[Lariatryder]

I have added freon to plenty of vehicles before so I kinda have a little experience. Anyhow The ac blows but not cold. I added one can of freon to the system but it did not make it the slightest bit cooler. The lines by the motor started to freeze a little bit so I know it took the freon and the can was empty. The system was on full cold the motor was running. I checked to see if the heater works and it does. Any help would be appreciated. 2001 tj 4.0

 

[fire239]

Is the clutch engaged on the compressor?

 

[azwillysjp]

How long has it been since the a/c was working? About how much freon (in oz) did you put in the system? Is there any identifiable leaks?

 

[wolfen]

Yet another reason I have soft top, I touch a A/C system its totally done forever.

 

[chucky cheese]

Did the vent flap open to the a/c coil? It may be stuck on the heater core setting.

 

[rrich]

I'll bet you filled it with the engine off. The pipes getting cold is a good sign.

Start it and put another can in it. Lo side only.

It takes 28-30 OZ to fill it, one normal can is just 12 OZ. There may be a sticker underhood telling that.

Close doors and windows, Stick a thermometer (a meat or oven thermometer works fine) in the center dash outlet. AC on MAX, blower on full blast.
Watch it close.

As you add it will reach a low point in the temp, then go back up. At the lowest point STOP - it's full. A good reading is 50 degrees or lower.

Depending on how empty it was, it may need another 1/2 can or so beyond that.

No more than 3 cans please - else you can blow something.

 

[Lariatryder]

I only added one can. One can should make it somewhat cooler. Not cold but cooler. Now that I think about it I didn't hear the clutch clicking off and on. Should I look into replacing that? And as I stated THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING!!!!!!!

 

[wbdoug]

I only added one can. One can should make it somewhat cooler. Not cold but cooler. Now that I think about it I didn't hear the clutch clicking off and on. Should I look into replacing that? And as I stated THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING!!!!!!!

Based on the fact that the clutch was not engaging the system might be completly empty. There is a pressure switch that prevents the clutch from engaging untill there is a minimum pressure in the lines. This can be verified by bypassing the pressure switch and eliminating some other electrical problem. If in fact the system was completely empty you would need to pull a vacuum on the system to get it to work properly, after you locate and repair the leak of course.

 

[toxictv]

^What he said.

Also, Advance Parts/Autozone/O'reilly's sell freon refill kits that have a gauge on them, and also have blacklight reactive dye in them, along with a blacklight pen, to help you trace the leak(s). They're about $20 for one that comes with a big can.

It's a much better idea to use a gauge than a thermometer in the dash vents. There's a chart on the back of the can/box to follow. =P

 

[rrich]

If the clutch is not engaging, the lines should not have been "starting to freeze."

Look on the dryer - you'll see 2 wires going to a connector - squeeze the connector to pull it off.
Short those 2 wires together on the connector with a paperclip or wire. The clutch should engage and stay engaged, even if it has 0 freon in it. Don't drive it like that.

Add another can with it running and the connector shorted. Then you'll have 2 cans in it - remove the shorting wire - the clutch should stay engaged and the temp should drop.

I've never seen one of those "big cans with the gauge" work like they should, Chinese crap The thermometer will tell you all you need to know.

 

[GoldTJ]

I played that game this summer-gave up,pulled the top and doors off,and just rode on!After I blew about $60.00,I just said WTF!!!!!!This was meant to be open,and that is the spirit of Jeepin'!