A/C Air conditioning issue

[ittray]

Okay men, I know that probably alot of us have had trouble from our a/c systems. I am having that issue right now. Its hot as hell out and I am stuck with no a/c.

I have heard tell that the a/c units in our Jeep Cherokees are pretty crappy. Has anyone figured out what part it is that needs to be replaced under the dash? I keep getting the same story from everyone. They say "yeah, these Cherokees usually need parts replaced under the passenger side dash."

Has anyone gone through there a/c? Can you give me any tips or tricks to get it working again?

I have filled the system back up with stop leak/r134a and it worked half way decently for a few minutes, then cut out. I do have a low side pressure gauge and when the compressor is running the pressure is perfect.

I think I have a leak. The guy I bought the jeep from said it was under the dash and said he took it somewhere to have it tested and they said the same thing. They did put that fluorescent dye in the system because I can see it when I disconnect the pressure guage. Should I run a black light under the dash to see if it is leaking out in there somewhere?

Any tips would be useful. I just don't want to spend hundreds of dollars for someone else to fix it when I can do it myself. Thanks!

[4.3L XJ]

The only part that could be doing what you describe is the evaporator coil. Sometimes they do develop leaks. The rest of the system though, is good. The Sanden compressors are very good. The system is simple and works well as long as it is charged properly

[ittray]

Okay. I evacuated the system. I pressurized it and did a soapy water test. I found no bubbles anywhere. I then pulled a vacuum on it and hooked a gauge up. It very very slowly bled off. Best I can tell is it is the evaporator core. I guess I will purchase that and a new dryer while I am at it. I will keep you guys updated on this fix.

[ittray]

It was the evaporator core. Had green dye all over it. Give me awhile and I will do a right up on it. Cost me $150 to do the whole thing. I will post write up later tonight hopefully.

[ittray]

Okay. I have a few minutes here. I am assuming you have a buddy to help you do this, and that you know how to and have evacuated your ac system. I am also assuming you can charge it back up properly. Our ac systems take 20 ounces of refridgerant. I put a couple ounces of oil in as well. Dont work on the a/c system without first properly evacuating all pressure, or you can be injured.

1.)Start with disconnecting the battery.
2.)remove plastic and steel cover from under steering column. Drop the column by removing the two nuts that hold it up. You might have to wiggle the tilt lever to get it to fall down if you have tilt like I do.
3.)proceed to remove the bezel around the radio and climate control as well as the one around the gauges. Remove the dash pad.
4.)Notice there are about 4 black bolts and 2-4 nuts holding the dash to the firewall under the glass. Remove all. You will be able to let the dash rest on the studs, so go ahead and remove the bolts that hold the dash around the kick panels. You might need a swivel on the drivers side.
5.)remove the philps head screws from the consol that hold it in place. You will need to be able to wiggle and jiggle that consol in order to remove other parts.
6.)remove the four nuts holding the dash to the floor directly under the climate controls and power outlets.
7.)The dash should be free but resting on the studs below the windshield.
8.)Put the e-brake on as hard as you can and pull your transfer case lever as close to you as possible, this allows you to move the dash back as far as possible.
9.)Place a rag over the consol so you don't scratch it, then lift the dash (two people doing this) and rest it on the console. The side with the climate control box behind it will move alot more than the side with the steering column on it. I was able to remove the evap core without unhooking anything other than a/c wires/vacuum lines.
10.)under the hood remove the dryer and all the lines from the evap core, and all bolts holding the box to the firewall.
11.)you should be able to remove the box, replace the evap core, and reinstall everything in the car including the dash in about an hour to an hour and a half.