The air conditioning in my '04 Sebring is not working...can you help me go thru the list of what it might be?

Answer 1

Here's a list you can use - eliminate the things that are easy and cheap to fix up front before you start messing with the refrigerant and other messy stuff.

1) Check electrical stuff:
- Does the in-dash blower come on? (could be a bad motor or blower resistor module or switch or control module)
- Is 12V getting to the connector on the compressor? (check fuses and cycling switch on the high side)
- Is the cooling fan by the radiator turning on? (check voltage at connector, motor and fuse)

2) check dumb stuff - is the blender door stuck with the heat blasting? Debris blocking airflow through the condenser?

3) Now look at the compressor.
- Does it engage? Check low side pressure with a gauge. If it's "low" you either have low refrigerant (probably) or a problem with the O-tube or thermal expansion valve (possibly). If it's "high" your compressor is lunch meat and has scattered metal flakes all through your system!
- Doesn't come on at all? Could be all the refrigerant leaked out. It's rare for the fittings to spontaneously spring a leak on such a new car - my bet is a rock smacked a hole in your condensor or the compressor seal failed prematurely. Leak detection will tell the tale.

At this point, a mechanic will pin point the problem for you. If the compressor is changed, expect to also pay for a new drier or accumulator, O-tube or TXV, and filter if equipped. If he wants to change the condenser or evaporator, get proof or a 2nd opinion.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

The most common reason for failure is a leak in the system and the freon gets low. It can get so low that the low pressure switch will hold the compressor out. Before that happens you usually have a period of compressor cycling. It will come on and shut off.

Take it in, and get it fixed. With the leak repaired, you won't have to be worried about it not working when you need it. good luck.

Answer 3

Another possible cause, which i see more often on the newer vehicles with electronic climate controls, is a faulty control head. I have seen it cause the vehicle to blow "warm" air even when the a/c is on.

Otherwise, like the guys above me stated, it could be low on freon due to a leaking shrader valve or etc. It is best to have it checked out by a professional. They can do a leak test on it. And see if its leaking, and while they are doing that they can recharge it with freon.

Goodluck!

Answer 4

Yes, but on thousand degree days, all 3 units have to run all the time to keep the house 65 degrees, so our electric bill in the Summer averages about $500 a month :(

Answer 5

It could be low on refrigerant
is the clutch engaging when you turn the ac on?
Could also be the comppreser is shot or
a bad connection but if the engine slows down when you turn it on then it's low on frion and it may have a leak and loosing the freon.If your going to mess with it be carefull you can get hurt if you don't know what you're doing,http://haynes.com get a manual.