It's 80, how do I fix my auto air conditioning?

[bearpaw]

It's 80 degrees, how do I fix my auto air conditioning? I have three vehicles that the air isn't working! 

95 Suburban
99 Suburban
05 Dodge Cummins

Does anyone know how I might be able to fix it? Can I get something from the Auto Parts and do it myself?

[JimmyHoffa]

what part isn't working?  Compressor, fan, etc?  Does it blow any air out?  If it is just a belt, you can fix by yourself with little issue.

[Lucky1]

I ws in OReileys auto parts yesterday and saw a shelf full of small cans of refrigerant etc for AC repairs. The counter guys are helpful too. If all you have is a small refrigerant leak you might be able to just add refrigerant and you will be good to go for a while.

[bearpaw]

what part isn't working?  Compressor, fan, etc?  Does it blow any air out?  If it is just a belt, you can fix by yourself with little issue.

I think all three vehicles have belts, the compressor turns, and they blow outside temperature air. They might just need recharged with coolant or whatever is used, I don't know what is needed to do that or if I have to have a mechanic do it?

[bearpaw]

I ws in OReileys auto parts yesterday and saw a shelf full of small cans of refrigerant etc for AC repairs. The counter guys are helpful too. If all you have is a small refrigerant leak you might be able to just add refrigerant and you will be good to go for a while.

We have OReilly in town. I could go there and see if they have it, thanks.

[bearpaw]

I called Oreilly, they said they have the kits in stock, about $30.

[Lucky1]

Let's us know how it works out. $30.00 is way cheaper than bringing it in for service.
It probably woth a try anyway.

[coachcw]

Make sure that the center of the clutch is engaging . All those rigs have low pressure switches that cutout the compressor if to low on freon. If the clutch is engaging you should have a bit of cold  on the bottom of the accumulator that's the silver thermos on the passenger side . If you have a bit of cold on the bottom and warm on top I'd say ad 12 to 16 oz of r134a. Often the low pressure cycle switch that screws to the accumulator fails.simple screw off and on .

[bearpaw]

Make sure that the center of the clutch is engaging . All those rigs have low pressure switches that cutout the compressor if to low on freon. If the clutch is engaging you should have a bit of cold  on the bottom of the accumulator that's the silver thermos on the passenger side . If you have a bit of cold on the bottom and warm on top I'd say ad 12 to 16 oz of r134a. Often the low pressure cycle switch that screws to the accumulator fails.simple screw off and on .

The 05 dodge was low, I added 20 oz and it works great.
The 99 Suburban was low, we added some to where the gauge said is good, but the air is still warm. I'll have to take it to a mechanic.
The 90 Suburban is an old style connector, different system, guess I'll take it to the mechanic too.

[jackelope]

The Chevys might have bad low pressure cycling switches. Pretty sure that was a common issue back in the day. Coach could verify. The switch has a 2 wire  harness coming to it and is plugged into the switch at the recurves drier. You could try unplugging it and jumping it with a paper clip to see if it comes on. If it does, replace that switch. They're cheap.

[bearpaw]

So coach said this low pressure switch is located on the accumulator, I'll see if I can find it. THANKS guys!

[bearpaw]

The 90 Suburban has an older style screw on connector to refill. The parts house said that is an old style, is there a way I can work with it or does it need some type of conversion or is it just toast and no longer fixable?

[coachcw]

You need to convert it . Jump the pressure switch and see if it kicks on . If it does check for cold top and bottom of accumulator

[jackelope]

You need to convert it . Jump the pressure switch and see if it kicks on . If it does check for cold top and bottom of accumulator

Coach-
Is the accumulator the same thing as a receiver dryer? Maybe I used the wrong term. The silver can looking deal in the passenger side of the engine compartment whatever it's called.

[coachcw]

Yes GM  calls it the accumulator. To properly retro fit it you will need to vacuum pump the system down .  A couple fittings and three oz of Ester oil vacuum pump and charge . Ten percent less 134 a  than the r 12 spec.