HelP! AC stopped working on '97

Out of the blue, my AC stopped working on my 1997 Miata (30k miles). The
little blue AC light still comes on when I press the button, but no
cold air flows. The car was in storage for about 1 month, with a trickle
charger. It started just fine. I tested it at various speeds and there
is definitely no cold air flowing. I dont even think the compressor
comes on, but I can't be sure.

Any tips on home diagnosis, short of taking it to the dealer/mechanic?

thanks!

t o n y

Tony > wrote in:

> Out of the blue, my AC stopped working on my 1997 Miata (30k miles). The
> little blue AC light still comes on when I press the button, but no
> cold air flows. The car was in storage for about 1 month, with a trickle
> charger. It started just fine. I tested it at various speeds and there
> is definitely no cold air flowing. I dont even think the compressor
> comes on, but I can't be sure.
>
> Any tips on home diagnosis, short of taking it to the dealer/mechanic?

It's possible that it's low on refrigerant? It may have leaked while
sitting. Check circuit to the AC clutch, check the low pressure switch
(which will be open if it's low on refrigerant) and then you'll probably need
to take it to a shop.

Good news, winter's coming! Maybe you can let it slide for awhile?

Winter's a long time away in Florida :-( but this is good advice. I will
check that - I have an old enthusiasts guide with a diagnostic that
requires looking at the refrigerant level through a little porthole in a
tubing junction but sadly, my junction has no porthole.

Tony wrote:
> Winter's a long time away in Florida :-( but this is good advice. I will
> check that - I have an old enthusiasts guide with a diagnostic that
> requires looking at the refrigerant level through a little porthole in a
> tubing junction but sadly, my junction has no porthole.

Turns out that the coolant had completely drained out of the system. Had
it recharged and compression tested (1 wk later) and everything is fine.

Weird eh?

t o n y

Tony > wrote in
:

> Tony wrote:
>> Winter's a long time away in Florida :-( but this is good advice.
>> I will check that - I have an old enthusiasts guide with a
>> diagnostic that requires looking at the refrigerant level through
>> a little porthole in a tubing junction but sadly, my junction has
>> no porthole.
>
> Turns out that the coolant had completely drained out of the
> system. Had it recharged and compression tested (1 wk later) and
> everything is fine.
>
> Weird eh?

I hope they checked for leaks?

XS11E wrote:
> Tony > wrote in
> :
>
>
>>Tony wrote:
>>
>>>Winter's a long time away in Florida :-( but this is good advice.
>>>I will check that - I have an old enthusiasts guide with a
>>>diagnostic that requires looking at the refrigerant level through
>>>a little porthole in a tubing junction but sadly, my junction has
>>>no porthole.
>>
>>Turns out that the coolant had completely drained out of the
>>system. Had it recharged and compression tested (1 wk later) and
>>everything is fine.
>>
>>Weird eh?
>
>
> I hope they checked for leaks?
>
yes - no leaks. this is what is strange, how in a period of ... a month
the coolant completely drained out...

Tony > wrote in
:

> XS11E wrote:
>> I hope they checked for leaks?
>>
> yes - no leaks. this is what is strange, how in a period of ... a
> month the coolant completely drained out...

Oh, it's got a leak alright, they just couldn't find it. Running the
AC for a short time every week or so will allow the oil to circulate
and seal up tiny pinprick holes that allow the refrigerant to leak out,
it might help your problem.

On Wed, 02 Nov 2005 22:42:35 -0700, XS11E wrote:

> Tony > wrote in
> :
>
>> XS11E wrote:
>>> I hope they checked for leaks?
>>>
>> yes - no leaks. this is what is strange, how in a period of ... a
>> month the coolant completely drained out...
>
> Oh, it's got a leak alright, they just couldn't find it. Running the
> AC for a short time every week or so will allow the oil to circulate
> and seal up tiny pinprick holes that allow the refrigerant to leak out,
> it might help your problem.

Ok, so where are the common places for leaks on a Miata air conditioning
system? I have a 92 that I know has a leak. It is turning winter time so
I am not worried about it now, but I would like to find the leak and get
it fixed before next summer. A little info on the most common places to
look would be helpful, as it is a very small leak but I don't want to
charge it until I get the leak fixed.
TIA

Jon Dough > wrote in
news
> Ok, so where are the common places for leaks on a Miata air
> conditioning system?

Anywhere there's refrigerant there can be a leak. If they can't find
it with a leak detector they should put in a can of dye and check it
later.