AC Not Blowing Cold, Compressor Running

323 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Phillbert, 6 d ago

Phillbert

Discussion Starter · 11 d ago

Hello,

This morning my Gen 1 Cruze suddenly stopped blowing cold air. Before this it had been working well. I smell a faint 134a smell, but I can't find a leak with my UV light. The compressor spins and keeps running (which tells me there's at least enough 134a to keep it running, but not enough to cook the air at all?)

I use my car for work every single day - I drive out to clients. I also live in Florida. I need to get this fixed as quickly as possible, so any ideas are extremely appreciated.

Thank you!!

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

snowwy66

· #2 · 10 d ago

First I'd take the caps off the charging ports and make sure there's no green. The low pressure is pretty common.

You've got the compressor, all the lines, the expansion valve which should connect to the evaporator at the firewall. My gen2 is anyways. And the condenser.

You can't see the inside of the condenser or the evaporator.

You don't need a UV light. Just look for green.

If you can't see anything. Harborfreight sells a leak detector. Sometimes the low setting picks something up. Sometimes the high setting is required.

If it goes whacko. Pull the detector away and blow the air to mix things up and test again. Sometimes you get a false signal.

To test the evaporator. Turn key on. Turn fan on. Test the vents.

You might also replace the cabin filter. A plugged filter can cause air restriction and possibly icing up of the evaporator.

See less See more

Save

Phillbert

Discussion Starter · #3 · 10 d ago

I found the leak, it's under the car, coming from evaporator, or something near it. It's in the firewall. I really wanted to fix it myself but taking the dash apart is too big a job for me, especially with the time crunch. So I have to take it to a mechanic tomorrow. Me and this car just cannot seem to get along.

Save

snowwy66

· #4 · 10 d ago

That leak is water from the evaporator.

That's normal. Freon leaks as a mist.

If your ac was leaking that bad. Your compressor wouldn't be working.

Save

Reactions: 1

Maqcro1

· #5 · 10 d ago

Phillbert said:
I found the leak, it's under the car, coming from evaporator, or something near it. It's in the firewall. I really wanted to fix it myself but taking the dash apart is too big a job for me, especially with the time crunch. So I have to take it to a mechanic tomorrow. Me and this car just cannot seem to get along.

I’ve replaced every component and line for the A/C system on my Cruze. Trust me the dash isn’t your problem if you have an issue with the evaporator (which i doubt) the tough part was removing the metal brace that runs under the dash.

you probably have a small leak somewhere like at your compressor or the valves at the ports. Like snowy says look for green.

apology for picture quality. My old phone I damaged the camera so all pictures came out blurry.

Hood Vehicle Motor vehicle Automotive design Automotive exterior

Hood Vehicle Automotive lighting Automotive tire Grille

Hood Automotive tire Vehicle Automotive lighting Motor vehicle

See less See more

Save

ChevyGuy

· #6 · 10 d ago

Phillbert said:
The compressor spins and keeps running (which tells me there's at least enough 134a to keep it running, but not enough to cook the air at all?)

The pully will always turn, but if I remember right, when the compressor is on, the whole front face of the pully turns. If you turn the A/C on/off, you sould certainly see a change.

If the charge is low enough that you're not getting any cooling, I don't think the compressor would run. It's possible your blend doors in the dash are stuck and the cold air isn't making it into the vents.

Save

Reactions: 1

Phillbert

Discussion Starter · #7 · 10 d ago

The compressor itself runs when power is on, and doesn't run when power is off (though of course the serpentine belt still turns). On the underside of the car there is a ton of UV glow from the dye in the refrigerant, on the frame below the dash. I can smell 134a inside the cabin. If it's not the evaporator, it's something that needs the dash removed to get it, and that looks like way too big of a job for me.

Save

Reactions: 1

JLL

· #8 · 9 d ago

Phillbert said:
The compressor itself runs when power is on, and doesn't run when power is off (though of course the serpentine belt still turns). On the underside of the car there is a ton of UV glow from the dye in the refrigerant, on the frame below the dash. I can smell 134a inside the cabin. If it's not the evaporator, it's something that needs the dash removed to get it, and that looks like way too big of a job for me.

A UV light will help track the leak. The A/C system has dye added from the factory.

Save

Phillbert

Discussion Starter · #9 · 6 d ago

I hoped to be able to do the job myself but taking the dash apart is too much for me. I brought it to a mechanic and sure enough it's the evaporator. Oooph!
Thank you for your help and suggestions!

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

Top Contributors this Month