Good day all!

So, A/C no working on Grand Caravan 2007.

I emptied a can of R134a into the system, still nothing.

I hear the compressor clutch going, and even hear that gentle hiss in front in the dashboard as air is blowing out. However there's no condensation dripping from under the car.

Checked the 15A fuse, all in order.

Do you have any suggestion what else I am missing or should do?

thanks a lot!
gabstero

 

well, I think there is a 7yr/70k warranty on the rear evaporator problem. If you are still under those number might want to start with that.

 

Good point! Thanks!

But even supposing there is a problem with the rear evaporator. There is no trace at all of cold air coming through the front. Is that normal?

thanks.
gabstero

 

Does the radiator fan turn on? If there is no air flow over the condensor, the heat is not removed from the AC fluid quickly enough. If so, don't be temped to touch the condensor, it gets hot enough to melt skin. If the fan works, check the low and high side pressures in the AC system.

 

Thanks for the tip!
The two radiator fans do turn on. And I touched the condensor already - freaking hot indeed.
Any tips on how to check the low and high side?

When I filled the R134a can the indicator was on "full" if that says anything. Not sure how to check the high side pressure though.
Any tips?

thanks!
gabstero

 

Too bad it wasn't something as simple as the fan. To check the pressures, you need a set of AC manifold gauges. Harbor Freight or ebay have them at prices that won't break the bank, but it might be hard to justify purchase for the rare times you need them. Good low side pressure by itself suggests that you don't have a leak, so you might have overfilled the system by adding a can. The high side gauge would tell you for sure. I don't have enough AC experience to pin down your problem. Hopefully someone else can help you out.

 

Well, you need to know exactly how much Freon is in your A/C system. You can't blindly charge it, they are measured by weight, not PSI like your tire.
I believe these Minivan tanks 2.5lb when you fill a dry system. And those Freon Can are like... 12-16oz, right?

Too much or too little Freon will render you A/C in-operable. If you have between 2-3 lb in your system, then Freon level is not your problem.

btw, with the consdensor HOT, why don't you try to grab the Evaporator hose going into the car? it should be freezing cold. If they are cold, then your problem might be the Blend door system.

 

There should be a sticker under the hood telling you the capacity of the AC, how many fluid ounces of R134a are in there. The surest way to have the right fill is to vacuum everything out and refill with the correct amount. Next best is to use manifold gauges on low and high side ports, which would also diagnose other possible problems. Your condenser shouldn't get crazy hot if your fans are running. Just for laughs, start the AC and use a garden hose to run cold water over the condenser for 5 minutes and see if the air blows cold.

 

Well I think steak59 nailed it. It was indeed the rear evaporator. Just came from the shop (paid $20.00 do diagnose it), and the guy said that it leaks at the rear expansion block fitting.
I already located the part online at rockauto but now the question is, is it too much to try replacing it myself and do a complete system recharge?
I did recharge the system before and I know how to do that.

Any advice?

thanks a lot!
Gabstero