Ok, I have a problem with my 97 DX 5spd 4dr. The A/C isn't cooling, but I believe the compressor is running and the fuses are fine. I tried recharging it, but it would not take it, like it was full. Any suggestions?

 

To determine whether the refrigerant level is low, you must connect an R134a manifold gauge set to the system to measure refrigerant pressures on both the high and low sides.

Does the condenser fan run when you push the A/C button?

 

are you sure you are filling it in the Low side? If you try the High side, I don't think the pressure in the can will be able to push any refrigerant in...

what pressure were you recording at the Low side?

 

Is the compressor actually running? The plate with flat springs on the front of the compressor pulley should be spinning. The pulley itself spins all the time the engine is running, but the plate only does when the compressor is engaged. Each time you push the A/C button to on, you should hear a snap or clunk from the compressor area as it engages. And the condenser fan must be running.

If the compressor doesn't engage, you either have zero pressure due to a major leak (recharging is futile because it will just leak out again), or a problem not involving the refrigerant loop.

Do not try to add refrigerant without measuring both pressures first. Not knowing the high side pressure can lead to a performance-reducing and dangerous overcharge. The best way is to remove all the refrigerant and put back the proper amount by weight. Shops have a machine to do that.

 

The condensor fan is running, and I did try on the low side. I have gauges that measure pressure, and they both seemed normal on the high side and low side. The engine revs when the A/C is turned on. Could it possibly be a screen inside the lines that got clogged?

 

So what are those pressures? If you have a clogged line, the pressures will not be normal.

You could have normal cooling, but reheating by the heater before the air reaches the vents. If this is the case you will find the line from the evaporator to the compressor gets cold but the air leaving the vents is not. Check that the heater water valve is fully closed when you set the temperature control on the dash to full cold.