AC Problem - HELP!

[cdodkin]

Long drive today, 500 miles from the Californian coast, up over 4000+ ft elevations, back down into the desert (sea level again).

Outside temps were 75F-85F - high humidity and heavy rain at times.

AC started out fine, but after 3 hrs or so started to get warmer and warmer, and ended up blowing no cold air at all. Fans were working, air was just not cooled (or not much).

I had noticed at altitude, and in the rain, that I had what appeared to be water vapor (fog) coming out of the drivers side AC vent in the dash! :ack:

Drove for an hour with the windows down and the AC off, roasting like a Sunday Roast in an oven....

Parked up for gas (and comfort break) for 15 mins - AC then recovered a little, and lasted about another 45 mins this time.

Then parked up for lunch for an hour or so - back to the LR3 - AC was back to being nice and cold, probably not to spec, but colder than earlier.

WTF is going on - anyone seen this sort of AC system behavior?

You think I'm low on refridgerant perhaps?

Anyone ever used the home recharge kits or knows a DIY on recharging?

Nearest dealer is now 100 miles away, and will be closed till Tuesday due to Labor Day Weekend!

So I'm thinking I'll try the DIY refill if I can get some idea that it's something that ok to do - local auto store has kits like the one below:

anyone ever used one?

Low pressure port on the LR3/D3 AC - assume it's the port capped with the L on it?

Thx.

 

[TheataSigma]

Is it in "Econ" mode?

Winslow

 

[sideview]

Might be a leak causing the expansion valve to freeze up. I had that happen on another car with symptoms you're describing.

 

[cdodkin]

Is it in "Econ" mode?

Winslow

Nope - was in normal AUTO mode when it failed

 

[cdodkin]

Might be a leak causing the expansion valve to freeze up. I had that happen on another car with symptoms you're describing.

So this would explain the AC dying over a long trip - but recovering when the LR3 was left for an hour?

I'm thinking I can check the AC pressure with one of the refill kits (They come with gauges) - but I'm worried about the refrigerant from the auto store, as they all contain leak sealant in them.

Not sure if this would screw with the LR - or is that 'normal'?

Either way it would be a temporary fix until I can get it in to a dealer for inspection and leak detection.

 

[sideview]

Could explain it, if moister has gotten in to the refrigerant from a leak, the lines could get blocked after it runs a while. I'd be leery of using that refill kit too, unless someone says they've used it okay, might not hurt anything but then again I'd hate to see it cause warranty problems. Maybe give LR Assist a call and ask them about it? If it were me, I'd just keep the CC temps midway, shut off the air when the cabin's cool enough, turn on when I started to sweat, yada yada, until getting it in the shop.

 

[cdodkin]

Could explain it, if moister has gotten in to the refrigerant from a leak, the lines could get blocked after it runs a while. I'd be leery of using that refill kit too, unless someone says they've used it okay, might not hurt anything but then again I'd hate to see it cause warranty problems. Maybe give LR Assist a call and ask them about it? If it were me, I'd just keep the CC temps midway, shut off the air when the cabin's cool enough, turn on when I started to sweat, yada yada, until getting it in the shop.

Points noted - and thanks for the excellent advice.

Will be hoping for cool weather in AZ, and hitting the nearest stealership in Scottsdale for a diagnosis after Monday.

I bet someone in Solihull didn't tighten their widget down properly! :ack:

 

[baadman28]

(17) brogame

wow goldwow goldwow goldwow goldwow gold