the can is upside down and shake it while refilling system. Good Luck
I had question while I was outside with my husband & brother about the paper clip but you explained everything so well! I have a 98 Crown Vic my dad sold me and now that he is gone I want to keep it, after winter I turn the air on and no air, only heat! I mean Hot at 60, they put 3 cans of freon in it and still no better and both of them have taken motors down and put them back together! I don't know. Thank you!
Very informative and well done considering you filmed it yourself while explaining the proceedure. It helped me get my Lincoln Navigator to cool again. Thanks!
this actually worked for me ford explorer thanks dude...funny how all the mechanics come to hate instead of making a video with advice like this young man who is just trying to help haters
David Sanchez, Dave- did You actually add the sealant as this video suggests???? What is Your high-side pressure at an ambient temp. of say- 95 degrees F. ???? If You added the sealant and You don't know what the high side pressure is, chances are that Your vehicle's a/c system won't be working for very long Amigo.... These people who are commenting here of the fallacies of this video are not haters, but quite to the contrary; they are trying to prevent others from getting into trouble- from the very bad ideas/advice given in this video.... If You don't agree with that, that is fine- Just as long as You don't pretend to be a 'technician' and use these techniques to work on other people's vehicles... That could cause other people to think of YOU as an ill-trained hack who does not care for others, except for maybe- their money... They might even think of YOU as a 'hater'.....
To Robert Henderson, The typing is a good practice in communicating to others, who actually want to get some problems taken care of, in this case; automotive a/c systems.... And then there are those people who are not interested in communicating at all - or try to repair anything... They Just want to heckle others who are repairing problems... These people soon become an interesting study of what happens to an idle mind.... Did Your mother have any kids that lived?
HVAC was a trade of mine at one time. Rather than jumping out the pressure switch turn the can of 134A upside down while the engine is off and dump liquid refrigerant inside the system. Leave the can upside down and go do something and come back maybe fifteen-twenty minutes later and by that time the system will be charged enough for the ac compressor to kick on. After that add the rest of refrigerant needed with the can upright for gas.
I want to thank ypu for this video! I was trying to find a way to engage the compressor on my 97 silverado.. It worked like a charm to engage the compressor to add AC pro. I know that I will need to take it in as I suspect a leak somewhere in the system. However I am away from my local dealer right now at a training class about 300 miles away. I should be cool for the ride back. Thanks again!!
Thank you cuz I'm confused. He says that not enough refrigerant makes clutch not engage. Yet you still need to mess with relay?? And that paper clip thing isn't clear.
I'm trying to recharge my ac on my truck. I did the paper clip trick but didn't start the clutch. Can anyone tell me what's wrong. Is my compressor bad ???
Adolfo Perez the clutch itself may be bad. i changed mine in the car and now have A/C again. i order it from Amazon for $100 and 2hrs of work to install it with a friends help. did not have too remove the compressor from the car. or open any lines. look into that. hope that helps you
great hope that dose it. my kit came with the coil, pulley, bearing, and clutch. it was the actual coil that went bad on mine. The hard part was the snap rings. taking them off and putting on the new ones. 2 of them. theres lots of u tube videos on replacing this part. oh thank God for TH-cam.
This is a decent video compared to everyone else's terrible instructions. He actually broke it down and said what is what in the car. Even though it took him a while to get to the clutch issue part I still applaud his video. Thanks for the help
Couldn't get my system to take charge because the clutch wouldn't engage.... ran into this video and got it engaged on my 2008 fusion by jumping the fuse... thx man!
genius.... Thanks a lot brah... u saved me a lot of money and time with this video. Keep helping people like this. I was low on pressure, shorted that sensor and my compressor was on in a sec :D nice and cold Thanks
do you only refill the 8 oz of oil that goes into the compressor only if you change the compressor and when do you put the vacuum on the compressor before the oil right.
+Loren Gaines The power steering pump in this video is not the only issue here... The loose nut behind the wheel-who posted it is of the main concern... Please dis-regard this video and get CREDIBLE advice from an EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIAN... Auto Zone has an excellent video of how to do work like this...
Hey Friend, That's sort of a Hack way to do it... you really need to connect a good set of manifold gauges and note the high pressure and low pressure readings with the engine running and a/c on. That is the only accurate way to diagnose the system. Also, never charge an AC on the high pressure side, so when recharging make sure the manifold gauge valve to the HIGH side is turned OFF completely. Servicing an auto HVAC system is tricky and sometimes dangerous work and should only be attempted by a qualified technician. You can blow yourself up really fast if not! Those little blue Wal-Mart gauges are not a reliable way to service your AC... you had good intentions though.... Sorry to bust your bubble man.... !
Actually, I would like to hear a little bit more about what you have to say. I actually own a set of manifold gauges and think they are pointless for most people on youtube because diagnosing them requires a pretty in-depth understanding of how the entire system works. Their is a reason the simple tool using the low pressure side sells so much, because it is so easy to use. 9 times out of 10 it has been more than enough for the job for me, so whats the point in further complicating things when they don't need to be. Sure, I have had to use the manifold gauges on my power stroke but thats the only time I needed them. I find your comment a little insulting as I only purchase my tools from sears and napa but maybe some people do not want to spend $100 on a tool, hence why they are watching this video in the first place? These were not "intentions," it is simply the easiest demonstration and breakdown you can give to someone. Servicing your AC via low pressure port is arguably safer than changing your battery. Hence why companies never get sued for this tool
ellswortha101 That's my point exactly... the only safe and proper way to service your AC system is to KNOW what you're doing. It's intended to be that way by the engineers that developed the system. I would not make a comment on anyone's post just to be insulting. I made this comment from an bit of experience with what I talking about. Auto HVAC is a complex and sometimes dangerous system... and it's definitely not for the novice. Sure there are companies out there that make a "do it yourself" product... just as there are people out there that make and sell dental picks and mirrors. They intend to sell their goods for profit in an attempt to cash in on a market, for many process a "need" in the market like you do. They just want their AC to blow cold air, but can't possibly accept the responsibility of properly educating and training the public to service their own systems. That's why we have ASME service techs to work on our cars. Without writing a book here and spending hours teaching everyone reading this the theory and practice of auto HVAC I'll simply trust that you wouldn't attempt brain surgery on yourself or your family members. Know what I mean? You can buy a set of steels and clutches for your GM 6L80E transmission at a parts house, but that doesn't mean you posses the training to successfully rebuild that trans now does it? If your AC system has a blockage in the condenser and isn't working properly throwing more freon at it isn't going to fix it... more than likely you'll make the problem worse, if not blow up yourself in the process. AC work is an exact science in theory, dependent on ambient temperature, humidity, and the ability to remove heat from the air inside your autos interior spaces. For the AC system to function properly you need a precisely measured amount of refrigerant inside the system, an orifice tube or expansion device and a means to convert the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas in order to extract the heat from within the system. It's very complex and no can with a gauge on it can guarantee anyone positive results... the truth of the matter is if your system is low on freon it has leaked out from somewhere and the leak needs to be repaired before evacuating and recharging the system with the proper measured amount of refrigerant. I was not trying to be insulting, sound like a know it all or anything like that, I was just stating fact.. go ask any properly trained mechanic, tech or HVAC service technician and they'll tell you the same thing... unless they're trying to sell you their Freeze in a can home recharging kit! Be safe, and keep that car running properly by trusting the complex systems to the pros, or go to a VoTech and earn yourself a degree in auto HVAC service and do it RIGHT yourself! Have a great day!
I still argue that you're wrong. If it wasn't safe to service the system from the low pressure port, companies wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. It is not dangerous. For the average user, using the low pressure port with leak stop and r134a is more than enough. Actually if you watch my other videos I HAVE built this car from the ground up. I rebuilt a v8, I DID do the trans, and I have worked on much more complex mechanic parts (setting gears on a high pinion dana axle?). So I think you can see I have a pretty good understanding of how things work. I'lll keep my car running properly by being the only person who ever works on it.
ellswortha101 I never said it was dangerous to service ac from the low side, that's the only place TO service it from. What I said was the only PROPER way to do it was with a set of manifold gauges and diagnose the problem, not just pump it full of freon when you don't even know how much you're putting in it or why it's leaking in the first place. It's great that you want to keep your car running right and admirable that you want to do it yourself. I'm just saying you should do it right. I'm not arguing with you, just trying to set you right on a gross misunderstanding. Go talk to a AC mechanic and find out I'm right. Enough said.
David Thomas Hey partner could I get your autograph on that book you said you wouldn't write because nobody would want to read it. The kid is doing a service that people like to learn for them selves, instead of getting ripped off from all the a/c guys that are out there. It seems to me that you have knowledge of the a/c system, and seems to me that the kid hit a nerve with you, maybe taking away some business, if they can find an easier or cheaper way to do things. He didn't say this is the proper, or right way to do something, he simply stated that this is what he has found for him that makes something work and is sharing it with people who would like to know. This is U-Tube not NASA Space Station, so good day to you sir, and ENOUGH SAID. just move on to the next person on the tube.... (if I disagree with you, it's only because im right)......
Stop leak? Good way to clog the orifice tube or expansion valve. Do yourself a favor and don't put that crap in. I know the stuff claims to fix the leaks. Get it fixed right. There is no such thing as "mechanic in a can."
That stop leak ac crap in my neighbors truck clogged up my ac gauges .. Using that stuff is as bad as adding freon via a low pressure fitting an no high pressure gauge...a BAD idea A matter of fact _ If some ac shops hook up to your ac and you have stop leak in your ac system. They will put a mechanics lien on your car til you pay for his $2500- $4500 machine. Cause it ruins their equipment _somebody's gonna pay for it. That's pretty though . Find the leak_ fix the leak right.
Ok I have a question if the ac clutch is not kicking on will it show a check engine light? And if I put a computer on it will it read that it is the ac clutch that is going out...
There is a safety device in the refrigerant circuit called a head psi switch which may also cycle the compressor. Bypassing any wiring to force the compressor to run is not wise. If you should bypass the head psi switch unknowingly, there could be injury or death related to a high pressure rupture or the compressor could be damaged immediately. Although I admire the objective in the video, there are so many other factors in simply charging a system one could write an article about it. Doing it wrong may result having to buy and replace more expensive components in a day, week, month or a year later. However if you are working on a clunker- go for it. 41 years in HVAC, designs and servicing.
+newstart49 I strongly agree with You on this !!!! The only thing I do not agree with is the part of "If You are working on a clunker-go for it"... Even a 'clunker' as You put it , can injure and /or kill when being serviced incorrectly.... People should understand the inherent danger of doing work like this, when being shown the incorrect methods of doing so... I just wonder how many vehicles and people will get damaged/injured by using the advice from the ill-trained novice above....
Very informative. I've been struggling for 2 days with a new compressor that I overfilled then purged the system. Now it won't take frion and the clutch ain't kicking in.. gonna try in in a few
I like the fact that this young man is trying but before can try to help some how to do a complex job you must learn the dangers of doing it wrong on some newer cars you can't even do some of the things he is doing get some training I've have been a master tech since I was 18 years of age I'm 50 years old now so one important part of doing air conditioning on a vehicle is you have to pay attention to your hi pressure side 19 can you ruin your AC system in my many years of being a technician I have seen people blow their hands off so it's not as simple as just adding freon through the low side forcing the compressor on
32 years of experience. Impressive. I've got a couple of questions. First, how can the number 19 ruin the a/c system? And was the tragic loss of limbs one accident in which the poor victim had BOTH hands blown off, were there more than one person present and two or more had a hand blown off, or have you had the horrible misfortune of being in the vicinity of two or more a/c system explosions in which the victim(s) had hands blown off.
This kid is nearly clueless here, he knows just enough to be dangerous and is passing this bad information along to the unknowing. The high pressure switch he pointed out only cuts the compressor if the system is over pressurized. The low pressure switch is the one that will cut the compressor when the system is low. There is no reason to bypass any part of the system, as you fill the system the switch will turn the compressor on. Relying on pressure only to establish a fill isn't accurate as temperature and RPM will change the pressure. Ideally the system would be evacuated and filled by weight. As a DIY refill, add just enough that when the engine is held around 2500RPM the compressor stays on, this will reduce the chance of an overfill. This can't be reliably done on a cold day, it needs to be above 70 and with the A/C fan on high. Having gauges for both the high and low and balancing those pressures according to the ambient temperature can get a pretty close to perfect fill. The refrigerant doesn't 'double as a lubricant' as he stated, there's actual oil in the system that gets circulated by the moving freon. Continuous leaks and refilling or replacing of parts will lower the oil level and can damage the compressor. A system that has leaked down to 0 may have air and moisture in it that can lead to damage if not removed.
Hello DonziGT230- I agree that the individual who posted this video over 4 years ago has steered a lot of the unknowing people in the wrong direction of how to do work like this... With that being said, He has done a few things correctly here... One is to operate the a/c compressor in a system that is undercharged and has developed a lower pressure in the low pressure (suction) side of the system... This lower pressure in that (suction) side of the system has enabled refrigerant to be introduced into that side of the system... Otherwise, the static pressure of the low side of a system that is not operating would be too high to accept any refrigerant... One thing that He should have pointed out in this video is: to first turn the compressor drive plate on the end of the clutch by hand, to see if the compressor actually turns and is not seized... That was one of the many things that he did wrong here... Most of everything else You have stated here is correct. But the newer refrigerants (R134) are not called Freon anymore... Freon is a registered patent of the Chemours company which was used for the older types of refrigerants, like R12 in the automotive industry... And the most accurate way to fill the system with the correct amount of refrigerant and the correct oil, is to use a charging manifold and a Pressure/Temperature chart.... Otherwise, it's a crap-shoot of how much refrigerant should be added to the system... Since this video post, the individual who posted this created a more recent video stating that He has had formal training and has stated that some of his methods were wrong in this video... Many people have viewed this, some see it as a lot of bad advice (as I have), and others proclaim it to be the best thing since sliced bread.... One thing is for sure, when heeding advice to do anything, LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!!!!
I've never had a system not energize the clutch as I started filling (except one) and I've done hundreds of fills. There's absolutely no reason the low pressure switch wouldn't energize itself since they cut in well below the pressure in the filling tank. The correct way to fill is not with a manifold as you say, it's by weight. You can generally get a good fill with a manifold set if you know what you're doing, but it's not the right way. If the guy has learned the error of his ways he really should delete this video or at least re-title it as flawed so that others don't use it assuming it's good information. Posting it was ignorance, if you're right and he's learned better then leaving it up is negligence. The one that didn't energize was a Mercedes, I had no clue the computer had to be flashed to accept the new compressor until afterwords. Bypassing it would have accomplished nothing but getting it filled since the computer wouldn't let it work anyway. There's also a good chance that bypassing it would have created other problems.
"...Continuous leaks and refilling or replacing of parts will lower the oil level and can damage the compressor...." Just purchase refills that contain oil and that problem is solved.
Ummmm... not sure why you're calling refrigerant coolant... but also, stop leak is HORRIBLE for an AC system and it should NEVER be used. Not only does it rarely work, but it can ruin the system. Also, if you ever take it to a shop to get repairs later, they won't touch your vehicle because the refrigerant has been contaminated by stop leak. If you have a leak in the system, you need to find the leak and make the necessary repairs. Going the cheap route with the AC system will always cost you more money in the end.
I don't think shorting the hi pressure switch will start the compressor. It's a normally closed switch that opens when the pressure is too high. You need to jump the low pressure switch that is a normally open switch that closes when the system has pressure. You can jump this switch to test that the compressor clutch and related wiring and relays are ok .If your clutch wont engage and you jumper the low pressure switch and the compressor clutch clicks in then the electrical part is ok but the system is low in charge. If the clutch doesn't ckick in then check fuses, wiring, relay or clutch itself. If you hook up your refilling can to the low port you just start filling and when the pressure comes up the clutch should engage automatically, no jumping needed.
i just put in a can of AC PRO. The air is not coming out as cold. The clutch kicks on and of after several seconds. Do i still need another can of freon to make it more cold?
What is being done in this video, is basically a way to get the A/C system going again after it has lost some refrigerant. However, the way it is being done here is very dangerous, and could easily injure the person doing the work and damage the vehicle... This is why I do not recommend following this video post...
Great video. Maybe you can help me. My clutch starts shutting off when the temp outside gets to around 100 degrees outside. It will start and stop over and over. The freon is INE and with in the normal range. What could be the issue ?
I made a jumper wire/alligator clips tool. Two clips to the battery and the other two onto the compressor contact tips, after pulling the plug off of course. Forcing the compressor to run is key to allowing new gas to be put in.
+john gnang AMEN brother. I did these "do-it-yourself" fixes, just like this guy here did, and guess what? It ruined my compressor on my Nissan. The mechanics here in Nashville won't touch your car if you have done all this. When you tell them that "you added Freon" yourself, they just laugh. U R screwed! Mechanics call these kits "Suicide Kits" and just laugh at you.
So we can get lied to and ripped off? Took mine to a mechanic for a system recharge. Was told that I had a bad clutch and needed a new compressor. I had already tested the clutch and it was fine. Just not interested in finding that one out of ten mechanics that may be honest.
+Glenn Jones Did that mechanic you mention test it too before saying so? Did he directly apply current to the clutch's coil socket and listen to the "CLUNK" (good coil) or no "CLUNK" at all (bad coil)? Or did he just bring up the "Bad clutch" stuff right after you told him the air con wasn't working?
I just have a question.... when my clutch is engaged my pressure is dead on between the "V" on my pressure gage... but when my clutch disengage my pressure builds up at the redline at about 414psi and then clutch engages and psi drops in between the "V" position. Is that a normal process? Thanks for the awesome video!!!!!!!!
I was successful in getting the relay shorted to start the compressor and fill with Freon and my air works now although shorting the high pressure switch doesn't do anything. Is it OK to keep the compressor shorted permanently or should turn it off and on from time to time?
HI, can you please tell me if your car has a MAF sensor, the one that goes beside the air filter, my 95 camaro was in an accident with the previous owner and it has a short hose with a spectre air filter (cone shaped), so the RPM's are 1000 in both idle and in drive, its an automatic, I asked in Auto Zone and they tell me that the car doesnt have it, I also have a Beretta GT 1998, manual transmission and it does have a MAF sensor, thanks for your help and your car loks great with the ground kit
Hi great video !!! Now I have a little bit of trouble ... ( I own jeep wrangler 98 4.0 ) i did everything you show here !! I actually install ( evaporator, condenser, dryer , compressor, lines, orifice tube ) for some reason !! When I start adding the R134a after vacuum the system for 1 hr. No leaks everything look good ... the compressor engage but immediately the pressure gauge jump to 100psi !!! Even so high that some ac line pop out !! And of course the system don't charged and the compressor start getting hot ! Im totally lost here ... WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD BE THE PROBLEM ? something could be clog ? Bad line? If you have any idea or tips please ! Let me know ! Thank you so much
Im having compressor not turning on issue. 2002 Lincoln LS-V8,. took it to shop for fill up and mech said ac compressor isn't turning on. Seller said there's a hidden fuse I might want to check. Im wandering if the square breaker in the video has the same #'s on all/most cars before I try paper clip? Otherwise -vg video and replies. Thanx all.
*Great and Easy to instal **Fastly.Cool** Low noisy*
Single handedly one of the most informative and straight forward videos to date. Thank you
I just completed my 1st ever A/C system (clutch) inspection, relay test (used paper clip), and REcharge using most of this video. It was SUCCESSFUL. Ahhhhh...cold air!
System STILL worked on my 1997 Mitsubishi Galant ES! Now that's quality!
This young dude knows his stuff. Trust him.
Bill McKibben So what! I do. You are probably 1 of those who does not give any1 CREDIT. OH, & I didn't ask for an opinion.
Chad Faul
0:17
Don't trip Chad, Ole Bill McKibben found fault with the kids misuse of a single word.
If it's not broken, DON'T fix it. This video did nothing for you. Your system way fine. What you did was you "purposefully" let a little Green House Gas out to help fuck-up the environment a little more. Why?
Environment? We will NEVER have clean air...thanks 2 smokers! Yuck. They need to be quarantined!
HHH100 hummm.and you must be 1 on those psychotic, govt. conspiracy, right wing, feminine like thinking ReTARDlicans. lmao If you're gunna dish it, get ready 2 take it.
dude I love how you broke it down. I'm a single woman with not much knowledge on cars. but you made it so easy for me to get my AC going. thank you so much. great job. keep up the good work.
This really helped me out. Thank you for the video. My 07 Avalanche was not blowing cold ac and the compressor was not switching on. I did the paper clip trick them I was able to refill my freon. I took the paper clip out and now it's working great again. Once again, thank you
I cannot thank you enough for putting this video up - it's the only one that really explains the isues - and you helped track down the actual root problem - compressorn not running; shorted it, still not running - got under the car - of all stupid things the plug to the compressor was off. Plugged it back in, restarted the car with the short - compressor kicked right on - took the fluid no problem - removed the short - ice cold air. You are the best! Thanks again - the wife has A/C back in her car and my life can return to normal :-) --Pat
Pat Savelli this is the moral of the story right here bravo sir! Don't right or wrong, you and your wife get to enjoy all perks of a nice climate controlled car and laugh at the yokels that are sweating they're asses off trying to save up to have a "pro" do it
Good day sir
I'm impressed with your A/C recharge video because I knew right away that you knew what you were doing and I understood exactly how to take care of recharging my 20 year old Jeep G C. Jumping the pressure sensor to kick the clutch on is an epic procedure that you explained fully how and why to do it, even under the discrepancy of the 2 or 3 wire pressure sensor. Thanks for your help, my friend. I subscribed because you deserve the notoriety and I'm sure you will be a source of more good information and help. Two thumbs up, Kid. :-)
you all prolly dont give a damn but does someone know of a method to log back into an instagram account?
I stupidly lost the login password. I love any assistance you can offer me!
@Kylan Conrad instablaster =)
@Reign Bishop I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Reign Bishop It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out!
@Kylan Conrad Happy to help :D
i have a 1989 jeep cherokee pioner 4.0 liter.compresser would not kick on.tryed this with the paper clip to engage clutch.still have cold air.thanks a lot //made my day.and saved a shit load of money
Nice bro, thanks! You saved my bacon with my 2002 chevy s10. I pulled the relay, shorted 30 and 87, and recharged the system. You're the man!
Dude your a life saver i'v seen a few other videos and by that i mean like 42 and they all make it sound so complicated when it comes to a clutch not engaging you made it super simple and i have air now . i almost went and spend 600$ on a new compressor . so thanks take care
Your description of the terminal 30 and 87 function, or I should say the flow of current was extremely helpful. I'd seen a couple others and they'd, say, show the relay diagram and say 87 and 30 were responsible for starting the clutch....but not that 30 was power to the relay, and 87 is power to the clutch (compressor)....and - say - used alligator clips to 87 and 30 with no explanation as to WHY....THANKS!!
I had to have all my system emptied to replace heater core. When I was ready to refill, my clutch would NOT engage. Followed instructions to put 1/2 can in. Then 3/4 of 20oz can, and best I would get was it engaging for a few seconds every 30 seconds or so, but could not get enough in to"satisfy" the computer. I did the paperclip trick and had it working in less than a minute. Great post and instructions despite all of those that disagree! Thanks!!!
+Joel Gueck If It is charged, what is the pressure on the high side of the system? If I were You Joel, I would get a video of the PROPER AND CORRECT procedure of how to do work like this...Dis-regard the video the air-head 101 dude posted above.... And Joel, never-ever use the sealant he suggested... It often destroys a/c systems and will give You consistent problems...
Thanks for the great info, helped me a lot. 50 yrs old work on cars my whole life, good job, good explanation of system. 👍
Thank you. My air is now working. Spent the last month dying is this heat. I watched a few videos on how to do this and the guys doing it are talking like I know what they're talking about. It was very easy for someone like me to understand and now I have a/c. Thanks.
You're a well informed kid. Make you presentations more professional by getting a helper to film you. Good presentation.
Oh my Jesus! that was a great straightforward video right to the point thank you so much!! I am a 62 Year young Miss and I'm my own mechanic haha most of the time !! I have watched at least 30 videos on what's up with my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokees AC system and your video is the first to describe that the clutch has to be actually engaged in order to put the freon in it LOL can you believe that!!! and how to bump start it I have seen But thank you for that part as well!
Your the man...I was thinking something was wrong why my clutch didnt kick in but it starts but not all the time. And when it stops it doesn't start back on it's own I have to help it.
Great explanation of the compressor clutch. Not many people go into any depth on how it works.
Wait, if the system is empty it must be because there is a leak on the system.
Adding Freon on a lakey system is just throwing money.
Find the leak first and fix it.
Jumping the compressor tells you if the compressor works or not.
I Wouldn't run the compressor for more than 10 seconds if there is no Freon and/or oil in the system.
Apply vacuum to the sytem to locate the leak. Once fixed, vacuum should hold for 30 min. Then you can connect the supply hose/pressure gauge and Freon, the vacuum in the system will suck the freon into the system even with the engine and AC off.
After one or 2, 12 is can inside the system turn on the engine and AC on high and compressor will kick in. Add freon as required.
Vacuum pumps range from $20 to $200. The low cost pumps are air operated. The more expensive electricity powered.
A manifold to check the vacuum and freon pressure run approx $60 to $100.
Watch you tube videos on how to check leaks and fix them ETCG, CHRISFIX, REAL FIXES REAL FAST, SCOTTY KILMER, and many more.
As someone who works on computers on a day to day basis and just starting to tinker with cars, this video has helped me a lot. Thank you so much. Really.
Alan Trevino De Arcos Hello Alan, what really needs to be done is to refer to the PROPER methods of doing work like this... Get info from a PROFESSIONAL technician who has EXPERIENCE doing things like this... Please dis-regard this video as it is wrong in several points...DO NOT use the sealant he described in this video as this will probably RUIN Your a/c system...Use the video available at Auto-Zone of how to PROPERLY do this procedure....
read some comments most criticism, but No Help at least this Youngster is trying. What R U Doign????
if you add refrigerant it will tell the low pressure switch to turn on the compressor. than you watch your gauges untill you are close to your temp psi chart. weighing tanks takes too much space in my trunk. DO NOT RUN YOUR COMPRESSOR BY A PAPER CLIP!!!!!! THERE ISNT ANYTHJNG TO LUBRICATE IT IF THERE IS NO REDRIGERANT!!!!!
Thanks for help
@@soupboy2391you can't even spell refrigerant correctly. You do need to force the compressor on with a 📎 if it's to low on freon. Otherwise you won't get it to accept freon if the compressor won't click on!
@James Medina the refrigerant is pressurized. When you add it, it will trip the normally open low pressure switch to turn on compressor. Freon is owned by Dupont.
Kid did a good job, is knowledgeable about the A/C system and how operates. The only thing , that bothered the hell out of me was saying “short out” when I know you didn’t mean it like that. Smart to teach with Jumper Wire to keep clutch engaged, probably helped out a huge amount of people. Good job
please don't delete this video b/c I am learning a lot from it and would like to come back to it to watch it again
Ive been watching videos all day and finally found one thats fully comprehensive w/ all the questions i had. Thank you dude.
Thank you for making this video. I used this technique to get the air in my '01 Silverado to work and it did. My family and I are very grateful
Just recharged the a/c in my 1998 C1500 W/T after years without. Tried before but always thought since the compressor didn't turn on it was going to be an expensive fix. Never thought of jumping the relay, it worked. Most relays have marks near the prongs, 30 and 87 are labeled clear as day, three inch piece of 18ga wire and go. 90 degrees today but not in the cab. Thanks man
"If you have any questions, make sure you ask someone, I'm sure anyone can help you."
I LOL'd. Best instruction video ever ;)
I heard that one, I think he's trying to say, someone will help you, lol
It's much more complicated than this video.
I was like anyone?? When i tell ppl bout shorting relays they look at me like wtf lol
Thing is, once you’ve put that stop leak stuff in your A/C system, if later you have to take it to a shop, you’ll be pretty hard pressed to find a reputable shop that will work on it because that stuff fouls up refrigerant capture systems. Further, if the paper clip test activates your compressor, you’ve found the problem...why not get a new pressure switch and correct the system fault properly?
@@douglasashby4862 The sensor is noticing low pressure. So it won't let the compressor run. No compressor means no recharge. So trick the compressor into thinking the switch says there is pressure, then refill.
@@douglasashby4862not enough freon, won't allow your compressor to kick on. The 📎 is forcing the compressor on without enough freon in the system. Once you get enough freon in, the 📎 is t needed. That's not an indication of "finding the problem"
I watched several videos on this topic today. This has the most straight forward and information to someone that isn’t mechanically inclined. Little bit of the Blare Witch camera work going on but the information was right on the point and easy to understand. Thank You very much
Well if the system has residual gas in it but is low so the clutch doesn't engage, then recharging should still occur without clutch operation.
When the system is getting enough pressure from filling, then the clutch should automatically come on. The Hi/lo pressure switch on the drier (or elsewhere) is just an on/off arrangement.
If there is no residual pressure in the system (check by pressing on Schrader valve pin) it needs the leak fixed and then vaccing out before recharging.
Gas should only be put in to a system (which has been opened or has had nil pressure) that has been evacuated because the low pressure causes any moisture in the system to boil off and be removed from the pipes. Moisture mixes with the refrigerant and causes acid which eat the steel pipes ie. the evaporator (which is in the dash).
Residual gas pressure - even if it is low, in a non working system is generally a good sign.
Even though there is nothing that special in making of this video but I can say that it is fill in all that is missing in all experts videos have watched so far. Good information, just what I need, thanks a lot.
fantastic, did this yesterday because the air coming out of the vents was warm. compressor not spinning. used this method and followed the instructions and the compressor started to run automatically when the pressure went above 25psi. now its reading 40psi and the air coming out the vents is cold. great. thanks.
I know you made this comment like a year ago, but I'm in a similar situation. Did you use the paperclip to force the clutch to engage while recharging, or did you just recharge without doing that? Is it even possible to recharge it without the clutch engaged? I'm guessing no, but I don't know much about this stuff.
The compressor must be forced to engage if isn't engaging on it's own. You can't recharge without it engaging. It won't suck in the freon into the system if it isn't engaging.
I want to say thank you for providing this video. I realize there are a lot of people here commenting who are great mechanics and have a great deal of knowledge about cars. The individuals who are commenting about his using of this method to force the AC clutch to engage are in a way correct about the methods used, but the author of the video is also correct . Always wear protective eyewear when working anywhere near pressure lines and/or fluids/chemicals that can damage the eye(s). His method of shorting out the fuse so that the clutch will engage will in fact work and he is knowledgeable in that regard. The problem, if the pressure is in fact low, is that there could be a number of things wrong causing this to happen and may even be a leak somewhere in the system which means adding more freon is a waste of time, effort, and money. Make sure to talk with a mechanic before doing any of this work as a simple freon leak could be present and that may be all that is causing the problem. Low pressure due to a freon leak can cause the clutch to disengage. If however the clutch is not engaging because of something else, adding more fluid (i.e. increases pressure) which can damage the compressor possibly leading to you having to buy a new one altogether. So make sure to get quality advice to ensure it isn't a simple repair resulting in low cost repairs that can also be warranted by a professional. All in all, think of your car as a necessity and give it the proper professional care it needs to run optimally.
+Brandon Nelson His methods are nowhere near to the proper way to do work like this!!! Get info from a credible source before attempting this!!! Do get the video from Auto Zone or a service manual or a publication written by EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS and study it and adhere to it... DO NOT use the information posted in this video...
Wow. That was the most informative video I've seen on this subject. Great work.
I appreciate your instructions and I have mechaniced for years. But I was trained on older cars, so your instructions are good!
Thanks. Nice video. You helped me find my problem and saved me about $100. Just one simple thing I picked up did the trick. Some of these video's get into too much for ordinary people to understand. Yours was short and sweet and to the point.
Hi and great presentation. I was wondering, what if I put Freon in side my truck and didn’t follow those steps? My truck is super warm after adding. What shall I do… I thought it it was something I can do myself however I think I screwed uo
Forcing compressor to kick in low pressure is a bad idea. If refrigerant is low the compressor is designed to stop, so not to grind dry and damage itself. Forcing it could damage compressor and you could be down for $400+ in damages. If you're low in Freon and compressor stops, the refrigerant in the refill can has enough pressure to kick start the compressor. Make sure the can is upside down and shake it while refilling system.
Good Luck
I had question while I was outside with my husband & brother about the paper clip but you explained everything so well! I have a 98 Crown Vic my dad sold me and now that he is gone I want to keep it, after winter I turn the air on and no air, only heat! I mean Hot at 60, they put 3 cans of freon in it and still no better and both of them have taken motors down and put them back together! I don't know. Thank you!
Blend door actuator
Very informative and well done considering you filmed it yourself while explaining the proceedure. It helped me get my Lincoln Navigator to cool again. Thanks!
how do i do this on a 2006 hyundai santa fe? ? plz help
First thing I always do is but the repair manual either at AutoZone or online. They are not that expensive.
no fuel economy if the clutch is always on
He didn't leave it on always he put the relay back in after the freon was added.
Todd Thoren is a savage
this actually worked for me ford explorer thanks dude...funny how all the mechanics come to hate instead of making a video with advice like this young man who is just trying to help haters
David Sanchez, Dave- did You actually add the sealant as this video suggests???? What is Your high-side pressure at an ambient temp. of say- 95 degrees F. ???? If You added the sealant and You don't know what the high side pressure is, chances are that Your vehicle's a/c system won't be working for very long Amigo.... These people who are commenting here of the fallacies of this video are not haters, but quite to the contrary; they are trying to prevent others from getting into trouble- from the very bad ideas/advice given in this video.... If You don't agree with that, that is fine- Just as long as You don't pretend to be a 'technician' and use these techniques to work on other people's vehicles... That could cause other people to think of YOU as an ill-trained hack who does not care for others, except for maybe- their money... They might even think of YOU as a 'hater'.....
yeah. my thoughts too. with all their typing, they could of made their own kick ass totally perfect videos
To Robert Henderson, The typing is a good practice in communicating to others, who actually want to get some problems taken care of, in this case; automotive a/c systems.... And then there are those people who are not interested in communicating at all - or try to repair anything... They Just want to heckle others who are repairing problems... These people soon become an interesting study of what happens to an idle mind.... Did Your mother have any kids that lived?
HVAC was a trade of mine at one time. Rather than jumping out the pressure switch turn the can of 134A upside down while the engine is off and dump liquid refrigerant inside the system. Leave the can upside down and go do something and come back maybe fifteen-twenty minutes later and by that time the system will be charged enough for the ac compressor to kick on. After that add the rest of refrigerant needed with the can upright for gas.
mardasee you are awesome worked exactly as you said thanks.
Thx cuz the dude's process confused me
The clutch Hass to keep spinning while you have it on AC?
The clutch is supposed to cycle on and off with the ac on IF everything is working correctly.
hey thx a lot man that paper clip thing helped me out a lot. I live in Phoenix,az and you have to have A/C
I want to thank ypu for this video! I was trying to find a way to engage the compressor on my 97 silverado.. It worked like a charm to engage the compressor to add AC pro. I know that I will need to take it in as I suspect a leak somewhere in the system. However I am away from my local dealer right now at a training class about 300 miles away. I should be cool for the ride back. Thanks again!!
YOU DONT HAVE TO FORCE COMPRESSOR ON WHEN YOU START FILLING SYSTEM UP PRESSURE GOES UP AND CLUTCH STArts to engage.
Thank you cuz I'm confused. He says that not enough refrigerant makes clutch not engage. Yet you still need to mess with relay?? And that paper clip thing isn't clear.
If your clutch is bad all that is for nothing and a good shot at frying a computer
Got any tips for freon leaking out of the spot that you fill it from
I'm trying to recharge my ac on my truck. I did the paper clip trick but didn't start the clutch. Can anyone tell me what's wrong. Is my compressor bad ???
Adolfo Perez the clutch itself may be bad. i changed mine in the car and now have A/C again. i order it from Amazon for $100 and 2hrs of work to install it with a friends help. did not have too remove the compressor from the car. or open any lines. look into that. hope that helps you
cam1138 thanks man, will do that !
great hope that dose it. my kit came with the coil, pulley, bearing, and clutch. it was the actual coil that went bad on mine. The hard part was the snap rings. taking them off and putting on the new ones. 2 of them. theres lots of u tube videos on replacing this part. oh thank God for TH-cam.
Lol that's right man... thanks again
This is a decent video compared to everyone else's terrible instructions. He actually broke it down and said what is what in the car. Even though it took him a while to get to the clutch issue part I still applaud his video. Thanks for the help
sir, you just earn my like, thank you
My Deville 2001 doesn't have a relay. Only an AC clutch small fuse.
Thanks for this. I run a 4th gen Cameron in the uk and there’s almost no help here for them so TH-cam is my only help a lot of the time
Couldn't get my system to take charge because the clutch wouldn't engage.... ran into this video and got it engaged on my 2008 fusion by jumping the fuse... thx man!
Great Job, Little Bro.
genius....
Thanks a lot brah... u saved me a lot of money and time with this video.
Keep helping people like this.
I was low on pressure, shorted that sensor and my compressor was on in a sec :D
nice and cold
Thanks
I was wondering why nothing happened when tried to turned on my AC. Now I know my compressor isn't seized up. Haven't used my AC in years.
do you only refill the 8 oz of oil that goes into the compressor only if you change the compressor and when do you put the vacuum on the compressor before the oil right.
Thank you for posting this helped a lot, Good job!
Have not tried your methods yet but Lord willing I shall. Thank you for your help in this video.
Your power steering pump is not sounding happy
+Loren Gaines The power steering pump in this video is not the only issue here... The loose nut behind the wheel-who posted it is of the main concern... Please dis-regard this video and get CREDIBLE advice from an EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIAN... Auto Zone has an excellent video of how to do work like this...
If the air clutch isnt working will that stop the condensor fan to not work too?
Hey Friend, That's sort of a Hack way to do it... you really need to connect a good set of manifold gauges and note the high pressure and low pressure readings with the engine running and a/c on. That is the only accurate way to diagnose the system. Also, never charge an AC on the high pressure side, so when recharging make sure the manifold gauge valve to the HIGH side is turned OFF completely. Servicing an auto HVAC system is tricky and sometimes dangerous work and should only be attempted by a qualified technician. You can blow yourself up really fast if not! Those little blue Wal-Mart gauges are not a reliable way to service your AC... you had good intentions though.... Sorry to bust your bubble man.... !
Actually, I would like to hear a little bit more about what you have to say. I actually own a set of manifold gauges and think they are pointless for most people on youtube because diagnosing them requires a pretty in-depth understanding of how the entire system works. Their is a reason the simple tool using the low pressure side sells so much, because it is so easy to use. 9 times out of 10 it has been more than enough for the job for me, so whats the point in further complicating things when they don't need to be. Sure, I have had to use the manifold gauges on my power stroke but thats the only time I needed them. I find your comment a little insulting as I only purchase my tools from sears and napa but maybe some people do not want to spend $100 on a tool, hence why they are watching this video in the first place? These were not "intentions," it is simply the easiest demonstration and breakdown you can give to someone. Servicing your AC via low pressure port is arguably safer than changing your battery. Hence why companies never get sued for this tool
ellswortha101 That's my point exactly... the only safe and proper way to service your AC system is to KNOW what you're doing. It's intended to be that way by the engineers that developed the system. I would not make a comment on anyone's post just to be insulting. I made this comment from an bit of experience with what I talking about. Auto HVAC is a complex and sometimes dangerous system... and it's definitely not for the novice. Sure there are companies out there that make a "do it yourself" product... just as there are people out there that make and sell dental picks and mirrors. They intend to sell their goods for profit in an attempt to cash in on a market, for many process a "need" in the market like you do. They just want their AC to blow cold air, but can't possibly accept the responsibility of properly educating and training the public to service their own systems. That's why we have ASME service techs to work on our cars. Without writing a book here and spending hours teaching everyone reading this the theory and practice of auto HVAC I'll simply trust that you wouldn't attempt brain surgery on yourself or your family members. Know what I mean? You can buy a set of steels and clutches for your GM 6L80E transmission at a parts house, but that doesn't mean you posses the training to successfully rebuild that trans now does it? If your AC system has a blockage in the condenser and isn't working properly throwing more freon at it isn't going to fix it... more than likely you'll make the problem worse, if not blow up yourself in the process. AC work is an exact science in theory, dependent on ambient temperature, humidity, and the ability to remove heat from the air inside your autos interior spaces. For the AC system to function properly you need a precisely measured amount of refrigerant inside the system, an orifice tube or expansion device and a means to convert the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas in order to extract the heat from within the system. It's very complex and no can with a gauge on it can guarantee anyone positive results... the truth of the matter is if your system is low on freon it has leaked out from somewhere and the leak needs to be repaired before evacuating and recharging the system with the proper measured amount of refrigerant. I was not trying to be insulting, sound like a know it all or anything like that, I was just stating fact.. go ask any properly trained mechanic, tech or HVAC service technician and they'll tell you the same thing... unless they're trying to sell you their Freeze in a can home recharging kit! Be safe, and keep that car running properly by trusting the complex systems to the pros, or go to a VoTech and earn yourself a degree in auto HVAC service and do it RIGHT yourself! Have a great day!
I still argue that you're wrong. If it wasn't safe to service the system from the low pressure port, companies wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. It is not dangerous. For the average user, using the low pressure port with leak stop and r134a is more than enough. Actually if you watch my other videos I HAVE built this car from the ground up. I rebuilt a v8, I DID do the trans, and I have worked on much more complex mechanic parts (setting gears on a high pinion dana axle?). So I think you can see I have a pretty good understanding of how things work. I'lll keep my car running properly by being the only person who ever works on it.
ellswortha101 I never said it was dangerous to service ac from the low side, that's the only place TO service it from. What I said was the only PROPER way to do it was with a set of manifold gauges and diagnose the problem, not just pump it full of freon when you don't even know how much you're putting in it or why it's leaking in the first place. It's great that you want to keep your car running right and admirable that you want to do it yourself. I'm just saying you should do it right. I'm not arguing with you, just trying to set you right on a gross misunderstanding. Go talk to a AC mechanic and find out I'm right. Enough said.
David Thomas Hey partner could I get your autograph on that book you said you wouldn't write because nobody would want to read it. The kid is doing a service that people like to learn for them selves, instead of getting ripped off from all the a/c guys that are out there. It seems to me that you have knowledge of the a/c system, and seems to me that the kid hit a nerve with you, maybe taking away some business, if they can find an easier or cheaper way to do things. He didn't say this is the proper, or right way to do something, he simply stated that this is what he has found for him that makes something work and is sharing it with people who would like to know. This is U-Tube not NASA Space Station, so good day to you sir, and ENOUGH SAID. just move on to the next person on the tube.... (if I disagree with you, it's only because im right)......
You're low on freon there is a low pressure switch also which can be can be on open if the pressure is too low even though you jump the high pressure
Stop leak? Good way to clog the orifice tube or expansion valve. Do yourself a favor and don't put that crap in. I know the stuff claims to fix the leaks. Get it fixed right. There is no such thing as "mechanic in a can."
That stop leak ac crap in my neighbors truck clogged up my ac gauges ..
Using that stuff is as bad as adding freon via a low pressure fitting an no high pressure gauge...a BAD idea
A matter of fact _ If some ac shops hook up to your ac and you have stop leak in your ac system.
They will put a mechanics lien on your car til you pay for his $2500- $4500 machine.
Cause it ruins their equipment _somebody's gonna pay for it.
That's pretty though .
Find the leak_ fix the leak right.
Ok I have a question if the ac clutch is not kicking on will it show a check engine light? And if I put a computer on it will it read that it is the ac clutch that is going out...
There is a safety device in the refrigerant circuit called a head psi switch which may also cycle the compressor. Bypassing any wiring to force the compressor to run is not wise. If you should bypass the head psi switch unknowingly, there could be injury or death related to a high pressure rupture or the compressor could be damaged immediately.
Although I admire the objective in the video, there are so many other factors in simply charging a system one could write an article about it. Doing it wrong may result having to buy and replace more expensive components in a day, week, month or a year later. However if you are working on a clunker- go for it.
41 years in HVAC, designs and servicing.
+newstart49 I strongly agree with You on this !!!! The only thing I do not agree with is the part of "If You are working on a clunker-go for it"... Even a 'clunker' as You put it , can injure and /or kill when being serviced incorrectly.... People should understand the inherent danger of doing work like this, when being shown the incorrect methods of doing so... I just wonder how many vehicles and people will get damaged/injured by using the advice from the ill-trained novice above....
Michael Martinez
Agreed.
Michael Martinez ""0
Very informative. I've been struggling for 2 days with a new compressor that I overfilled then purged the system. Now it won't take frion and the clutch ain't kicking in.. gonna try in in a few
I like the fact that this young man is trying but before can try to help some how to do a complex job you must learn the dangers of doing it wrong on some newer cars you can't even do some of the things he is doing get some training I've have been a master tech since I was 18 years of age I'm 50 years old now so one important part of doing air conditioning on a vehicle is you have to pay attention to your hi pressure side 19 can you ruin your AC system in my many years of being a technician I have seen people blow their hands off so it's not as simple as just adding freon through the low side forcing the compressor on
Blas Telles They blow there hand off?
I don't it
32 years of experience. Impressive. I've got a couple of questions. First, how can the number 19 ruin the a/c system? And was the tragic loss of limbs one accident in which the poor victim had BOTH hands blown off, were there more than one person present and two or more had a hand blown off, or have you had the horrible misfortune of being in the vicinity of two or more a/c system explosions in which the victim(s) had hands blown off.
I saw people blow their arms off doing this...…...
Very good tutorial brother it really helped me a lot with my truck God bless you
Thank you!!!!
what should be the pressure in psi while running or when it is not running.
This kid is nearly clueless here, he knows just enough to be dangerous and is passing this bad information along to the unknowing.
The high pressure switch he pointed out only cuts the compressor if the system is over pressurized. The low pressure switch is the one that will cut the compressor when the system is low. There is no reason to bypass any part of the system, as you fill the system the switch will turn the compressor on. Relying on pressure only to establish a fill isn't accurate as temperature and RPM will change the pressure. Ideally the system would be evacuated and filled by weight. As a DIY refill, add just enough that when the engine is held around 2500RPM the compressor stays on, this will reduce the chance of an overfill. This can't be reliably done on a cold day, it needs to be above 70 and with the A/C fan on high. Having gauges for both the high and low and balancing those pressures according to the ambient temperature can get a pretty close to perfect fill.
The refrigerant doesn't 'double as a lubricant' as he stated, there's actual oil in the system that gets circulated by the moving freon. Continuous leaks and refilling or replacing of parts will lower the oil level and can damage the compressor. A system that has leaked down to 0 may have air and moisture in it that can lead to damage if not removed.
Hello DonziGT230- I agree that the individual who posted this video over 4 years ago has steered a lot of the unknowing people in the wrong direction of how to do work like this... With that being said, He has done a few things correctly here... One is to operate the a/c compressor in a system that is undercharged and has developed a lower pressure in the low pressure (suction) side of the system... This lower pressure in that (suction) side of the system has enabled refrigerant to be introduced into that side of the system... Otherwise, the static pressure of the low side of a system that is not operating would be too high to accept any refrigerant... One thing that He should have pointed out in this video is: to first turn the compressor drive plate on the end of the clutch by hand, to see if the compressor actually turns and is not seized... That was one of the many things that he did wrong here... Most of everything else You have stated here is correct. But the newer refrigerants (R134) are not called Freon anymore... Freon is a registered patent of the Chemours company which was used for the older types of refrigerants, like R12 in the automotive industry... And the most accurate way to fill the system with the correct amount of refrigerant and the correct oil, is to use a charging manifold and a Pressure/Temperature chart.... Otherwise, it's a crap-shoot of how much refrigerant should be added to the system... Since this video post, the individual who posted this created a more recent video stating that He has had formal training and has stated that some of his methods were wrong in this video... Many people have viewed this, some see it as a lot of bad advice (as I have), and others proclaim it to be the best thing since sliced bread.... One thing is for sure, when heeding advice to do anything, LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!!!!
I've never had a system not energize the clutch as I started filling (except one) and I've done hundreds of fills. There's absolutely no reason the low pressure switch wouldn't energize itself since they cut in well below the pressure in the filling tank. The correct way to fill is not with a manifold as you say, it's by weight. You can generally get a good fill with a manifold set if you know what you're doing, but it's not the right way. If the guy has learned the error of his ways he really should delete this video or at least re-title it as flawed so that others don't use it assuming it's good information. Posting it was ignorance, if you're right and he's learned better then leaving it up is negligence.
The one that didn't energize was a Mercedes, I had no clue the computer had to be flashed to accept the new compressor until afterwords. Bypassing it would have accomplished nothing but getting it filled since the computer wouldn't let it work anyway. There's also a good chance that bypassing it would have created other problems.
+Todd Thoren crawl back into your mom!!
"...Continuous leaks and refilling or replacing of parts will lower the oil level and can damage the compressor...." Just purchase refills that contain oil and that problem is solved.
It's not solved because you have no idea how much oil has leaked vs. how much oil you're adding.
can i use your method on a 2000 lincoln LS 8cyl.
Ummmm... not sure why you're calling refrigerant coolant... but also, stop leak is HORRIBLE for an AC system and it should NEVER be used. Not only does it rarely work, but it can ruin the system. Also, if you ever take it to a shop to get repairs later, they won't touch your vehicle because the refrigerant has been contaminated by stop leak. If you have a leak in the system, you need to find the leak and make the necessary repairs. Going the cheap route with the AC system will always cost you more money in the end.
I don't think shorting the hi pressure switch will start the compressor. It's a normally closed switch that opens when the pressure is too high. You need to jump the low pressure switch that is a normally open switch that closes when the system has pressure. You can jump this switch to test that the compressor clutch and related wiring and relays are ok .If your clutch wont engage and you jumper the low pressure switch and the compressor clutch clicks in then the electrical part is ok but the system is low in charge. If the clutch doesn't ckick in then check fuses, wiring, relay or clutch itself. If you hook up your refilling can to the low port you just start filling and when the pressure comes up the clutch should engage automatically, no jumping needed.
*LOL, go short it and you will find out!*
Its refrigerant NOT coolant
Vlad R not freon
i just put in a can of AC PRO. The air is not coming out as cold. The clutch kicks on and of after several seconds. Do i still need another can of freon to make it more cold?
WOOOW REALLY....dangerous move...
What is being done in this video, is basically a way to get the A/C system going again after it has lost some refrigerant. However, the way it is being done here is very dangerous, and could easily injure the person doing the work and damage the vehicle... This is why I do not recommend following this video post...
Great video. Maybe you can help me. My clutch starts shutting off when the temp outside gets to around 100 degrees outside. It will start and stop over and over. The freon is INE and with in the normal range. What could be the issue ?
Has this car blew up yet?
What pins do I use for ac compressor relay on 07 Pontiac grand prix
This is full of fail, ignore this and try another video to learn from.
I made a jumper wire/alligator clips tool. Two clips to the battery and the other two onto the compressor contact tips, after pulling the plug off of course. Forcing the compressor to run is key to allowing new gas to be put in.
You don't know what you are talking about.Leave these things to real mechanics
+john gnang AMEN brother. I did these "do-it-yourself" fixes, just like this guy here did, and guess what? It ruined my compressor on my Nissan. The mechanics here in Nashville won't touch your car if you have done all this. When you tell them that "you added Freon" yourself, they just laugh. U R screwed! Mechanics call these kits "Suicide Kits" and just laugh at you.
If you say so.Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.
Yup leave it to real mechanics I give it 💯 agree
So we can get lied to and ripped off? Took mine to a mechanic for a system recharge. Was told that I had a bad clutch and needed a new compressor. I had already tested the clutch and it was fine. Just not interested in finding that one out of ten mechanics that may be honest.
+Glenn Jones Did that mechanic you mention test it too before saying so? Did he directly apply current to the clutch's coil socket and listen to the "CLUNK" (good coil) or no "CLUNK" at all (bad coil)? Or did he just bring up the "Bad clutch" stuff right after you told him the air con wasn't working?
I just have a question.... when my clutch is engaged my pressure is dead on between the "V" on my pressure gage... but when my clutch disengage my pressure builds up at the redline at about 414psi and then clutch engages and psi drops in between the "V" position. Is that a normal process? Thanks for the awesome video!!!!!!!!
Hey man, how hot should the AC compressor get while running AC
What about on a 95 Ford contour GL 2.6 v-6 automatic which holes do you do that to on that car
is this relay the same as a w.a.c. relay? i have a 95 ranger
hey does the car have to be on when u fill the freon?
Absolutely stellar video man. The jumping of the relay for the compressor helped me fix my Z28. Thanks a ton.
I did it on the pressure switch
How do you short the wires?
I was successful in getting the relay shorted to start the compressor and fill with Freon and my air works now although shorting the high pressure switch doesn't do anything.
Is it OK to keep the compressor shorted permanently or should turn it off and on from time to time?
Great detailed video. You got my AC blowing cold again. Saved me money and time from going to the shop. Keep it up.
HI, can you please tell me if your car has a MAF sensor, the one that goes beside the air filter, my 95 camaro was in an accident with the previous owner and it has a short hose with a spectre air filter (cone shaped), so the RPM's are 1000 in both idle and in drive, its an automatic, I asked in Auto Zone and they tell me that the car doesnt have it, I also have a Beretta GT 1998, manual transmission and it does have a MAF sensor, thanks for your help and your car loks great with the ground kit
I thought these videos are very convenient and helpful and I appreciate TH-cam a lot for them
Any idea what kind of flow such a compressor has? cfm?
Hi great video !!! Now I have a little bit of trouble ... ( I own jeep wrangler 98 4.0 ) i did everything you show here !! I actually install ( evaporator, condenser, dryer , compressor, lines, orifice tube ) for some reason !! When I start adding the R134a after vacuum the system for 1 hr. No leaks everything look good ... the compressor engage but immediately the pressure gauge jump to 100psi !!! Even so high that some ac line pop out !! And of course the system don't charged and the compressor start getting hot ! Im totally lost here ... WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD BE THE PROBLEM ? something could be clog ? Bad line? If you have any idea or tips please ! Let me know ! Thank you so much
Hey, I used one of those tall cans with trigger, filled the system, now it blows cool then warm, 134a clutch intermittently tufns on
Im having compressor not turning on issue. 2002 Lincoln LS-V8,. took it to shop for fill up and mech said ac compressor isn't turning on. Seller said there's a hidden fuse I might want to check. Im wandering if the square breaker in the video has the same #'s on all/most cars before I try paper clip? Otherwise -vg video and replies. Thanx all.