The AC is not working. When i have the ac on i can here the clutch kick in but it only stays on for about 3 seconds... how long dose it usually stay on for.. could it just use a recharge or do you think its the accually comp.

 

It is normal for the a/c clutch to cycle. If it's warm where you are (it's not here), then it may be cycling to fast and that could be due to a lack of refrigerant. You may need a re-charge.

 

A recharge, that not just adding refrigerant or is it... is there any way i can do it myself.. i have been reading that you need to take it to a qualified repair shop because of the freon stuff..

 

If all that it needs is a bit more refridgerant, then you can do this with the recharge kits found at many locations, Walmart even. You need a R134a recharge kit. Follow the directions that come with the kit.

 

I am hoping thats all i need.. i dont want to pay for a new or referb compressor... thanks for the info.. i was thinking about getting one and trying it..

 

The AC system is a CLOSED system. If you need additional freon, then chances are good that you have a leak somewhere in the system, otherwise you have to wonder where did the freon that was in there go? You can add a small amount of freon via a store bought recharge kit, but in my experience this is a short term temporary solution. If there is a leak then the system will build up pressure and leak out again. Have your AC system checked for leakage by a competant AC service shop. My '96 cycled on and off, so I added a flourescent dye into the AC system to look for the leak, along with a freon recharge. I found that the compressor body itself was leaking, as was evidenced by the dye escaping around the compressor body itself. I haven't fixed it yet but a new compressor, accumulator, orifice tube and a flush and fill are definately in my future, maybe new hoses too.

 

I used a re-charge kit from autozone a year ago and all that was wrong with mine is that the ball on the dryer stuck and let the old freon out, but when I recharged my system the new freon with oil in it got the ball valve to close and its still charged till this day with no problems!!I used the subzero recharge kit that comes with a pressure gauge.