My dash lights blew the fuse when I replaced the blown fuse already in there, has anyone already chased down a problem like this before? I could use some pointers since I've never chased down an electrical problem like this before.
Also now, my air blower motor makes a whining noise when I turn it on, but disappears after a few seconds... I'm guessing it hasn't been used much since the AC went out altogether. I may take it out and wd40 it down but the AC compressor's cluth doesn't engage when I turn on the ac.
I've heard it could be a diode on the compressor, the ac clutch relay, or lastly the electronic control unit? I'm guessing the ecu is the computer, and nothing else is wrong with the jeep so how do I check the diode again? I have a multitester. Where is the diode? Or do I just replace the compressor? Where is this clutch relay so I can test that? Or somebody know what I should do/try? Thanks in advance!
Don't put WD40 on the blower motor, unless you want to fry the bushings. It is too thin for that application. Several companies make oil for electric motors, and you can always use a drop of engine oil as a substitute.
You probably have low refrigerant, and a refrigerant leak that should be fixed.
Ah thank you Earle and Bill for that info. I have access to an ac pressure gauge thingy, lol whatever its called wow i sound like a newbie. So I'm guessing that it wont just leak out after 16 years and that it obviously has to have a leak somewhere? My next question is, using the gauge I have, if the pressure is low like it sounds then how do I go about finding this leak? I'm probably better off having a shop check it out aren't I? I wonder how much that's gonna cost. Do they even sell Freon anymore or IF i take it to a shop are they going to make me upgrade the system to the r134a? Man this is starting to sound expensive.
You are right, that this is a leak, that didn't "just leak out after 16 years". It is something that got bad in the last six months or so. You have several options available, of varying degrees of attractiveness.
Drive it to Mexico, get whatever is leaking fixed, and fill it with good old R12.
Find a redneck with a vacuum pump, buy an R134a conversion kit and some R134a, follow the instructions, pump it down and charge it up. Hint, maybe you can rent the vacuum pump locally. Hint 2, I know a guy in Silverton, CO who has one. You will need O-rings, possibly a metering orifice and R134a compatible access ports. There are "general purpose" kits, and maybe one for your specific application. You should use an R134a gauge set for charging the system, but if you know the amount of refrigerant to use, one of those cheap recharge kits from Autozone or J.C. Whitney might be made to work.
Take it to a commercial garage where they will do the same thing, but using a commercial environment friendly "charging station". Tell them that you want "all" the leaks fixed. Of course, they won't hear you. This is probably the best option, if you can find a reputable honest local AC mechanic. I know a guy in Montrose. Ask around locally before giving anyone your business. Remember that parts counter people sell stuff to automotive repair businesses, and that there is a potential conflict of interest there.
Various methods of leak detection exist, from a red dye that you inject into the system to sophisticated and expensive electronic freon detectors. I have had success with the dye, but the stuff that is available today kind of assumes that you already have R134a in the system. It doesn't have to be a very fast leak, to empty out a pound or so of refrigerant in a few months.
If you want to go the do it yourself route start here
Thanks for breaking it down for me, haha I think I'm gonna take it to a shop and be at their mercy. I do appreciate the link! I've been looking for a place that sells all the components like that to try and get an idea about what all is involved.
I sprung for the vacuum pump, but I stopped short of the recycling station and leak detector. So far I have done an OEM AC kit installation, and a compressor, hose and O-ring replacement. I figure I more than saved the money I spent on the pump and a few tools. The gauges look sexy hanging on the garage wall too, like maybe I know what I am doing. ;^)
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