mjh112
LVC Member
Can anyone inform me on the proper way to recharge the air cond. on my 2000ls. Should the temp rise considerably when the car is just idling? Thanks. Great site.
AC recharge 2000 LS
- Thread starter mjh112
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2001LS8Sport
Dedicated LVC Member
If you don't have the special tools...and the knowledge to read and understand the gauges...and a complete understanding of how the a/c system operates, I would highy recommend you take to to a reputable a/c shop. You could end up doing more harm than good.
Yes...the a/c temp can rise during idling. At idle, you don't get near the air across the condenser...even if the fan is operating properly. As a result, the R134A doesn't get cooled well enough to complete it's needed cycle of converting from a gas to a liquid. Once the car starts moving, the airflow becomes sufficient to properly cool the condenser. You can see what I mean by putting an a/c thermometer in the center dash vent, going to recirculated air, and turn the fan on high. While the car is idling (and after everything is warmed up) read the outlet temps. Then take your garden hose and spray a very fine mist across the condenser. You will get a noticable drop in duct temperature. You can do the same thing with a big fan in front of the car...which is why many shops do just that. The fan helps simulate the car driving down the road.
The last suggestion I can make to you is to check your fan operation. When the a/c is on, the fan should go to high regardless of engine temp. If not, you need to have that checked.
Yes...the a/c temp can rise during idling. At idle, you don't get near the air across the condenser...even if the fan is operating properly. As a result, the R134A doesn't get cooled well enough to complete it's needed cycle of converting from a gas to a liquid. Once the car starts moving, the airflow becomes sufficient to properly cool the condenser. You can see what I mean by putting an a/c thermometer in the center dash vent, going to recirculated air, and turn the fan on high. While the car is idling (and after everything is warmed up) read the outlet temps. Then take your garden hose and spray a very fine mist across the condenser. You will get a noticable drop in duct temperature. You can do the same thing with a big fan in front of the car...which is why many shops do just that. The fan helps simulate the car driving down the road.
The last suggestion I can make to you is to check your fan operation. When the a/c is on, the fan should go to high regardless of engine temp. If not, you need to have that checked.
itsnotmydaddys
Dedicated LVC Member
just got my system checked and i need to get mine recharged they wanted 130+30 diagnostic is that a bad price. they didnt have itme today so i gotta get it done on friday. FINALLY SOME AC, its been all summer
mjh112
LVC Member
Thanks sport. From what your telling me, it sounds like i need to take it somewhere. dealership maybe?
itsnotmydaddys
Dedicated LVC Member
Took mine to carx today and got mine done. Total was around 170. Man it feels soo good to finally have AC.
2001LS8Sport
Dedicated LVC Member
mjh112 said:
The dealership should definitely be qualified! But they can be higher priced too. Although, it's not unusual to have dealerships run a/c "specials". If I didn't know of a good independant shop, I would go to the dealership. However, a GOOD independant shop will charge a higher price too...they've earned that right. Check with a couple of dealers and see what they charge. Don't be afraid to call a Ford dealer too...they may be cheaper.
2001LS8Sport
Dedicated LVC Member
itsnotmydaddys said:
I CANNOT imagine what it has been like without a/c in that sauna where you live. That had to be miserable....
itsnotmydaddys
Dedicated LVC Member
Miserable wasnt even half od it. The only good thing is when The city lost power last week ( during the huge storm, im sure uve heard about it) I was already used to sweating my balls off since i had no AC. I got used to the heat as much as possible. Its like heaven in there I forgot how cold it was. And I love how u leave the car for 15-20 min and come nack and the car is still cold.