Servicing/cleaning HVAC system

Chi_San · 05-16-2008, 02:58 AM

My AC blows. As in, it doesn't blow very much cold air. With it being 102* F here tomorrow, and assuming that we're going to have more 100*+ days this summer, I want to get it working.

I added refrigerant (R134A) to the system per instructions on the AC recharge bottle, taking care not to over fill the system. Turns out, the system was properly charged and didn't need any additional refrigerant added, but I figured I had the bottle on, might as well get the little needle right in the middle.

So, there isn't a problem with line pressure in the system, and the AC belt is in good condition, with the pulley properly engaging.

My next troubleshooting step is going to be to get behind the dash and clean, clean clean! so, which parts of the dash am I going to have to remove? Will it be like my BE was, just behind the glove box, or am I going to have to pull the entire dash apart? The FSM i've got doesn't cover the HVAC system or servicing it, so here I am.

I'm going to be taking an AC repair/lisencing class this summer, which means a 45 minute commute twice daily. I CANNOT do that drive without AC!

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Mulder · 05-16-2008, 07:52 AM

There is nothing behind the dash to clean that will fix this problem. If the system is properly charged (which you really can't tell for sure with the gauge on your recharge kit) and the compressor is running but still doesn't blow cold air, there is an internal issue that needs to be diagnosed by someone with the right equipment and knowledge. Either wait until you complete your AC class and know what you're doing, or take it to an AC shop now.

Chi_San · 05-16-2008, 01:31 PM

Blah, since I'm in college, I can't afford to take it to an AC shop. It does blow cold air, but not very much. In the winter, it wouldn't blow hot air until you moved the slider to cold, then rapidly back to hot, with the heat at maximum.

Mulder · 05-16-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chi_San

Blah, since I'm in college, I can't afford to take it to an AC shop. It does blow cold air, but not very much. In the winter, it wouldn't blow hot air until you moved the slider to cold, then rapidly back to hot, with the heat at maximum.

That is the symptom of a sticking temperature control lever or cable. Could be the problem with the AC as well, if the control is sticking somewhere in the middle so that some heat is always being mixed in. If that's all it is you may be able to free it up or adjust it.

Chi_San · 05-16-2008, 04:27 PM

I want diagrams so I can disassemble the darn thing and unstick whatever's the problem.

05-16-2008, 02:58 AM	#1
Chi_San Scooby Guru Member#: 53558 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Deadford, OR Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Silver	Servicing/cleaning HVAC system My AC blows. As in, it doesn't blow very much cold air. With it being 102* F here tomorrow, and assuming that we're going to have more 100+ days this summer, I want to get it working. I added refrigerant (R134A) to the system per instructions on the AC recharge bottle, taking care not to over fill the system. Turns out, the system was properly charged and didn't need any additional refrigerant added, but I figured I had the bottle on, might as well get the little needle right in the middle. So, there isn't a problem with line pressure in the system, and the AC belt is in good condition, with the pulley properly engaging. My next troubleshooting step is going to be to get behind the dash and clean, clean clean! so, which parts of the dash am I going to have to remove? Will it be like my BE was, just behind the glove box, or am I going to have to pull the entire dash apart? The FSM i've got doesn't cover the HVAC system or servicing it, so here I am. I'm going to be taking an AC repair/lisencing class this summer, which means a 45 minute commute twice daily. I CANNOT do that drive without AC! Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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05-16-2008, 07:52 AM	#2
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 WRX 05 GTO/11 Sonata(!)	There is nothing behind the dash to clean that will fix this problem. If the system is properly charged (which you really can't tell for sure with the gauge on your recharge kit) and the compressor is running but still doesn't blow cold air, there is an internal issue that needs to be diagnosed by someone with the right equipment and knowledge. Either wait until you complete your AC class and know what you're doing, or take it to an AC shop now.

05-16-2008, 01:31 PM	#3
Chi_San Scooby Guru Member#: 53558 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Deadford, OR Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Silver	Blah, since I'm in college, I can't afford to take it to an AC shop. It does blow cold air, but not very much. In the winter, it wouldn't blow hot air until you moved the slider to cold, then rapidly back to hot, with the heat at maximum.

05-16-2008, 04:27 PM	#5
Chi_San Scooby Guru Member#: 53558 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Deadford, OR Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Silver	I want diagrams so I can disassemble the darn thing and unstick whatever's the problem.