A/C question.
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From: pew, pew, pew!!!
Car Info: nonplussed
A/C question.
So my a/c crapped out. Here's my question - How exactly does the a/c on subaru's work? I want to know I little so I can figure out if someone is trying to dick me when I go to get it fixed.
Also, where should I go to get it fixed? Dealer?
Also, where should I go to get it fixed? Dealer?
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From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
It works exactly the same as every other car that uses R134a refrigerant. If you need more info on it, go to How Stuff Works and that sort of thing, it will explain better than the yahoos reading this thread can. The very basic principle of air conditioning is that you take some stuff, smash it together at high pressure which raises the temperature, cool it off, and decompress it which drops the temperature again. Then you pass air over the cold stuff and into the car. Lather, rinse repeat. The major components of your AC system (and I'll probably leave something(s) out, are: compressor, receiver/dryer, the heat exchanger in front of the radiator (damn if I can remember the actual name of it) and various lines, switches, and sensors.
Is yours totally not working, or just not cold? If it's just not cold you might get lucky and only need a recharge, which is like $18 if you do it yourself. Probably worth trying that first regardless.
Is yours totally not working, or just not cold? If it's just not cold you might get lucky and only need a recharge, which is like $18 if you do it yourself. Probably worth trying that first regardless.
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From: Sacramento CA
Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan
If the a/c doesn't blow out cold air, it likely has a leak in the system. You can get it recharged but it will likely leak the refrigerant again. They used to sell inexpensive do-it-yourself refill kits when cars used R-12 but the cost of refrigerant is higher these days.
I also cannot recommend Polar Bear air-conditioning service on Harvard Ave near Arden Way. The repairs to my former car would not last the warranty period or would only work for a few months after the warranty expired. I was told that they checked my system for leaks and replaced leaky system components like hoses and fitting but it still leaked out repeatedly.
--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
I also cannot recommend Polar Bear air-conditioning service on Harvard Ave near Arden Way. The repairs to my former car would not last the warranty period or would only work for a few months after the warranty expired. I was told that they checked my system for leaks and replaced leaky system components like hoses and fitting but it still leaked out repeatedly.
--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
Father Time
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From: You're doing it wrong!
Car Info: This aint a bag. It's a shipment.
If you have a leak your gonna want to get that taken care of first.
In commercial systems they use dyes and those cool flashlights like in CSI to find the leaks. Not sure how hard it is to do on a car. Maybe APS makes some replacement carbon fiber billet titanium magnesium parts to throw at the problem.
In commercial systems they use dyes and those cool flashlights like in CSI to find the leaks. Not sure how hard it is to do on a car. Maybe APS makes some replacement carbon fiber billet titanium magnesium parts to throw at the problem.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 110
From: tahoemotorsports.com
Car Info: L
easiest diagnosis: trace the a/c lines around your engine compartment. pay close attention to the fittings, is there dirt buildup around it? if so there's a leak. the pubricant in the system is oil based. oil attracts dirt.
i wouldn't say fix it yourself unless you know a/c well and have acess to a vacuum pump, and then did this, and that, and blah, blah, blah, take it to a shop.
i wouldn't say fix it yourself unless you know a/c well and have acess to a vacuum pump, and then did this, and that, and blah, blah, blah, take it to a shop.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 110
From: tahoemotorsports.com
Car Info: L
Originally Posted by midnitewrx02
my ac stopped blowing cold air a few summers ago, heat doesnt bother me so im ok, but i wonder if the have the same problem
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From: Sacramento, CA
Car Info: 1996 Mustang GT/2013 Outback Limited
The AC on my 2002 WRX took a dump when the high side line failed
The line with the light green cap on it, that is the one that failed on my car...
The line with the light green cap on it, that is the one that failed on my car...
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3
From: Lexington, KY
Car Info: '02 WRX Sedan, '91 Miata custom turbo
Originally Posted by Paul@dbtuned
The last three A/C failures I've seen have been due to expansion valve failure.
Figures, as this part is a Chrysler part.
Figures, as this part is a Chrysler part.
I picked up a new expansion valve; just need some free time to tear into the car and do the repair. I've not done a lot of A/C work in the past (in general) but I'm hoping I can handle this one. Anyone offer any advice about removing the expansion valve? I don't have a service manual (yet) so I don't know specifically where it is (supposedly near the firewall inside the cabin; probably right behind the evaporater I'm guessing). How big of a pain is this to remove/replace? TIA...
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