Jeep TJ Air Conditioning System Check and Top Off

Robinair Manifold Gauge Set: amzn.to/2UptFZk
Robinair Thermometer: amzn.to/2V50dYV
wranglertjforu...
Have you ever wondered how to tackle a less than cold A/C system in your Jeep? In this video, Jim reveals the general process of how an A/C system check is performed. This simple check with these basic tools can save you hundreds of dollars and you can be sure it will be done correctly!
See these manuals for your Jeep application:

[@dumbotater2158]

Best basic explanation and service of the TJ (and others) on the entire web. Thank you. Subbed!

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Thanks for the feedback! More content coming as we grow the channel.

[@GametimeSlime]

This just gave me the confidence to do this on my JK, the only thing is I have to find out where my leak is. The hissing is coming kinda close from the center console around the passenger side and also my an evap code has been protruding my system since I’ve had the wrangler so I’ve finally had to address this once and for all. So hopefully I can find this leak repair it and recharge the system right before the weather gets hot here in NC. Thank you so much

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Good luck...it's not too hard and if it's got a leak or there is no pressure then get or borrow a vacuum pump and see where the leak is. Replace that part, check for leaks again, then recharge...

[@kencramer1697]

Thanks for the video Jim. This is just what I was looking for. I need to charge up the A/C on the 2004 TJ. Good overview of the process and you hit the key pieces for the DIY person. Just the simple step of explaining that it takes a while for the refrigerant to feed into the system is helpful. If you have never done it before you are worried about putting in too much. I have to get it ready for the wife to drive here in Texas when I leave in August to go on a trip in the 2012 JKU to Colorado to hit some trails. I just finished the install of a tailgate table in the JKU before watching this video and heading out to do the A/C on the TJ. You have earned a subscriber. I look forward to what else you put out.

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Ken, thanks for the kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the video. I am striving to get content out each week. Tomorrow premieres the beginnings of the 1989 YJ powertrain rebuild... clutch install!

[@kencramer1697]

@@jimsjeeps9782 That should be fun. I have a front end rebuild of my old 2001 Cherokee that I sold to my buddy. Control arms, bushings, tie rod, drag link and ball joints. (all depends on when he has time and money to get it done. One thing I have seen over the years that I personally love with these types of videos is a tools and parts list in the description. It can be very helpful to know what exactly it takes to get the job done. You can even match those things up with links to say an amazon store to bring in revenue to help offset the cost of equipment for your channel. (upgrading camera's as you go, mounts, lights, audio equipment etc)

[@kencramer1697]

Just a note on the TJ A/C charging. I finally got to it this morning. It took a little over 1 can to charge. It took almost a full hour to charge the system. Your video was so helpful in giving me the patience to let the system charge. Without your description of it taking longer to fill a tire I would have jumped to the conclusion that something else must be wrong.

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Great. Like I mentioned....these systems...or really any system will lose charge over time. It's like a hemium balloon after 3 or 4 days...the helium leaks through the balloon...much slower on an A/C system, but a typical system will lose about .5 to 1oz of refrigerant through the o-rings in the system...totally normal and it's easy to "top off"...the pressure readings are critical as you do not want to overcharge...pressure check and temp at dash are the easiest ways to ensure it's good to go.

[@larrynoname9340]

Thank you soo much for your video as well as the link to the service manuals!

[@jimsjeeps9782]

You are welcome. More videos coming soon.

[@frankiemack8990]

Good info Jim. I will put it to use this weekend. Glad I found you and subscribed.

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Awesome! Glad the info helped you out and thanks for subscribing.

[@wallygatar]

Nice video, well done. I have the gages so I watched your video as a refresher before I go out and check my TJ that was blowing warm yesterday. I liked how you explained things, I am going to check to see if you have any other TJ related videos because " I like your style". Thanks again

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Thank you. I've been busy with my "day job" and have not had much time to produce more. Hopefully I will get some time in the next month or so. I very much appreciate the kind words! Best of luck with your repairs.

[@jasonvogeli3840]

Thank you! Was a helpful and informative video. Please keep it up

[@jimsjeeps9782]

You are very welcome! Thanks for checking in.

[@jlathem56]

Just found this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@jimsjeeps9782]

You are welcome. Hope it helps you out. More vids coming soon!

[@cjesteadt1]

Good job venting the non condensable from the center line. Now what about the low pressure charge line too?

[@Crs08337]

Appreciate the information and instruction. Thank you!

[@jimsjeeps9782]

You are welcome! Enjoy the cold air!

[@MikeH_41-33_LII]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@waden404]

Thnk u very much for this!!!

[@Nobamaable]

Thx.... great video.

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

Check for your green washers in the gauges if you take it off like that ? I open my round know to the left , which is releasing the valve stem that holds the pressure , then snap them off , my green gauge coupler oring popped out one time I forgot to screw it out .now I got two sets of gauges , still ain't found that oring..

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Good advice. I did have a green o-ring become dislodged.

[@waden404]

Great video. Thank u very much. Any tip on how to identify a leak (sound/location) should it leak freon?

[@jimsjeeps9782]

A refrigerant leak can be a little tricky. Usually, an O ring leaks. But, it could also be the condenser whick is in the front of the radiator. You can try soapy water on areas to see if bubbles form. You could get a sniffer online (not that expensive), or take it to a shop and have them diagnose and then you do the fix. Most AC tools can be borrowed from parts stores, or be bought relatively inexpensively. Take your time and think through it. Thanks for the kind words! Good luck!

[@Nwnomad410]

I already made this mistake of attempting to use the single gage/can method and the gage on the can shows that my low side is in the red or overcharged. Can I rectify this with the charging system you have? The AC was working fine until I had to replace the heater core and I replaced the AC condenser while I had the dash out so the system should be in good working order just needing freon.

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Was your system opened up during the heater core replacement? If so, you need to vaccum down the system and check for leaks. Then you can refill from the low side using a proper guage. If you are not sure about that, then a reputable shop should be able to leak test and refill at a decent price.

[@d.j.d2442]

Great video, I want to try this on my LJ. Quick question, how come in other videos they pull a vacuum before recharging? How will I know if I just need this sort of recharge vs also pulling a vacuum? No prior issues on my unit and just went warm recently. Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

[@jimsjeeps9782]

If the system is still under some pressure, then atmospheric air/water can't get in. If the system is opened up and a part is replaced, then you MUST draw a vacuum to boil off the moisture inside the system and check for leaks...then refill. So, if it's just a little low, you can top it off without drawing a vacuum.

[@d.j.d2442]

@@jimsjeeps9782 thanks, will try it out. Appreciate it

[@allanwagner4570]

Hey Boss Tried this yesterday….any idea why my gauge on the low side keeps bouncing from 30 to 65 psi???

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Could be the compressor or orafice tube being blocked. In any case, it sounds like a restriction in the system.

[@solomoncumquats776]

Thanks Fred Flintstone!

[@osvaldorodriguez6861]

My jeep wrangler ac stop working I need help

[@jimsjeeps9782]

Go through and see if this video helps. If the compressor failed, then you need a new one. Check fuses too.

[@antman6791]

I just put a new ac in my 99 tj and it runs well but is it normal for the cluth to engage in every fan setting?

[@jimsjeeps9782]

If you mean the AC clutch, then yes, but it should shutoff after some time once pressure on high side is achieved. Did you leave a vacuum pull on it to check for leaks? If that checked out, then charge could be too low and it never reached the "high" side pressure. If the charge is adequate, then the high pressure switch could be faulty.

[@antman6791]

@Jim's Jeeps yes its operates fine as far as shutting on and turning off. My concern is should it always engage even when I have it on let's say just to vent at me but not in ac mode. Basically it comes on in every setting to redirect the air both hot, cold and just to use the fan.

[@antman6791]

@Jim's Jeeps also I vacuumed it prior to recharge for 45. Let it sit for 10 min and it held at minus 30 psi

[@jimsjeeps9782]

@@antman6791 No, it should only turn on to build AC when in AC mode (max or regular) and on defrost. If it's on other times, check the control switches for a short? Or, something there. It should not be on, say when vent is selected...

[@antman6791]

@@jimsjeeps9782 I figured it out. There was a short in the switch wiring harness at the connector.

[@allanwagner4570]

Isn’t it better to completely drain the AC system of old refrigerator and put all new refrigerant in instead of mixing the new with the old??

[@jimsjeeps9782]

No. You can if you want, but there is absolutely nothing that gets "used up". It's a gas, and does not get worn out.

[@allanwagner4570]

@@jimsjeeps9782 Ok I understand that however is it say dirty or anything else?? I really don’t know this it what I have been told by auto AC techs

[@allanwagner4570]

@@jimsjeeps9782 Thanks New sub here I’ll try this myself here in Arizona it’s 118 Definitely need my AC