Eric

I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
be cold. ;-)

Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate the
air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
seat.

The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
(124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
summer, so that is likely a coincidence.

Thanks!

Eric
99 TJ SE

HarryS

More info you may not want to know or may be you do.

http://web.diynet.com/diy/web/search...r+conditioning

--
HarryS
"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

HarryS

More info you may not want to know or may be you do.

http://web.diynet.com/diy/web/search...r+conditioning

--
HarryS
"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

HarryS

More info you may not want to know or may be you do.

http://web.diynet.com/diy/web/search...r+conditioning

--
HarryS
"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

HarryS

More info you may not want to know or may be you do.

http://web.diynet.com/diy/web/search...r+conditioning

--
HarryS
"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Peter D.

Here's a story that happened to my 92 caddy (regular 4-door sedan) that may
help you out:

About 2 yrs ago in mid summer, the ac in my Caddy started to go slowly but
steadily - it would take longer and longer to cool dn the interior. After
about a month later it quit completely - it would only blow hot air. The
control panel would light up SERVICE A/C about 1 wk before it died
completely. I took the car to a Caddy service center and they said the
evaporator is clogged (a key part that sits inside the dash and condenses
water from the air). The fix? - ~$1000, including parts and labor! I said
forget it, pd the $50 diagnostics charges and went to a different shop (also
a Caddy place) because I wanted the A/C fixed but for all I know for a
~$1000 you can get a brand new system put in! Guess what? - the other Caddy
place knew after 15 mins the A/C was completely out of freon!!! (That was
the gas used back then). For a total of $200 I got the leak fixed, A/C
recharged with some ozone-friendly refrigerant and the SERVICE A/C light
gone. The system does not work nearly as efficient as freon-based, only
about 80% as efficient but it works great nonetheless - as well as it can on
a non-freon refrigerant.

I wonder what some of the mechanics are doing at the service shops where
labor rates are $100/hr and all they seem capable of is replacing the engine
oil and perhaps the oil filter...

By the way, the efficiency of a freon-based A/C is incredible. I have
experienced it. It's a pity it's bad for the environment.

Another btw: These days modern cars do not use any gas or liquid in the
A/C - they use what's known as Peltiers' modules which is pure electronics
to cool down the air (no leaks to worry about). I know Caddy's have had it
for at least 8 years in their vehicles. But there are some car makers (and
they are in the majority) who still don't use it.

-hth, me



"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:<XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com>...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Peter D.

Here's a story that happened to my 92 caddy (regular 4-door sedan) that may
help you out:

About 2 yrs ago in mid summer, the ac in my Caddy started to go slowly but
steadily - it would take longer and longer to cool dn the interior. After
about a month later it quit completely - it would only blow hot air. The
control panel would light up SERVICE A/C about 1 wk before it died
completely. I took the car to a Caddy service center and they said the
evaporator is clogged (a key part that sits inside the dash and condenses
water from the air). The fix? - ~$1000, including parts and labor! I said
forget it, pd the $50 diagnostics charges and went to a different shop (also
a Caddy place) because I wanted the A/C fixed but for all I know for a
~$1000 you can get a brand new system put in! Guess what? - the other Caddy
place knew after 15 mins the A/C was completely out of freon!!! (That was
the gas used back then). For a total of $200 I got the leak fixed, A/C
recharged with some ozone-friendly refrigerant and the SERVICE A/C light
gone. The system does not work nearly as efficient as freon-based, only
about 80% as efficient but it works great nonetheless - as well as it can on
a non-freon refrigerant.

I wonder what some of the mechanics are doing at the service shops where
labor rates are $100/hr and all they seem capable of is replacing the engine
oil and perhaps the oil filter...

By the way, the efficiency of a freon-based A/C is incredible. I have
experienced it. It's a pity it's bad for the environment.

Another btw: These days modern cars do not use any gas or liquid in the
A/C - they use what's known as Peltiers' modules which is pure electronics
to cool down the air (no leaks to worry about). I know Caddy's have had it
for at least 8 years in their vehicles. But there are some car makers (and
they are in the majority) who still don't use it.

-hth, me



"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:<XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com>...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Peter D.

Here's a story that happened to my 92 caddy (regular 4-door sedan) that may
help you out:

About 2 yrs ago in mid summer, the ac in my Caddy started to go slowly but
steadily - it would take longer and longer to cool dn the interior. After
about a month later it quit completely - it would only blow hot air. The
control panel would light up SERVICE A/C about 1 wk before it died
completely. I took the car to a Caddy service center and they said the
evaporator is clogged (a key part that sits inside the dash and condenses
water from the air). The fix? - ~$1000, including parts and labor! I said
forget it, pd the $50 diagnostics charges and went to a different shop (also
a Caddy place) because I wanted the A/C fixed but for all I know for a
~$1000 you can get a brand new system put in! Guess what? - the other Caddy
place knew after 15 mins the A/C was completely out of freon!!! (That was
the gas used back then). For a total of $200 I got the leak fixed, A/C
recharged with some ozone-friendly refrigerant and the SERVICE A/C light
gone. The system does not work nearly as efficient as freon-based, only
about 80% as efficient but it works great nonetheless - as well as it can on
a non-freon refrigerant.

I wonder what some of the mechanics are doing at the service shops where
labor rates are $100/hr and all they seem capable of is replacing the engine
oil and perhaps the oil filter...

By the way, the efficiency of a freon-based A/C is incredible. I have
experienced it. It's a pity it's bad for the environment.

Another btw: These days modern cars do not use any gas or liquid in the
A/C - they use what's known as Peltiers' modules which is pure electronics
to cool down the air (no leaks to worry about). I know Caddy's have had it
for at least 8 years in their vehicles. But there are some car makers (and
they are in the majority) who still don't use it.

-hth, me



"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:<XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com>...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Peter D.

Here's a story that happened to my 92 caddy (regular 4-door sedan) that may
help you out:

About 2 yrs ago in mid summer, the ac in my Caddy started to go slowly but
steadily - it would take longer and longer to cool dn the interior. After
about a month later it quit completely - it would only blow hot air. The
control panel would light up SERVICE A/C about 1 wk before it died
completely. I took the car to a Caddy service center and they said the
evaporator is clogged (a key part that sits inside the dash and condenses
water from the air). The fix? - ~$1000, including parts and labor! I said
forget it, pd the $50 diagnostics charges and went to a different shop (also
a Caddy place) because I wanted the A/C fixed but for all I know for a
~$1000 you can get a brand new system put in! Guess what? - the other Caddy
place knew after 15 mins the A/C was completely out of freon!!! (That was
the gas used back then). For a total of $200 I got the leak fixed, A/C
recharged with some ozone-friendly refrigerant and the SERVICE A/C light
gone. The system does not work nearly as efficient as freon-based, only
about 80% as efficient but it works great nonetheless - as well as it can on
a non-freon refrigerant.

I wonder what some of the mechanics are doing at the service shops where
labor rates are $100/hr and all they seem capable of is replacing the engine
oil and perhaps the oil filter...

By the way, the efficiency of a freon-based A/C is incredible. I have
experienced it. It's a pity it's bad for the environment.

Another btw: These days modern cars do not use any gas or liquid in the
A/C - they use what's known as Peltiers' modules which is pure electronics
to cool down the air (no leaks to worry about). I know Caddy's have had it
for at least 8 years in their vehicles. But there are some car makers (and
they are in the majority) who still don't use it.

-hth, me



"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:<XPyPc.27148$Gk4.20092@fe1.texas.rr.com>...
> I have a 99 TJ with an aftermarket A/C system installed. I didn't do the
> install myself, as I know next to nothing about A/C, except that it should
> be cold. ;-)
>
> Lately, it just doesn't seem to want to work right. Even on recirculate
the
> air doesn't get COLD. It is definitely not the 100 degree air coming in
> from the outside, but it isn't cold either. Funny thing is, the air
> actually gets cooler when I'm sitting still. For example, if I am parked
> and let it run for a few minutes, the air is pretty cold. As soon as I
> start moving, that goes away. I would expect that on the outside air
> setting, but not on recirculate. It's getting to the point that I can't
> take my son around town with me because it is extremely hot in the back
> seat.
>
> The system is less than a year old, but I'm about 10 hours away from the
> place that installed it (mom and pop shop, so no chains to go to for
> warranty work). What can I check? Is it just low on the coolant chemical
> (124a or whatever)?? By the way, this seemed to start after installing my
> 4" lift (no body lift). BUT, I installed the lift at the beginning of
> summer, so that is likely a coincidence.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE
>
>

DougW

Peter D. did pass the time by typing:

> Another btw: These days modern cars do not use any gas or liquid in the
> A/C - they use what's known as Peltiers' modules which is pure electronics
> to cool down the air (no leaks to worry about). I know Caddy's have had it
> for at least 8 years in their vehicles. But there are some car makers (and
> they are in the majority) who still don't use it.

Actually the majority of new cars use R134a. Peltier junctions although
neet to play with are also power hungry little monsters with limited heat
sinking capacity. The upper limit is set by BTUs required to cool the vehicle.

Cadillac and Lexus use a peltier style seat-cooling/heating concept which
I find quite interesting but I've never seen an automobile with pure electric
cooling.

At any rate, here is some interesting reading
http://www.energy.ca.gov/development..._amerigon.html

http://www.dansdata.com/pelt.htm

--
DougW