AC Not Working at Idle

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by gregbo, May 24, 2019.

  1. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    17,321
    56,197
    Aug 8, 2015
    0
    I got the ones at harbor freight. Least than $50 maybe. They work great. I don’t think he’s lost any Freon because it’s still charged. I just changed my low pressure switch, after changing condensor and charging, I figured out it was bad. I had it jumped for a week or so. Only a problem if it’s low on freon. Otherwise doesn’t hurt anything. Someone suggested He jump the high pressure switch, to diagnose it. They should have also said, not to run it more than enough to diagnose it. That’s a sure way to blow a hose or worse split the compressor open.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    22,365
    115,992
    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
    0
    Yeah, and the fan doesnt always come on depending on the ecm setting. The condenser being plugged will cause the high pressure switch to open and the compressor turn off, the fan will not kick on because the ecm is seeing an open circuit within the a/c system.

    The condenser is the best place to start with, it is the one item that actually needs cleaning because it is the one item that is in front and collects all kinds of crap. the high pressure switch is also easy to check with a multimeter.

    If he didn't have the a/c running when he was driving, I would more likely say it is one of the switches.
     
  4. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

    20,537
    13,274
    Jul 6, 2009
    0
  5. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

    20,537
    13,274
    Jul 6, 2009
    0
    None of us will know if he's lost freon as we're not there.

    It only takes 50 psi to kick the compressor on. A fully charged system will read around 110 equalized on both sides. As long as he has at least 50. It'll run. Won't cool but it'll run.

    Both fan and compressor use the high pressure sensor system. IN some way.
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  6. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

    6,989
    8,352
    Sep 18, 2013
    0
    F56651D3-46D5-49E3-917E-00CBE1A96308.png 4413AB6E-C190-4983-95B5-FD5DBAD2C6FD.png
    this is 134A charts. dont thank a fully charge system will show 110 on both sides js.
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  7. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

    6,989
    8,352
    Sep 18, 2013
    0
    and just for the record. 134A goes only by outside air temp. like i said at the end of the day. gauges will be needed to check the system. pressure switch wont engage the correct way if the pressure isnt right.
     
  8. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

    6,989
    8,352
    Sep 18, 2013
    0
    remember this. cars, buses, apus, trucks using 134A pretty much have the same set up.
     
  9. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    17,321
    56,197
    Aug 8, 2015
    0
    If you really want to get technical about it. Each switch is different. Some are normally open, some normally closed. Each also has a range of operation. So with gauges set up, you can check pressure and operation of both the High Pressure and the Fan switch functions
     
  10. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

    20,537
    13,274
    Jul 6, 2009
    0
    You missed the part of the post. EQUALIZED ON BOTH SIDES. That means no compressor.

    What you posted is a chart of operation pressures. That means compressor.

    And I'll let you in on a little secret.

    I have that chart. And it's not accurate. Not for cars. And certainly not for trucks.

    The new regulations don't even want you using pressure. Topoffs are no longer allowed.

    You need a license (AGAIN) to buy quantities greater then 2 lbs. I have such license. I buy 30 lb cylinders. In order to obtain license. Must read the manual and take the test.
     
  11. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    17,321
    56,197
    Aug 8, 2015
    0
    I just bought a case at Tractor Supply, If my math is right that’s 9 lbs.Cost Me $36.00
     
    truckdriver31 Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.