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2011 Ram 1500 Sport QC 5.7 L
AC quit last summer so I used a red tek recharge kit from Canadian tire.
Fast forward to last week when I tried it and again...No AC.
A forum search tells me that most AC shops wont look at the system once I have used an aftermarket recharge kit on it.
Should I try the dye kit first to try and find the leak or go straight to the seal kit ?
Any other options to look at ?
Thanks.
@cancerman do you have a suggestion?
Most common AC leaks are o rings at connections, then condenser taking rocks to the tubes, then a hardline being rubbed through.
"AC quit last summer so I used a red tek recharge kit from Canadian tire." ..... implies that you diagnosed the issue as pneumatic, rather than electrical or mechanical.
Did the original seal kit not contain dye? If not thats where I would start then.
.
I installed the "recharge kit" got cold air again and moved on...
I didn't think about looking for a leak. After 10 years I thought it just needed a re-charge.
Would the guages that came with the recharge kit work...or where to get a set...and where to connect them ?
With my AC it was a mechanical issue that I was able to isolate (clutch) - but with anything pneumatic on the AC side, I've always gone to a private garage for AC servicing. They have the tools and skills to fix it or tell you to not bother.
When it stops raining I will have to have a look at the system to see if I can spot any damage.
Can you rent the manifold gauges ? Will they show anything if the system is empty ?
Anyone have a set I can borrow ?
Or recommend a shop that will look at the system even though
I have used one of the "bad" re-charge kits...
I mean @cancer manQuote:
Originally Posted by ExtraSlow
Seriously, its much easier to get a quick, 1 hr/100$ shop diagnosis - I went through all of this some years ago with buying some of the equipment and then learning how to interpret it - the pneumatic side of things involves a serious learning curve to get it right. Weights are also involved.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nufy
I had a (certified AC) mobile tech come to my garage and did it all for me for about 130$.
Quote:
Originally Posted by revelations
For sure...and I'm willing to do that...
I would prefer to use a referral vs a random internet search though...
I'am 80% retired if you need a hand pm me..we can at least do an evac and a vacuum test for leaks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nufy
I've used Wrenches in the NE (diagnostic, told me nothing wrong with the pneumatic side)Quote:
Originally Posted by Nufy
https://g.page/wrenches-automotive?share
As well as:
C.A.R.S. - they refilled my system after I accidentally purged it while removing a compressor clutch (took off one retaining clip too many). Tested/filled and no BS. Told me exactly what I already knew (but didnt tell them) about the AC system part that was malfunctioning (compressor clutch wire/ground lost connection).
https://g.page/Calgary-Auto-Repair?share
Thanks to everyone for the advice and offers to help.
I had it in the shop yesterday and they did a pressure test and said it held for 15 minute.
Recharged and added some dye so that if it does leak again that they can pinpoint where the leak is.
Maybe I'll grab the appropriate UV light and check my self after a few weeks of usage...
Hey, right on! I hope it holds and you should definitely buy a UV light.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nufy
I've got two vehicles with a similar problem.
Just curious what shop did you end up using? Both my vehicles AC stopped working and I'd like to take it in for a diagnosis or recharge.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nufy
Anyone else have shop recommendations?
Integra Tire Midnapore...next to the Bottle Depot.
Any NW a/c shop recommendations? Parents Santa Fe A/C stopped after the winter.