Hey all,

I've got a 1996 1500 RAM, and last summer the A/C stopped blowing cool air. Checked under the hood, and saw that the compressor's clutch was cycling on and off rapidly -- sign of low refrigerant. Went on over to Advance (or Checkers, can't remember which) and bought a recharging kit with one of the gauges and everything. Filled it up and it worked for two days, and then it started blowing hot air again.

I'm getting too hot this summer, so I went back to investigate the problem. The compressor's clutch still cycles fast, and I'm not quite willing to admit just yet that it's the evaporator, accumulator, or compressor that's broken. I'm looking for a cheap fix still.

So I figure the best case scenario for me is that it's a leak and it'll be temporarily patched up by a sealant kit you can pick up at Advance. My question is this: did I do everything correctly the first time I recharged the A/C? The first time I did it, I didn't disconnect the low pressure switch (on top of the accumulator) and jury-rig a jump connector to stop the compressor's clutch from cycling. I just added the coolant to the low-side service port and went about my way. Anyway, should I try disconnecting the low pressure switch this time around? Or should I just add the sealant stuff and see if that works? Thanks.

 

I used the sealant from napa cant rember the name but it works..do not disconect any thing let it run while adding the stuff and get a can of r134a install that right after the sealant and let it run for awhile ..rember these systems only holds 2lbs...I did this in spring and still blows cold (40 )

 

Thanks pad. Everyone else agree with that? Just shooting up some sealant in there and a can of R134a?

 

If you have not added sealant in the past (meaning you don't want to keep adding sealant. Some R-134 cans have it in with the refrigerant) it wouldn't hurt to try, it will help to seal leaky o-rings, and thats about it. If it only stays cool for 2 days, my guess is it is more likely to be the evap or condenser tho. Have you run any dye through it? If not, I would try that. It will tell you if you have a line, condenser, or evap leak. The dye works well, helped me diagnose my fear - bad evap. Good luck.

 

Here's how I added mine.

I did the jumper wire thing, and I had the coolant sitting in a cup of warm water to help it flow better. Diesel Demon taught me this trick and it worked really well.

 

Hey guys, thanks so much for the replies, I appreciate it. I ended up putting some red dye/sealant in there, followed by a couple of cans of refrigerant. Didn't end up using the jump-wire method. Also didn't spy any dye anywhere. The compressor's clutch stopped engaging every five seconds and the thing finally ran smoothly after I added enough refrigerant in there. So if the air stops being cool in a couple of days, is it most likely the accumulator or evaporator?
Thanks again! Let me know if you have any computer or chess questions--something I'm actually good at