AC issues - ZJ

NCJeepin

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2005
Location
Conway, SC
So ive got an old ZJ im tinkering on... Figured it would be nice to have A/C.... When i got it, the ac light would come on but no cold air, and the compressor would not turn on... I purchased one of those filling kits at advanced, filled it to just below where it said max, and the compressor began to cycle on and off, the on time would last maybe 2 seconds then like once every 30-45 seconds it would come on. Any ideas whats going on here? did it sit empty/inopp too long?

Thanks
 
Are you sure the gauge is correct? The compressor will cycle off if not enough refrigerant. Borrow another gauge and test it. I have a ZJ that had the same problem. The first gauge I used said the thing should have blowed up already!! Then I got a gauge that works and I needed half a can of refrigerant.
 
Checked it with my other can, same pressure shows... hooked it up to my expedition, it read 150psi on it, and then went down as the AC ran.. so i bumped the PSI up on the ZJ, i figured what the hell it may be fawked anyways... so here is a little video of what went on after bumping it up, same issue, but the compressor runs a little longer now.. Any suggestions or thoughts?
http://www.coastalcarolinaoffroad.com/ZJacissue.MPG
Also, the blue on the gauge is where it should stay according to the bottle


so it seems as if when it gets to the bottom of the blue, the pressure switch kicks the compressor clutch off??? Needless to say this is the first time ive touched an AC system. im confused!:rolleyes:
 
If the system is working correctly the compressor clutch should remain engaged until the cabin temp reaches the acceptable temp. Assuming it is cycling on/off/on/off quickly you probable are not getting a correct reading on your coolant gage. In my Dodge I can remove a connector on the accumulator and short the pins which will engage the compressor clutch constantly. At this point you should be able to get a true reading on the system pressure if the ZJ system is set up the same. You may also have too much oil in the system, in which case you will be in need of a mechanic. I don't think you are in the Raleigh/Durham are but if you are I personally recommend seeing Chase at East Coast Gears in Durham.
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/
 
I watched your video and my 96 ZJ did the exact same thing. I just had to keep the refrigerant can on it until it got enough. It is a good sign that you said it runs a little longer now that you've put some refrigerant in it. It seemed like it took a long time to get the ref. in mine, but I was just letting it idle. It should go in a little faster if you rev the motor. Assuming you are truly low on ref. like I was, You'll also observe that as you approach the correct amount of ref. that the press. swings will not be as great.
 
You need to have a real set of gauges hooked to it. Probaly a vacum pulled on the system, and a proper charge with the correct amount of freon/oil.

I don't know of any shops out where you are, but i know a guy local in lexington that would do that type of job for about 40-50 bucks.


Also, the reading on AC gauges should be different when the ambient temp is different. I.E. the hotter it is outside, the higher the reading.
 
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