'02 WRX - A/C troubleshooting

[ZZ]

Hi!

If there's a good soul willing to help, I'd like to hear what would be a
good way to figure out why A/C stopped functioning. Already checked fuses,
all fine. Checked A/C relay (in the engine compartment) and swapped it with
the one from the next slot, no help. When I used to turn A/C on before,
there used to be a short click sound (most likely relay) and then,
compressor would start. Now, there's no click and only fan starts to blow.
Green LED on 'A/C' button is lit, though. Suggestions? I noticed three
relays on the fuse block under the steering wheel. Is any of those
responsible for A/C?

ZZ

 

[strchild]

I'm mostly unfamiliar with A/C systems, ZZ, but fellow board poster Steve J.
keeps various manuals online. Just happens to have an '02 WRX/Impreza
manual, from which I would suggest taking a look at the Wiring, and maybe
some other section, for troublshooting ideas.

http://chester.uccs.edu:80/WRX_Manual/

Good luck,

~Brian

 

[ZZ]

Thanks a lot, Brian!

I'm mostly unfamiliar with A/C systems, ZZ, but fellow board poster Steve
J.
keeps various manuals online. Just happens to have an '02 WRX/Impreza
manual, from which I would suggest taking a look at the Wiring, and maybe
some other section, for troublshooting ideas.

http://chester.uccs.edu:80/WRX_Manual/

Good luck,

~Brian

 

[mpberti]

Thanks a lot, Brian!

its most likely a overcharge or undercharge of the coolant is the
pressure is not right the compressor will shut off get your pressure
checked and add some 134a

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

its most likely a overcharge or undercharge of the coolant is the
pressure is not right the compressor will shut off get your pressure
checked and add some 134a

Yep, quite likely the refrigerant has leaked out enogh to trigger the
low pressure cut-out. I dunno if it's important but the wife's'03
Outback had both suction and discharge hoses replaced (barely under
warranty) dur to leakage. Perhaps Subaru had a bad supply of them?

Carl

 

[ZZ]

One additional question. Recently, fuel rails were replaced by Subaru
service due to a leak (smell of raw fuel). Is it necessary to drain
refrigerant when replacing fuel rails? I suspect that service guys didn't
refill refrigerant after this procedure or they managed to screw something
up during the procedure. By a chance, I didn't have to turn on A/C until
recently and that's why I didn't notice A/C malfunction before....

ZZ

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

One additional question. Recently, fuel rails were replaced by Subaru
service due to a leak (smell of raw fuel). Is it necessary to drain
refrigerant when replacing fuel rails? I suspect that service guys didn't
refill refrigerant after this procedure or they managed to screw something
up during the procedure. By a chance, I didn't have to turn on A/C until
recently and that's why I didn't notice A/C malfunction before....

ZZ

Carl 1 Lucky Texan wrote:

Often they can 'lay aside' a compressor with lines attached - though
that is not without risk.
I just don't know. perhaps someone here is a tech and knows the
procedure. It is very possible they just forgot to re-charge the system
if it was opened.

Carl

 

[bigjim]

Should bought extended warranty- subaru Gold covers AC. Let dealer
fix it for a small deductible!!!!

 

[ZZ]

Thanks for spending your time and posting advice 'bigjim' but I was
asking more for a technical advice, not a generic consumer advisory....

ZZ