Manual A/C-Heater

Obstructed air passages, a broken drive belt, disconnected or broken wires, damaged A/C clutch, loose or broken mounting brackets and many refrigerant leaks may be determined by visual inspection of the parts.

A refrigerant leak will usually appear as an oily residue at the leakage point in the system. The oily residue soon picks up dust or dirt particles from the surrounding air and appears greasy. Through time, this will build up and appear to be heavy dirt impregnated grease.

Most common leaks are caused by damaged O-ring seals at the various hose and component connections. When these O-rings are replaced, the new O-rings should be lubricated with refrigerant oil and care should be taken to keep lint from the shop towels or rags from contaminating the internal surfaces of the connection.

Another type of leak may appear at the service ports. If leak appears at the service port(s), A/C system must be recovered before removal and replacement of the service port(s).

CAUTION: A/C charging valve caps must be installed finger-tight. If tightened with pliers, the sealing surface of the service access gauge port valve may be damaged.

A missing A/C charging valve cap can also cause a refrigerant leak. If the A/C charging valve cap is missing, dirt will enter the area of the air conditioner charging valve core. When the service hose is attached, the valve depressor in the end of the service hose forces the dirt into the valve seat area and the dirt will destroy the sealing surface of the air conditioner charging valve core. When an A/C charging valve cap is missing, the protected area of the air conditioner charging valve core should be cleaned and a new A/C charging valve cap should be installed.

If vehicle passes the visual inspection, proceed to the Symptom Chart. Manual A/C-Heater