Hello!
Recently the AC stopped working. I got a kit that had a pressure gauge and can of r134a refrig. Followed all directions, AC is cold now but have a question:

When the compressor is on, the gauge reads 25psi, well at the low end of the safety/filled range. However when the compressor clicks off, the pressure jumps up to about 45psi .... but as soon as the compressor engages again, the pressure is back to 25.

Does that sound normal or should I remove some of this refrigerant?

Thanks!

 

welcome to the forum. the low side with the a/c on high and fan high, psi should be 40-50 psi this should have taken approx 1 1/2 to 3 cans of freon.

 

Hmm, thanks for the answer!

Funny thing is, the AC was working fine last year. This year, no cold. When I connected the gauge, it pretty much read 0 with AC on/fan high (although, I suspect that the AC was not on, probably due to low pressure sensor). After filling about maybe 1/4 can, the AC tripped on. I probably unloaded about 1/2 small can into it, but it doesn't seem to register pressure about 25. But, the AC is real cold now. With AC off, the low pressure side reads about 45psi. So, I'm not sure if I should continue to fill this or leave it as is ... and suggestions appreciated!

Thanks!

 

When checking the low pressure side and the a/c is on high, fan high and the pressure is reading 40-50 psi, I would leave it alone. I added more to bring the pressure up, and after 3 min of running, the compressor failed, over pressure if your air is cold, leave it alone. Also you do have a leak in your a/c system, my 02 civic is still putting out cold air, not serviced since purchased.

 

I know this is an old thread, but for info purposes here are my readings ~@60 ambient air temp:


just before cycle on (compressor off) - 45 low - 100 high
just before cycle off (compressor on) - 22 low - 125 high

after turning off the engine and waiting about 10 minutes the pressure in both sides equalized to about ~67