S2000 Under The Hood S2000 Technical and Mechanical discussions.

AC slowly dying

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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 06:26 PM
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Default AC slowly dying

I just picked up a 40k mile 2000 AP1 and noticed a few things after a couple days of driving. My AC is cool when moving, but warm at idle. It seems to be getting worse the more I go out. I dont see any obvious leaks, and the ac condenser fan is spinning, which I thought it might be. Could it just need a top off of freon or could the condenser fan be dying? TIA
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Old Jan 24, 2023 | 03:11 AM
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Originally Posted by FeefTheSloth
I just picked up a 40k mile 2000 AP1 and noticed a few things after a couple days of driving. My AC is cool when moving, but warm at idle. It seems to be getting worse the more I go out. I dont see any obvious leaks, and the ac condenser fan is spinning, which I thought it might be. Could it just need a top off of freon or could the condenser fan be dying? TIA
Get a manifold gauge set and check the pressure. Check that the condenser isn't clogged with dirt and debris. If enough dirt accumulates on it, it can affect cooling at idle. Also look at the subframe near the compressor, do you see any oily substance there?

You can get a harbor freight gauge for like $70, that and a vacuum pump for roughly the same price, is all you need to service the ac system.

Last edited by Slowcrash_101; Jan 24, 2023 at 03:18 AM.
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Old Jan 24, 2023 | 07:49 AM
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Do both radiator fans turn on with the AC?

-- Chuck
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Old Jan 24, 2023 | 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Chuck S
Do both radiator fans turn on with the AC?

-- Chuck
Yes both fans are on
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Old Jan 24, 2023 | 11:18 AM
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Since there is no separate "condenser" fan go back to @Slowcrash_101 's note.

-- Chuck
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Old Jan 25, 2023 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Slowcrash_101
Get a manifold gauge set and check the pressure. Check that the condenser isn't clogged with dirt and debris. If enough dirt accumulates on it, it can affect cooling at idle. Also look at the subframe near the compressor, do you see any oily substance there?

You can get a harbor freight gauge for like $70, that and a vacuum pump for roughly the same price, is all you need to service the ac system.
Pressure on the low side was about 58psi @80f. thought it might just need a recharge. im mistaken
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Old Jan 25, 2023 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by FeefTheSloth
Pressure on the low side was about 58psi @80f. thought it might just need a recharge. im mistaken
That's correctish low side pressure. What about the high side? Is the suction hose cold when the system is running?
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Slowcrash_101
That's correctish low side pressure. What about the high side? Is the suction hose cold when the system is running?
It turns out my compressor is weak. As soon as its given revs the low side pressure drops dramatically and cools the cabin. What else should I replace other than the compressor and drier?
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Old Jan 31, 2023 | 02:21 AM
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Originally Posted by FeefTheSloth
It turns out my compressor is weak. As soon as its given revs the low side pressure drops dramatically and cools the cabin. What else should I replace other than the compressor and drier?
How about high side? It could just be a clogged drier.

If you want something to replace, the expansion valve. You have to remove the battery to do so. There's a 4mm allen bolt that'll likely be on really tight holding it on.
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Old Feb 4, 2023 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Slowcrash_101
How about high side? It could just be a clogged drier.

If you want something to replace, the expansion valve. You have to remove the battery to do so. There's a 4mm allen bolt that'll likely be on really tight holding it on.
Unfortunately I dont remeber, but I remember the number being static, even with revs. The dryer sounds right, I'm not sure if this is related, or just because I live in florida, but since it does act as a moisture filter if it were clogged would my air feel humid? It almost feels like it leaves my steering wheels wet when the air is blowing on it.
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