|
|
2002 lancer a/c won't work after using heater
|
|
|
| |
|
|
tdsmith
New User
May 1, 2013, 8:52 PM
Post #1 of 4
(2237 views)
|
|
2002 lancer a/c won't work after using heater
|
Sign In
|
|
Have a 2002 lancer and been having trouble with the A/C.
A little background: 2 winters ago my a/c is working fine, one day I use the heater, next day A/C stops working. When summer starts up I take it to my mechanic, he first tries to refill freon/whatever is in the A/C unit, this only helps temporarily, so he replaces the entire compressor. Everything worked fine for 9 months or so. Then one day I turn on my heater , next day A/C wont work again - exact same problem as the previous year.
So here I am with no A/C after having a brand new compressor for just under a year. Any clue what could be causing this? I don't want to have to replace my compressor every time I need to use the heater.
To clarify, by not working I mean not blowing cold air. When I turn the A/C knob the air will blow, but its the same temperature as outside the car.
I would appreciate any help on this issue. Would like to have some idea what could/is wrong before I take it to my mechanic again.
Thanks in advance.
Edit: I should also clarify that I checked to make sure the A/C and heater knob control was still working. I checked under the dash and the plastic door and wire still seem to be working properly when switching between A/C and heater.
(This post was edited by tdsmith on May 1, 2013, 8:54 PM)
|
|
| |
|
|
MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
May 1, 2013, 9:36 PM
Post #2 of 4
(2207 views)
|
|
Re: 2002 lancer a/c won't work after using heater
|
Sign In
|
|
Not sure if your car has this, but most have a button that has a print of a snowflake that you have to push in order to turn the ac on. When you switched to the heater it may have automatically shut it off. I doubt that's the reason but figured it worth mentioning. I just don't see any correlation between using the heater and it frying the compressor.
It's possible you have a leak in your ac system. Some leaks can be very slow and take months to leak out enough to finally keep the compressor from engaging. First thing I would do is pull a vacuum to see if there's a leak.
There are some professional mechanics on this site. They'll be able to give you better advice than what I can so be sure to check back in.
(This post was edited by MarineGrunt on May 2, 2013, 5:38 AM)
|
|
| |
|
|
Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 2, 2013, 3:35 AM
Post #3 of 4
(2197 views)
|
|
Re: 2002 lancer a/c won't work after using heater
|
Sign In
|
|
Turning the heater on has no bearing on the reliability of the compressor. Your issue could be any of hundreds of things. It needs to be checked out by a competent A/C specialist to determine if the refrigerant has leaked out or there is a different issue. He may have replaced the compressor but that doesn't mean the compressor was actually the problem. Recharging the system could have disguised the actual problem to make you think the actual problem was repaired.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 2, 2013, 3:36 AM
Post #4 of 4
(2194 views)
|
|
Re: 2002 lancer a/c won't work after using heater
|
Sign In
|
|
Interesting thought MG. It just might do that - dunno funky features of every car and never will. See in the front hub of compressor is in fact turning with A/C request. If not you are not going to get cool air. Many reasons that it may not engage and don't know how far you want to go to test yourself or send the job out.
Hey - a leak can happen without much warning and be fast - even a stone hitting condenser can happen and poof it's not going to cool from lack of refrigerant in no time. Not so sure the use of heater is the reason as many places (seems silly) need heat and A/C within the day.
The compressor job lasted 9 months on this and probably not the cause itself. Heater could be fighting with A/C via a duct issue and heat will win out.
#1 without much more as A/C gets very involved is to see if the compressor is actually engaging when requested AND when warm enough. If very cold where you are don't expect much for that simple check.
Just know that A/C is not very DIY friendly and doing things wrong is frequently a disaster. Check fuses and perhaps relay.
Chrysler is my weak suit but are famous for evaporator leaks, most all are labor intensive,
T
|
|
| |
|
| | |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
2011 Dodge Nitro OBD scanner seems to drain battery in 10-20 minutes
Grounding Cable, 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
equipment
Howdy
