- 1). Check the compressor drive belt carefully for wear or deterioration. If the belt or worn or damaged, replace it.
- 2). Check the tension on the belts with a ruler and a straight edge. Place the straight edge across two of the pulleys that are 7 to 12-inches apart; there shouldn't be more than a ¼-inch of deflection. If the pulleys are up to 16-inches apart, there shouldn't be more than ½-inch of deflection. If there is too much deflection, the belt tensioner may require replacement.
- 3). Check the system hoses. Look for hard spots, cracks or deterioration and wear. Check the hoses, especially around the fittings, for any oil bubbles, seepage or evidence of leakage. Replace the hoses if necessary.
- 4). Inspect the fins on the condenser for debris. The condenser is considered a radiator for the air conditioning unit and is mounted in front of the radiator. Use compressed air to clean the debris out of the condenser.
- 5). Test for the correct refrigerant level. This can be accomplished by warming the engine up to a normal operating temperature and placing the air conditioning temperature selector on the coolest setting. Ensure the the blower is at the highest setting and open the doors of the vehicle. When the compressor engages, feel the inlet and outlet pipes on the compressor -- one side should feel colder than the other. If the refrigerant looks foamy, it is low.
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