WEAK AC FIX! Nissan Altima SV/SL AC Compressor Refrigerant Control Valve Solenoid Repair

I've had AC Issues on my 2014 Altima SV for years with delayed/erratic/reduced cooling and warm air at idle but it got worse recently. The problem is the solenoid in the compressor or ''refrigerant control valve" that gradually fails. The SV/SL models w/auto climate control have these Base/S models do not. A mechanic would prob have you replace the compressor but with a few tools you can repair and save money. You will need to have the refrigerant vacuumed first. Many types of cars could prob be helped with this part and now my car is as cool as ever!
Part can be bought at rockauto , autozone or ebay
www.rockauto.c...

[@jeremycallahan9453]

Perfect fix for my 2014 SL! Took my car to have the Freon removed. Popped the new valve in last night. Got a full charge today and wow! It’s way colder than I remember it being when I bought it new. The mechanics weren’t convinced at first. Told me I had to replace the whole compressor. They are believers now. Thank you so much for the great video!

[@mst3kpimp]

glad to be of service

[@PnoyJustin]

In the process of getting my replaced! Quick question, how much did you pay to get the Freon removed?

[@kaebyontiller9808]

I’m doing this because I’m the morning it blows ice cold! But I’m the afternoon and evening it blows hot! And they told me I need a whole new compressor too

[@Pantifo]

Bro you saved me in this Florida summer that's coming up. I was so bummed about having to drive around in this heat, I've tried fixing everything I know to fix with the exception of this, stumble across your video and now my AC is blowing ice cubes. I could kiss you

[@mst3kpimp]

thanks sir!

[@seanr5470]

So I just completed this yesterday and my 2014 AltimaSV ac is BLOWING FREAKIN ICE CUBES now!!!!❄️❄️❄️. Thanks so much for this post. Even The local (well recommended) shop couldn’t explain to me why my AC wasn’t staying cold. This was my first time recharging an AC and it went really smooth too. You’ve made the world a better place with this video. 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@mst3kpimp]

another success story, good to see!

[@pvcarmon1]

Read several different blogs identifying that valve as the culprit. My AC guy and the dealership played stupid acting like they never heard of the valve and dealership acting as if AC issues were uncommon on Nissan vehicles. Both wanted to change the compressor AC guy asking $850 and change. This is one of the better videos I have seen and it is much appreciated. If you take anything home from this please never buy anything new from Nissan ever again. We have experienced everything from the shifter stuck in park to AC issues every season. Their transmissions suck and the dealerships are no help and take you to the cleaners whenever they can. Horrible cars horrible even worse company just my opinion. Buy a Toyota and just work on other people's cars as a hobby.

[@cnneville1962]

Their leader was Carlos Ghosn. The biggest crook alive. What can you expect other than to be cheated? How he escaped from the prison in Japan will tell you all.

[@youngju6594]

really wish I saw this before dishing out over a grand to replace the whole compressor/condensor! Great info!

[@timramirez4121]

😮

[@Steven-gv1ke]

As someone who did a/c work, that oil in the vacuum gets "saturated" with water as the moisture is sucked through the vacuum. Since this is a rental tool, and most people don't know that, there is no telling how long its been since the oil was changed and it could be heavily saturated. Water vapor (moisture) mixed with coolant, turns into an acid and slowly eats away at the parts inside your compressor. So when you create that vacuum, it actually boils the moisture turning it into a vapor and removing the "steam" from the lines and such. So long story short, absolutely spend $8 to $12 and replace the oil in the vacuum compressor before using it because its not worth having acid in your a/c system over $8 to $12 worth of oil. Also you need to run a vacuum for a minimum of 30 minutes straight. You honestly can't vacuum too long. The more the better. On my vehicle I would run it for an hour straight.

[@mst3kpimp]

Good to know, fortunately the two times i borrowed a vacuum they had leaked empty and they had to refill for me.

[@dgbreese1]

thank you so much for your video. Shop told me compressor was shot and it had sent metal shavings throughout my cooling system, wanted 2000 to fix. Saw your video matched my symptoms in my 2016 Sentra, now my ac is running like new. 35 dollar control valve saved me 1900 and change. cannot thank you enough

[@mst3kpimp]

yes the "shops" are not to be trusted sadly. glad to hear another success story!

[@BadBrad46]

THIS IS 100% TRUE. Just today got my ac back running after 3 years not having it. Under $300 and Ive got cold ac again!

[@PnoyJustin]

I can definitely say this helps!! I got mine replaced and now i’m getting freezing air! Things I do want to share. Mechanics will try to say it’s the compressor but it’s not, most shops will not allow to replace the single part which is frustrating because of “liability” Research and find different mechanic shops to get your system evacuated, installed and recharged. Luckily my local Kwik car and Lube charged me $200 for installation, evacuation and recharge with no questions asked.

[@mst3kpimp]

yaaay!

[@caseypage2]

Had the same problems you had on my 2015 Sentra, found your video and replaced the same solenoid - it’s working perfect now. Thank you for making the video. I broke the snap ring taking it off, found an assortment of snap rings at autozone that had one that fit. Took me a while to get the snap ring on, but other than that pretty simple job.

[@mst3kpimp]

brilliant, glad it worked for you!

[@armajay86]

Did you have to remove the compressor to access the valve?

[@caseypage2]

@@armajay86 no - you don’t have to remove the compressor

[@armajay86]

@@caseypage2 thanks

[@luismartinezlm428]

@@caseypage2 im about to do this to my sentra do i have to relieve pressure takimg the snap ring of? Will the calve shoot out?

[@gilly2571]

Thank you soooo much pimp!!! You saved me a ton of money. Taking the valve out took an hour for me but other than that it went pretty smooth. Again thanks a lot my friend!!!

[@mst3kpimp]

thats great news! Hopefully the first of many. I want to spread the word that you usually dont need a new compressor and should try this.

[@ybdarthard3447]

Oh it took me 3 min

[@gilly2571]

@@ybdarthard3447 wow you are amazing!

[@robertfezekas6632]

Update! That was the problem! Thanks for posting the video. Obviously you helped save my family alot of money! Thank you

[@mst3kpimp]

Lovely

[@shanejohnson970]

Thank you so much! I had this problem on a 2015 altima, 30 dollars later in blowing perfect ice cold air. Simple fix. It really worked! Thanks again for the video.

[@mst3kpimp]

Glad I could be of service.

[@atmphil1]

Nice video I’m a mechanic i always know that valve was the problem I just never know they sell it so I always recommend replacing the AC compress and the customers never do the job because it’s expensive as fuck I’m going to start recommending only the valve from now on lol

[@jocelynmercado4285]

my ac wont blow that cold any more and at stop it blows warm. i was told that the compressor is bad my it turns on when you turn on the ac and it stays on. could it be this control valve? or the expansion valve???? please help

[@clar331]

@@jocelynmercado4285 did you figure it out?

[@sweetsucculentcontentnectar]

@@jocelynmercado4285 What did you end up doing?

[@bentleynut1648]

Thanks so much for doing the video. I own 2 of these cars so I will be doing the same fix on both. Your explanation and video footage was very good concerning the replacement of the control valve. I need some help understanding how you hook up the pipes .....so I'll watch your video several times, as I found that part a little quick for inexperienced me.

[@mst3kpimp]

theres plenty of ac vacuum videos check out chris fix kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpXUaX13ocinbNU

[@bentleynut1648]

mst3kpimp Thankyou. I just watched. Chris fix is very good. I’ve seen some of his other videos. Really appreciate your help

[@CORZER0]

Good job. I rebuild/service my own stuff too. Remember, too cold and your evap coil will freeze up. Get that exact charge weight in and go from there. Pick up a can tap like you mentioned, it will have the proper 1/2" acme threaded connection for the charge hose. Then you can weigh your cans on a digital scale for the most accurate charge.

[@AshleyDownethCaylor]

Thank you so much for posting! I have. 2013 Altima SV with the same problem and this will be the tutorial my husband follows to fix it for me 😂🙏

[@mst3kpimp]

nice, let me know how that goes and if its different than the 2014

[@Flybodian]

Did this work for you ?

[@puma1294]

@@mst3kpimp hey my 14 altima S is not kicking on the compressor but ive read that my car doesnt have this valve?

[@michaelbenway5535]

@@puma1294 its not supposed to but you can look under and check.

[@robertfezekas6632]

Thanks for the video! Couple of set backs: Parts place sold me the wrong part. The gauge kit I rented didnt have the low & high side fittings. Shame on me for not checking before I walked out of the store. Other then that...new part should be in tomorrow. Ill know if it fixes the problem then. Ill be sure to post!

[@mst3kpimp]

yes keep us posted!

[@sbergman0894]

Another sign is the compressor is not cycling... It engages but never disengages. By the way my AC temp is 67 degrees. Cool but not near cold enough in the hot summer. Will be replacing my stuck expansion valve.

[@sierre00]

Lol, you go to this eBay store check on their listing. They only sell compressor control valve, all the other car makers valve sold like 10, 20 while Nissan's garbage sold like 800 plus. I had the same problem and bunches other problems in the same car. I just got rid off the car after I was fed up fixing it.

[@charlesthomas2152]

Omg I just bought this car..I'm f#@$

[@ycharlie5993]

I wish I would have seen this video earlier, I have an 14 pathfinder sv that has been blowing hot air. The wife did not want me to fix myself because we’re going on vacation in a couple of weeks and said she just wants the car to run well. Had the system evacuated and recharged today, still running hot. I wish I would have seen this video so I could have told the guy to plug the AC control valve while he was evacuating the system. Took the car in auto repair, now waiting for my rape bill.

[@cam68644]

Thank you so much for posting this video, I just had my control valve installed which I purchased from the same place you got it from eBay, wow you can hang meat in the car now big fix, thanks.

[@mst3kpimp]

beautiful

[@05ntgrace]

VERY HELPFUL any time doing a project, you're going to have little set backs, thanks for sharing yours, nice to know little things like that going and good job on explaining

[@079SE]

Thank you, fix my 3.5 sl 2013 model, saved around 2500$ of replacing all cool unit

[@mst3kpimp]

Yes indeed, mines still going strong.

[@cnneville1962]

You are a genius. Thank you Sir for this excellent video.

[@Socalatreyu1]

Nissan we need to replace the compressor. Me 2015 removed the valve put a new one and poof perfect thanks dude!!

[@mst3kpimp]

Is'nt it sad that you cant trust the manufacturer of your car? I stay the hell away from the stealership.

[@Socalatreyu1]

@@mst3kpimp right.

[@GunsGamesPlanes]

Thank you for that informative video!!! Also, I love your name, MST3Kpimp!

[@vinojk729]

I have Nissan Altima 2015 which blows hot air if car is at halt and temperature above 38° C, however gives cooling while driving. If the temp goes higher than 45° C then it only blows really hot air even if car is running at 120KM/H. Now After watching your video i wanted to replace the compressor control valve and have contacted several Auto AC Center, but they all want to get the compressor changed and make big money and some AC Centers even say this cannot be done or compressor may get damaged just to lure you into buying compressor. Now when i checked about buying new compressor, they say it doesn't even have warranty, so what's the point? I am now enquiring with small service shop if they could replace this with proper steps so I could order one from ebay. if it doesnt work out, I have to get rid of Nissan.

[@philp9896]

Very good video! Better than going to trade school.

[@jongarza4101]

Going look for the plate number

[@alvaro93364]

Hey, I replaced the AC compressor, which means it has a new switch/sensor but it still does the same thing. I'm going to replace the expansion valve to see what happens.

[@mst3kpimp]

odd, please keep us posted.

[@gilly2571]

Great video. I have a 2014 Altima SL with the same problem. Had the refrigerant replaced yesterday to no avail. Will definitely try this. Quick question, do you know if I can replace this valve without loosing the refrigerant???

[@mst3kpimp]

no you must evacuate, its a sealed system.

[@gilly2571]

mst3kpimp Thanks for getting back to me. Really appreciated!

[@aco3495]

I have another question, I am getting ready to order the same valve from the Ebay page you pulled up, I have a 2013 Nissam Altima S 4 cylinder, will it still work whatever compressor valve I am looking at they say they are compatible with SL/SV models and am wondering if my S will also work with the same part I just want to order it already, thank you and look forward to your response

[@JuggaloSoulja817]

Nope every video on KZbin fails to mention that it only works on the SV/SL models. But at least this video says it’s for specific models. The base model S doesn’t have the control valve.

[@mst3kpimp]

Maybe a bad clutch, not enough/too much coolant or a malfunctioning expansion valve.

[@kevinpaulroberson7305]

What could the problem be if you have these symptoms in a S?

[@TheGaryNinja]

Hey great video! I have a 2013 and I'm going to try this. Is there a specific order to perform this? Am I suppose to remove the control valve first before evac and recharge? Is it possible just to replace the control valve and use those canned freon refill bottles? Thanks again for your knowledge!

[@mst3kpimp]

must do evac first its under pressure! then put in new valve, you can use the canned freon though good luck.

[@85darrell]

I'm hopping I have the same problem on a 2013 toyota corolla s I have the Electronic control solenoid if not the compressor $400 and the condensers $180 so it's the cheapest way out solenoid only 39.99🙏

[@signjoey]

This fix really works...did it myself w/someone's hoist

[@jamesjohnson427]

Thanks dude

[@mst3kpimp]

yes sir.

[@angelatrujillo9883]

Thank you very much..

[@UsedSponge]

Thank you

[@aco3495]

Hey man thanks for the video, I had a question I do not have the vacuum to remove the freon, what shop do I take it to I live in Arizona, so I am not really sure what shop does this because I didn't even know you had to remove it, also do you know what they charge, thank you and look forward to hearing from you

[@mst3kpimp]

any shop should be able to do it and they prob will switch the valve for free if you get a recharge from them.

[@aco3495]

@@mst3kpimp That was a fast reply thanks man! Really helpful appreciate it

[@sonysapto7923]

Good job dude,, so the problem is have done,, i don't no, how fix electric control valve?, it just change the O'ring valve or coil electric?,, i have problem on Hyundai Tucson/2010,, but it doesnt work.. Mybe should change original part( Control valve)

[@mst3kpimp]

your car appears to have similar valve as mine so replace that and see if it solves your issue.

[@bubbajones4522]

This should have been a recall with all the failures.

[@karlku5835]

I have a 2010 Altima SL, the previous generation of cars, and ended up buying an Expansion Control Valve, the compatible part doesn't have the electronic connector on it and it looks different. I haven't lifted the car up to check, but do you know if the 2007-2012 have the valve in the same location, and if the replacement procedure is the same?

[@mst3kpimp]

You can tell right off by looking underneath

[@anasalbalushi3645]

Hi there, is that solenoid has to deal with the radiator cooling fans or not ? Because I've an issue with my cooling fans that aren't turning on in full speed with the A/C on Note: the fans are new

[@mst3kpimp]

yes the fans will kick into high when the ac pressure builds past a certain point so if your ac isnt working right they might not do that as much.

[@cam68644]

Hello and thank you so much for the video, it’s winter now here in NY however this summer was brutal in my 2013 Altima I want to ask you before you take the valve out do you need to take out the Freon?

[@mst3kpimp]

yes no other way im afraid.

[@cam68644]

@@mst3kpimp thanks

[@houndawg3]

Charge R-134a systems by weight, not using the gauges. You'll never get the proper weight in using those little cans

[@yoshiOFpaceFLORIDA]

How did you purge the air before adding refrigerant at 10:50?

[@mst3kpimp]

Theres a little bicycle tube like valve you just press it in a bit with a screwdriver.

[@ellyluquenmusic7798]

Great Job! Thanks for the informative video! I definitely need to do that!

[@TrippyG.]

Would a bad solenoid effect condensor fan speed?

[@mst3kpimp]

in a sense since the fan kicks into high speed when the ac hits a certain pressure so if the solenoid is affecting that it can affect the fans as well.

[@alangorrosquieta455]

would this fix apply if the mechanic states the compressor wont switch on?

[@mst3kpimp]

possibly so.

[@alangorrosquieta455]

@@mst3kpimp ill try the repair soon, its worth the shot instead of spending the 1k for new unit

[@mst3kpimp]

@@alangorrosquieta455 indeed, please let us know how it goes.

[@seanr5470]

Hi. I’m about to attempt this fix. When you had the shop recover the refrigerant do you think any of the compressor oil escapes?

[@mst3kpimp]

not enough to matter.

[@seanr5470]

Did they charge for that service?

[@mst3kpimp]

@@seanr5470 of course, maybe you could get a deal if you have them do the swap and pay for the refill?

[@seanr5470]

What did the shop charge you to recover it. ?

[@mst3kpimp]

@@seanr5470 about $35

[@marcosmecatronikify]

can this valave be changed with full lines? or it is always needed to empty them?

[@mst3kpimp]

need to empty I'm afraid.

[@marcosmecatronikify]

@@mst3kpimp Thank you!

[@abusaud7346]

Hey bro If i remove the old valve is there any losing for the oil or just that fine install it then charge the a/c then fine ?

[@mst3kpimp]

no the oil is throughout the system and even though I had a pan ready no oil dripped out. just switch and charge.

[@2eroumgme753]

So when the dealers replace the compressor does it come with a new solenoid?

[@mst3kpimp]

Yes, but usually just replacing the solenoid is all you need.

[@m.rxojas]

any idea to solve same problem for Nissan Altima S 2.5, this a/c compressor doesn't have that control valve, at least not showing, i already replaced the a/c compressor , dryer and expansion valve

[@mst3kpimp]

I really only know about my model. youve replaced so many components I can only imagine maybe a blend door motor not letting the cool in? Is your low line getting cold?

[@PJLaux]

MMYT - Did you ever figure out your issue? I have the S model as well.

[@cnneville1962]

Please check your radiator/compressor fan connection plug. Sparking may lower the speed

[@lexilexlexis]

I'm a little confused because you said that before replacing the valve, the system has to be evacuated of all refrigerant, but it looks like you evacuated the system after putting the valve in and then recharged it. If i were to do this on my own, is this the step i should follow: 1.Replace A/C compressor valve 2.Evacuate System 3.Recharge System

[@mst3kpimp]

NO! You must get rid of refrigerant first the system is under pressure! Then you replace valve, then you have to run a vacuum to get rid of air and moisture. Finally in goes the refrigerant and your done. Chris fix has a good video for ac recharge.

[@salehzz7437]

Thanks for the video will this works with v6 engine?

[@mst3kpimp]

itll work, all the sv/sl models have the solenoid in the compressor just look from under.

[@pwgaplantationbay5469]

Have a 2014 Altima. Air Con wasn't working. Shop replaced the condenser. Now it only blows cold air on driver side. Passenger side blows warm air. If you put MODE on FACE, it blows on feet. If you put on DUAL FACE and FEET, it hardly blows anything anywhere. What the heck is wrong with this system and how does it get fixed? Have spent over $1,000 already. Help!

[@mst3kpimp]

wow thats a new one, could be a faulty temp control panel unit or maybe one of the motors that swing the vent doors is bad or stuck.

[@pwgaplantationbay5469]

@@mst3kpimp I have a friend who is a mechanic. I talked to him recently. He said it has something to do with "flaps" and the entire dashboard would have to be removed to fix it. "Trade it in," he said! Would the entire dashboard need to be removed to fix what you said might be wrong?

[@mst3kpimp]

@@pwgaplantationbay5469 yeah those flaps direct the ac but I dont have much experience with them. You may be able to access after removing the glove box or radio ect. i dont know why replacing the ac suddenly made them malfunction.

[@pwgaplantationbay5469]

@@mst3kpimp Thank you for your help. Much appreciated.

[@HayzNdaBrainZMuziK]

Do you need those attachments in to purge the system?

[@mst3kpimp]

no but you sure do to refill it.

[@mst3kpimp]

no only sv and sl

[@VILLEGAS76able]

Was your compressor clutch working?

[@mst3kpimp]

affirmative that was the first thing i checked.

[@noyourawsome2lol979]

Do you have to evacuate the system to replace this ?

[@papimasfuerte4671]

Yes

[@guerramundial9868]

Can anyone there to tell me what will be the diference with the reading between a open stuck expansion valve and and bad control valve solenoid?

[@mst3kpimp]

I found this info regarding expansion valves "The expansion valve can fail in one of two ways. When stuck open, it allows two much refrigerant flow, and a drop in high side pressure. A gauge reading of less than 200 psi on the high side will be seen when this happens. When stuck closed, a higher than normal high side reading will be seen.

[@blackout260112]

Does the s model have the same setup?

[@scottcampbell1552]

I have a 2009 S model and it has a mechanical control valve with the manual climate control. No wires as it uses an internal bellows in the valve to try and maintain suction pressure. The variable displacement compressors need a device like this to change the angle of the swash plate inside the compressor. The Valve is in the housing facing the engine block so it isn't easily seen (on mine), held in by a C clip. As the evap temp drops because the cabin is cooling, the TXV reduces the amount of refrigerant flowing into the evap which also means lower pressures on the suction side of the compressor. The valve responds by decreasing the angle of the swash plate so the compressor isn't pumping as much. As the temp load on the evap increases (or is already high) suction pressure will be high, TXV opens more to flow more refrigerant to the evap and suction pressure is high, so the valve increases the angle causing the compressor to pump more. This is constantly changing as temps change.

[@Gio-dt9hx]

I’m having trouble getting this thing in all the way

[@mst3kpimp]

assuming your talking about the valve, tapping with a socket worked for me or a rubber hammer should be safe.

[@roderickhayes4644]

I am having trouble as well. Can please give me some tips

[@T.sotelo559]

What’s the required psi for low and high?

[@mst3kpimp]

it depends on temp and you need to understand how the pressure builds and releases but at 80f a low of 35psi and high of 170psi works

[@Joe-mf4jx]

Is this the same for a 3.5?

[@mst3kpimp]

doesnt matter as long as you have the valve.

[@qpkhalid]

Sir my camry2011 suddenly stopped cooling, is it solenoid problem?

[@mst3kpimp]

highly possible if your compressor has a solenoid.

[@qpkhalid]

Yes it's have a solenoid

[@qpkhalid]

Now what's to do, bcz last time they replaced 2nd hand compressor new condensing coil, done flushing. So in this case shall Ican remove solenoid & clean it enough and flush condensing coil and all system must be flushed, than sure this ac will work.?

[@mst3kpimp]

@@qpkhalid just empty your refrigerant. change solenoid and see.

[@grgrgr49]

Does this work for me the 2015 Nissan Altima SV?

[@michaelbenway5535]

yes those models share the same ac parts.

[@marcelametcalf7808]

Hi, would this work for our 07 Nissan Altima? Please 🙏🏽

[@mst3kpimp]

@@marcelametcalf7808 It works for most cars that have auto-climate control, just look under at your ac to see if you have the valve in it.

[@jerrydick5664]

Your temp gun isn't close enough for proper reading

[@mst3kpimp]

but my head is

[@jerrydick5664]

@@mst3kpimp 😂😂

[@tomhale9863]

The red side should be over 225 and your blue side should drop to 40 psi add Freon don’t waste your money on compressor

[@positivevibes1_1_1_1]

I cant get a mechanic to do this bc they say my car is too old smh

[@mst3kpimp]

nonsense

[@beeemdee_]

Only if it was that simple for a 2017 Nissan Altima.

[@michaelbenway5535]

Why do you say that? The 2013-2018 have the same setup.

[@beeemdee_]

The control valve on a 2013 Nissan Altima is facing down and all the person has to do is pull it out with whatever tools they have. However; the 2017 Nissan Altima control valve is....I cannot locate it.

[@michaelbenway5535]

@@beeemdee_ Only the SV/SL trim versions have the valve, the base models do not.

[@beeemdee_]

Never mind, I have a possible compressor problem.

[@aco3495]

I have another question, I am getting ready to order the same valve from the Ebay page you pulled up, I have a 2013 Nissam Altima S 4 cylinder, will it still work whatever compressor valve I am looking at they say they are compatible with SL/SV models and am wondering if my S will also work with the same part I just want to order it already, thank you and look forward to your response

[@mst3kpimp]

It wont work, only the sv/sl models have the valve as part of the auto climate feature.

[@aco3495]

@@mst3kpimp thank you for the reply, what are your recommendations on what I should do I want to change the compressor valve for the S, do you have any links for S I cannot find the part for mine

[@mst3kpimp]

@@aco3495 the s model has no valve to replace. your either experiencing a refrigerant issue or possibly bad ac unit.

[@aco3495]

@@mst3kpimp do you think I need to replace the entire compressor? When I turn the ac on it is making a almost whistling sounds from the ducts

[@mst3kpimp]

@@aco3495 i cant speak to that as i am only familiar with my car, youll prob need to look elsewhere for advice.