Nissan 370Z Forum - Air Conditioning Problem

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- - Air Conditioning Problem (http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivetrain/53715-air-conditioning-problem.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr750 (Post 1683306)

You only need a vacuum pump if you intend on flushing out the entire system and refill it with new oil and r134.

You don't need a vacuum pump to release gas under pressure, there is a simple shrader air valve stem that releases gas on the low side ac charging port, the r134a should be properly reclaimed to avoid release into the environment, the professionals have a system that reclaims the gas and they clean & reuse the old r134a .

If your only recharging the system, you don't need a vacuum pump. If your only recharging a system release of r134a into the environment shouldn't even happen, if done properly, unless your system has a big leak.

The only difference with the professionals with the more elaborate tools, will recharge the AC from the high side, as compared to the home garage method of charging from the low side, for consumer safety.

First thing to do would be to recharge the system with 1 can of r134a leak detector and another can of r134a gas, then run the AC and check for leaks. You can do this for around $30 with autozone products.

I didn't mention needing thousands of dollars worth of tools, I simply said the cost of the tools doesn't justify itself. Like you said, there's plenty of shops that will test and diagnose an A/C system for cheap. However, if you want to PROPERLY work on an A/C system...

The cheapest R134a reclaimer I've seen was like $1500. If you want to get the computerized reclaimer/refill station, you're looking at at least $3k for a cheap entry level unit. Add a decent set of line tools for another $50 (unless you like mangling your lines), and some gauges for like $70. Don't forget the leak detector kit for about $50, a decent thermometer for $15, A/C clutch tool set for like $50, and that should cover most of what you'll ever encounter when working on automotive A/C systems. If all the correct tools are unnecessary, why do shops and dealerships have them?

Your method might work for you but it hasn't worked for me or anyone I know personally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toplessdottie (Post 1684948)

Well, it seems the foam I had between the CAI and the A/C lines..... well it basically warmed up so much, the CAI rubbed through it and hit the A/C lines......... :(

Warranty wil not cover :( BAD DYI on my part..... not I gotta pay up. Lesson for ppl installing Stillen CAI..... DO IT RIGHT!!!!!!!! AND TRIPLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE CAI PIPE TO RUB THE A/C TUBES. :(

That sucks :( At least you know what the issue is, though.

LOL I'm a mechanic for a living and I can safely say, just about everything you said gsxr750 is either wrong or improper/unsafe procedure.

Dang man this stinks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by toplessdottie (Post 1684948)

I just discovered this problem on my car today! The pipe assembly wasn't too expensive ($28) to replace, but not sure how to do this install...I did read thru the Service Manual and I'm not sure how to drain the system...or if i need to. Anyone else fix this themselves??

Quote:

Originally Posted by toplessdottie (Post 1684948)

I had the same problem a while back. I had to take it to the dealership and they said the CAI was literally rubbing metal to metal on the AC line. They repaired it but, they are only allowed to repair it as per their manual. Meaning that the problem would just come back because of the aftermarket intake. So what I did was cut a little piece of garden hose and sort of wedge it in between my intake and the AC line. It's been 2 years with no problem.

What did they charge you, if you remember? I wouldn't think they'd cover that under warranty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RN SHRRK (Post 2338755)

What did they charge you, if you remember? I wouldn't think they'd cover that under warranty.

I think it was $400 or so. Those dealerships will get you. However, after they were done and I did that tweak to the lines with the garden hose it was a solid fix.

You have to remember, not only do they have to find the leak but they are either replacing or repairing that line. And then they have vacuum down and refill your unit. On top of removing the bumper and all the other necessary crap to even get to it. Expensive, but necessary.

Also not covered under the warranty due to it being an aftermarket part that caused the issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toplessdottie (Post 1684948)

I was just going to tell you that an AC system is closed loop and if the gas leaked out you have a leak and recharging would be futile until you fixed the leak.

I've decided to take it to the dealership on Monday. The service guy was really nice and said he assigned the tech to it that handles a lot of modded 370s. I worry about even the bumper removal at a dealership with my ings+1 lip, brake cooling ducts, and oil cooler. Maybe I'm crazy.

My problem is the Aircon will only be cold set to the lowest temperature. Turning the temperature setting above the lowest setting will automatically turn on the heater. I already live in a hot country so help in solving this problem is really appreciated. AC button is on always and have ensured it is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by geddit (Post 3526721)

Check your Condenser Fan see it is working..

The problem arose when I started to reinstall my dashboard after having it reholstered this afternoon. I had to reset my airbag warning light and I forgot to check about the aircon switches. I only discovered the fault when it was set to the lowest temp setting and when I turned it to raise the temp setting just a notch the vents started blowing hot air. But if I turn back to the lowest which is 18 I get the cool air. I also played around with the other knobs with regards to finding a solution to this but all the other knobs/switches are functioning as usual other than the temp setting. I assumed if the condenser fan was not working I would not be able to get cool air. But to be on the safe side will check it tomorrow. Thanks