Cool, not cold AC - gauge says overcharged

[Tranquillity]

I had my blend door actuator fixed on my 2004 Explorer a few months ago, and the AC was working pretty well. Temps have been getting hotter and as time goes on, the AC isn't working so great anymore. It's barely cool enough to keep the windows closed.

Today I bought a EZ Chill R-134a refrigerant can, and hooked its gauge up to the low pressure port, and it read about 60psi. It was about 93 degrees out, so there could be some error there according to the can, but I doubt it's a 20 psi difference or anything. I tested it about 10 times and kept getting the same result, overcharged.

I really hope I don't have to bring it in to get serviced, I just paid over $500 for the blend door problem. Any ideas?

 

[leadfootdriver]

Higher pressures will trip the high pressure switch, keeping the compressor from cycling properly; so it doesn't blow up your system.

This should cover it..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B83kJI0YRpg6bXN6TWNSYWY0REU/view?usp=sharing

 

[drdoom]

Overcharged will not cool efficiently.

 

[Fordman999]

More than likely overcharged. I'm an AC tech by trade (residential but all refrigerant is the same) even when a system is overcharged it will run, just not cool properly. The hardest time for us techs to charge a system is in the winter because we cannot get the correct condenser readings due to outside temperature. But you are more than likely overchaged. You said it yourself and the gauges don't lie.

 

[ROBinGa]

So how does he reduce the pressure?

 

[Fordman999]

He has to remove the refrigerant by either using a gauge or just pressing down on the schrader valve core on the suction line. It looks like the same valve core on a tire of a car and it will be on the larger size line that the AC system is runnng off of to the compressor. It is the same tap you use to charge the system with the bottle you buy at the autostore. You just push the pin in the middle and it will release the refrigerant. You have to be careful it is against EPA guidlines to release it into the air, but it is a safe refrigerant for the OZONE it is 134A. And you also have to be careful not to release too much or you will have to charge it. If you have extra in the bottle you originally purchased then you don't have to worry about buying an extra bottle if you let too much refrigerant out. Just put on the bottle once you let it out and see how much you need or how much more you have to let out of the system.

 

[Bobmbx]

Don't use your finger. You'll freeze it.

 

[boominXplorer]

Not sure if you figured this out yet but when its so hot out spray some water on the condenser(in front of radiator) and the pressure will drop. If it doesn't are you sure the compressor clutch is engaging? It does need a certain amount of pressure in the system to even get it to turn on

 

[Fordman999]

That's true make sure the car is off when you press the valve core and use the suction line. It won't be that cold with the car off.