New Here and Trying to Figure Out AC

[timm12]

Hey everyone,

I've had my 2016 for a couple of years, but haven't done much work on it myself - I'm used to working on a 2004 Wrangler I previously had. I was in a Wrangler forum site and figured this one would be just as helpful so I just joined!

My 2016's AC is blowing warm air even when on max cold AC. I've done a quick glance to check for obvious leaks and I've double checked cabin filter based on some internet searches. Anything else I can easily do at home with limited auto tools before getting it to my usual mechanic?

 

[ProjectSHO89]

Look and see if the compressor is engaged or not.

Run the climate control temperature settings through their full range and see how the outlet temperature behaves.

 

[peterk9]

Hey everyone,

I've had my 2016 for a couple of years, but haven't done much work on it myself - I'm used to working on a 2004 Wrangler I previously had. I was in a Wrangler forum site and figured this one would be just as helpful so I just joined!

My 2016's AC is blowing warm air even when on max cold AC. I've done a quick glance to check for obvious leaks and I've double checked cabin filter based on some internet searches. Anything else I can easily do at home with limited auto tools before getting it to my usual mechanic?

Welcome to the Forum.
I don't work on my vehicles so I don't know if it's possible to check if it is low on refrigerant as a DIY.

Peter

 

[Bobmbx]

Get a can of crappy freon at any auto parts store, make sure it has a pressure gauge on it .

Attach the hose with the gauge to the appropriate AC line connector. Read the gauge with the engine running and AC on MAX AC. If the gauge is anywhere except in the green range, you're low on freon. Do not pull the trigger on the can.

NOTE: This is a backyard shadetree pressure check. It will not tell you what the pressures are or if they're correct. Its just enough to find out if you're low or out of freon. And low is better than out.

Another way is to watch the compressor cycling on and off. If it isn't, you're probably low on freon (low pressure switch preventing the compressor from engaging).

 

[timm12]

Get a can of crappy freon at any auto parts store, make sure it has a pressure gauge on it .

Attach the hose with the gauge to the appropriate AC line connector. Read the gauge with the engine running and AC on MAX AC. If the gauge is anywhere except in the green range, you're low on freon. Do not pull the trigger on the can.

NOTE: This is a backyard shadetree pressure check. It will not tell you what the pressures are or if they're correct. Its just enough to find out if you're low or out of freon. And low is better than out.

Another way is to watch the compressor cycling on and off. If it isn't, you're probably low on freon (low pressure switch preventing the compressor from engaging).

Thinking I'll give this a try. Thank you!

 

[ProjectSHO89]

Attach the hose with the gauge to the appropriate AC line connector. Read the gauge with the engine running and AC on MAX AC. If the gauge is anywhere except in the green range, you're low on freon. Do not pull the trigger on the can.

Make damned certain the compressor is actually operating or cycling before attempting to use the low side gauge for diagnostics or for filling. If the compressor isn't operating, it is completely normal for the gauge to read very high. A good rule of thumb is that the system's static pressure will be between 1.1x and 1.2x the temperature in degrees F when the underhood temps are warm or hot.