Oli
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
1
Hey everyone, just picked up an ‘03 Expedition and the A/C isn’t working. It blows air, but it’s not cold (heater works fine though).
I bought one of those refrigerant cans from AutoZone. When I hooked it up, it showed zero PSI, so I filled it to 40 PSI. Still no cold air.
Watching the gauge, the PSI fluctuates between 10 and 40 when the compressor kicks in. Also, I hear a slight squealing noise when it does.
Just looking for opinions before I take it to a mechanic.
You just threw $40 at snake oil. That can won’t fix your A/C.
Sage
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
3
Hartley said :
You just threw $40 at snake oil. That can won’t fix your A/C.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Oli
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
4
Hartley said :
You just threw $40 at snake oil. That can won’t fix your A/C.
Well, joke’s on you—my magic beans actually worked! A/C is blowing cold now.
Oli said :
Hartley said :
You just threw $40 at snake oil. That can won’t fix your A/C.
Well, joke’s on you—my magic beans actually worked! A/C is blowing cold now.
Like Ming the Merciless said, ‘For now, yes.’
Soren
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
6
You probably need more refrigerant—it’s still too low.
Also, you might have a leak. Check with AutoZone, they might have a leak detector in their loan-a-tool program.
Oli
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
7
Soren said :
You probably need more refrigerant—it’s still too low.
Also, you might have a leak. Check with AutoZone, they might have a leak detector in their loan-a-tool program.
How much should I add?
Soren
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
8
@Oli
Keep filling until the low-side pressure (the gauge you’re using) stays above 40 PSI with the compressor running.
Oli
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
9
Soren said :
@Oli
Keep filling until the low-side pressure (the gauge you’re using) stays above 40 PSI with the compressor running.
Got it, I’ll give it a try. That seems like a lot though.
Oli
February 4, 2025, 7:32am
10
Soren said :
@Oli
Keep filling until the low-side pressure (the gauge you’re using) stays above 40 PSI with the compressor running.
Thanks for the help! A/C is working now. I checked for leaks, and there aren’t any. Talked to the previous owner—he said the valve was leaking, so he replaced it, but never refilled the system since it was winter.