Your favorite DIYer returns from prolonged absence to troubleshoot an air conditioning problem that would have caused Scotty's typical minions to dump $20 right into the ozone layer before they even got a clue.
This kind of detective work on a car is almost always fun, and it sure makes a helpful video. Nicely done. Matt, just ignore the trolls and haters. By spending so much of -your- our time responding to trolls on followup videos, you're letting them plan the agenda for future recordings. Most of us don't need to hear it, and your videos will be faster, cleaner and better.
Thank you so much for posting this video. I noticed last spring that my ac stopped working in my Nissan Xterra. I went a whole year thinking it was going to be an expensive fix. You helped me trouble shoot it. I first noticed the clutch was not coming on. I got my voltmeter and was about to try to chase down the issue, when i noticed that the AC compressor wasn't even plugged in. I plugged it in and BAM!! AC works perfect! I don't know if a mechanic just forgot to plug it in after doing other work on the engine, or if it was intentional. I hope it was not the latter.
Good job and a great video explanation. I repaired mobile a/c professional for 24 years and I have to say your thought process is right on. Thanks for the videos.
I love when i have a issue and see you to solve it here. I just started working on my car 3 weeks ago and this is the only thing that makes sense to me Thank you!
You are very knowledgeable but you seem to allow the stage you're on (the internet) dictate you're delivery. Don't worry about and please stop giving into negative comments and people in general. I learned a lot from whatching this video.I had to rewind a few parts due to your "typical hack" comments. My word to you is if you are sharing knowledge do so without the bitter shade throwing. In this world no one knows it all however, all of our knowledge together can move mountains. Thanks again for the informative vídeo.
My name David from Houston,tx I just want to say thank you.... My gal Acura ac went out... I don't know much about ac system until I saw your video... My gal was panicking and about to call a mechanic...I ask her to let me check it out...It was a brown fuse... I just imagine how someone could be paying much, for something very simple... thanks
Thanks for the video ! I like your attitude but I still am learning to work on my personal vehicles. I am guilty of the “replace until you find the coconut” methodology. Keep up the good work and we will keep watching and learning ❤️
I actually followed this technique in a similar fashion in my newly acquired 2001 Chevy trail blazer with the 4.3. You seemed to have almost the exact same vehicle or at least same looking engine. I have the exact same electrical issue. Previous owner told me it was low on pressure and needed to add some but I had to test all the connectors just to make myself content with that call. Unfortunately, I have three same issue as no power at all 0.00 volts going to the clutch. I had power at the low pressure switches. All my fixes and relays work properly. The pebbled now like he just confirmed for me is there's going to be a break somewhere and that's not going to be easy to find. I almost wish it was only a guide or relay.
Wow, I just discovered your channel. Finally someone who thinks like I do when performing automotive diagnostic procedures. Eager to watch more of your content.
Hi I just discovered your videos and they seem very informative. In my opinion you should leave the negativity out and just own what you do. By making a point of everything that people might say and will say just eats away at what could be an informative and extremely confident approach. Let the haters hate and allow us to learn from your experiences.. cheers
I gotta say... People are so freaking sensitive and they're getting free information, wtf, they should be happy for someone who is a professional giving them free information. They shouldn't be a mechanic or work in any shop, they'd be crying in a corner somewhere!
I think your video would be much more effective by just telling us what and how you'd check and leave out all the sarcasm and criticisms of DIY'ers. We know we are amatures but like tinkering, saving money, and the feeling we've accomplished something.
I am getting a truck from my in laws. It has an AC issue. Not sure what it is yet. But in either case. This was a good video on diagnosing. And I love your sarcasm. Thanks a bunch.
Schroeder's Box don't let them get you down! God bless you for all of your efforts and I really appreciate you for posting your knowledge for people like me to see so that we can help ourselves in times of desperate need. I've been on my own since 13. I've been learning watching others mostly from you tube and Google (since my papa is gone now). Your knowledge is greatly appreciated and every little bit counts. Thank you!
Using logic then brain contrary to your average mechanic love your video. I can’t believe how many thumbs down you got now we know exactly how many monkeys are out there. 👍 I could tell you’re really frustrated and have no patience with how much idiot repairs you see an air-conditioning on RU-vid it shows, me too !. Some of my videos about air-conditioning I talked to same way in frustration at the idiots and monkeys that you do.
Thank your man again fantastic video I love them keep up the good work you’re funny you’re awesome you’re the man thank you👀🌿🙏I learn a lot from you from watching your videos fantastical Gracias
Thank you for posting this. It is going to help me trouble shoot my air conditioning on my silverado. You put it so simply i have the confidence to do this myself now. Thanks! Oh yea.... Dont let the nay sayers get to you. You got a gift , share it!!
Im not kidding when I say this, my AC started blowing hot yesterday and my first thought was, damn I wish matt would put up a video. Thanks matt! Hope everything worked with the promotion
I always enjoy your shows...correction your videos. Extremely informative and entertaining. Many times it's your sarcasm that keeps me engaged. Have learnt a lot from your content. Keep them videos comming Matt. You are doing fantastic by my Standard.
Nice work. A little common sense and the power of observation goes a long way. Good logical approach to troubleshooting on most, if not all mechanical issues, appreciate you sharing the info.
Especially cars from the 90's (like mine) that are now 20+ years old. Resistors and relays have been baked for decades and fail....wiring gets brittle and fails.
Thank you very much! We followed your testing procedures, and found a loose connector on the air conditioner clutch. Just as simple as it gets. But without your video and explanations, we were totally lost. Again, much thanks!!!!!
First off, love the channel, and your easy to understand repairs and methods. THANK YOU AND KEEP THEM COMING. My 2002 Merc Benz S430 (W220) A/C stopped working after I replaced the windshield wiper hose (with the heater wire/ cable inside). The unit small red light is on indicating the system works, but will not blow cold air. The clutch does engage, on then off, constantly. The typical reset feature/ trick doesn't work for whatever this error is currently. I checked the relays/ switched and replaced them as well. Assuming the system may have been low on refrigerant, I filled it with what it took in, which appeared to be almost two full "tall" cans of AC Pro. Reset the system and the air came on "absolutely freezing cold" for about two minutes then shut off again. After resetting and attempting to make it stay on, it wouldn't reset anymore after four attempts. I noticed a clear liquid had leaked from the bottom center of the car down the driveway to the rear of the car, no smell or color, but thicker than water. The next day, with the engine running and the air refilled and reset once more, I heard a loud hissing and bursting flow of air or spray from under the hood, front drivers side for about 40 seconds then stopped. I believe it was a pressure relief vale of some sort !!! Scared the &%$#@^& %$#%^&%#@ out of me to be exact. The clutch still engages, on then off, constantly. Whats wrong with the cars AC ????? What would you recommend I check or replace???? No AC for the past four months now...
Interesting personality. Like your tools setup. Always looking for good tools. Great way to test relay. Had the same issues so this helps. I dont do ac but cars are old and local mechanics have failed me too many times.
Yep, nice video, great content, and thank you for speaking to me, EXACTLY like I speak to myself when I spent a $grand throwing parts at it before I researched properly 👍👍
Please answer this: So how did a wire get *cut* "while sitting at a stoplight"? Sounds and smells to me. I retired from the "repair" market years ago- for reasons of cheap, stupid people wanting free work- or trying to haggle my worth, or just plain lying to my face. I don't blame you one bit.
Because, as was mentioned twice in the video quite clearly and also shown on my other video, it was an improperly done butt connection from a previous repair. I have seen this countless times- clean wire breaks like that at terms and connections. If you do this work with any regularity you will see this very often. If you really were in the repair market you would have seen this as well countless times.
Schrodingers Box Yes- in 10 years I saw a few "repairs" that were done before they came into the Shop. Always fun- to hear the stories about who, what, and why. Bird's nests of bread twisters, paper masking tape, Duct tape, Scotch tape, bailing wire. I did hear you mention it looked like a Butt connector might have been used, and had simply broken at the improperly deep cut strip- but there was no view of that broken piece, or of you repairing it in the video. It seemed like you edited that part out. I did not see the "other video" you speak of. I really miss your stunning logic and methodical train of thought. Nice to see you again.
HUBBABUBBA DOOPYDOOP Thanks man- sorry my answer maybe came off as brash but I misinterpreted your comment. There were several people who accused me of cutting the wire for sake of the video- as if I would do that on a customer's car (or need to do that). It pisses me off. My apologies bro.
Forget about it. I got just as disgustipated as you about the whole mess- that's why I left, and started an entirely different career until I retired. Don't worry about what the kids here say- they're like flies on a turd.
Just found this video, and I absolutely love your approach to things. "Fix it with your brain instead of hunting around like a monkey looking for a coconut". I will be referencing this video as I hunt for my A/C issue. Thank you!
Good job and thanks. I am not hearing my clutch kick on in the truck. I have not yet done the visual inspection or checked for pressure. I now have a good starting point. thanks for your time.
No bad mood, he's just tired of folks who lack the skill and knowledge he has second guessing him. Plus you should ignore that and appreciate his method.
No I am here to eliminate idiocy in this world. I see I need to focus much more on you specifically. If you would THINK for even just a second, if I just wanted to hear myself talk I would not have to make information you found valuable. Idiocy. It's overwhelming.
They turned it off soon as I brought out DVOM instead of test light hahahaha. Actually I was going to do all the tests using a test light just for them- But at the same time, I also wanted to do this diagnosis conclusively the first time lol.
But then...I'd have to have misplaced my PowerProbe as well, as sometimes I hook it up in ingenious ways just to see the voltage my dvom would have shown easier. Ha.
I am very interested in seeing another video like you did for understanding how the egr system works, but for the a/c. This video helped me the most with my vehicle. Thank you for doing what you do @Schrodingers Box.
@@SchrodingersBox *me gusta* meme intensifies. [Left to go watch immediately.] I obsess on projects to the same extent you put into explaining how things work. I find it to be a mandatory component in the tool box. Thank you!!
I have watched some of your video before, but not this one. Some of your explanation is really help, but if you can go straight to the points and do less talk, that will be perfect.
you want him to be you? That him at his best. What's wrong with people nowadays. No patience at all? It's a video. ffw if you want, or increase the speed of your video in setting
To comment on an old-ish video (but another good one!) Good info here - I hope it helps me further troubleshoot my '02 Dodge truck. The A/C didn't work when I got the truck, and I think there's more than one problem. The relay has 12v across pins 30 and 87 (load side) and also pins 85 and 86 (control side). The control side never drops to 0v when the A/C is switched on. It's ground-side switched inside the PCM, according to my FSM wiring diagram. I've verified the compressor comes on when pins 30 and 87 are jumped. While the pressure starts off in the normal range, it immediately goes extremely high when the compressor is forced on. The pressure sensor (not switch) has 3 wires - 5v ref, ground, and signal. The signal voltage is within the normal operating range per the FSM (0.45v - 5.0v). It sits at 0.7v at startup and climbs to 5v rather quickly as it follows system pressure. I'm afraid of leaving the compressor on for more than 30 seconds or so. Anyway, the switch seems to be operating. There's a LOT of green leak check in the system. I'm thinking the system is clogged somewhere. Also, I'm guessing someone tried to "jump" the sensor thinking it was a switch and fried the PCM. Next I'll use some more of your video help in verifying PCM switching. I hope I can figure that part out. Thanks for all you do.
Yeah my AC video on my pay channels covers these exact variables. A likely variable for this high pressure jump per your description is a clogged expansion valve
Your channel and content is so good but your ego is very hard to like. Thumbs up for content but you might consider it makes you look really insecure when you start mentioning other mechanics
@@SchrodingersBox i like your knowledge but your personality and sarcasm is not a good thing. your smart but dont have great communicative skills..i have been and instructor for investigative teams and your deductions are instructive but your attitude conflicts with teaching..thank you for your channel regardless
@@angelsspirit335 Beta you make it sound like you are some kind of authority or something and I should do things like you do. I am an instructor too. Of 150K followers and MILLIONS of viewers. You should be asking me how I do it because you have not nearly such a loyalty base from your students.
@@SchrodingersBox sorry didnt mean to do anything but express maybe that day of that video you were over emphatic. you know your craft its clear. i didnt take any offense so i dont want you too either. great channel no matter!
What the...? This guy is Awesome! Anyone who quotes DEVO "When a problem comes along you must whip it" scores honors in my books. My books are great books too. Loves this guys personality, sense of humor and auto knowledge. He whips it real good!
Great video, but do you you have to put put down other RU-vid channels and/or people that comment? Youre putting it out there, so you shouldnt expect all positive responses, man. Very arrogant......sorry
Ummmm, how is this any different than what you just did? Why are you not holding yourself to the exact same standard, especially considering you aren't contributing anything while I am? Please explain. Because you sound both ignorant AND incompetent to be quite honest. Just giving you constructive feedback man.
Im hardly arrogant, just watching your video should tell you that. And as far as incompetant, how can you tell? Ive been doing this a long time but I do watch videos to help me with some of the new vehicles. Saves me time. All respect, but yours wasnt especially helpful, turned it off early, man. Lol!
No you fail to understand. I set the standards. thats why i deleted your last comment. Got it yet? Now be a good little intern and keep learning. Otherwise i’ll set them even higher.
Why have you chosen to be so defensive with potential subscribers comments. If they all seem to you like rubbish ignorant kids who are just posting dumb comments on your videos than why not disable the comments altogether? Would seem wise given that after just reading 2 to 3 of your back and forth replies to comments has me understand why it is that your channel stands where it's at. If you could ignore your unnecessary catty need to speak negatively on other specific yt mechanics, your videos are informative and would be helpful to the less inclined in auto mechanic repairs. Now with that I couldn't support your method or belief in teaching, so I'll be sure to avoid your channels videos in the future which I can guess you won't be bothered by that but also I'm pretty positive that I'm not the first to think this way.
Love your videos! you have fought me a lot! when are you going to do a video with steering? I have an issue with a steering torque sensor on a 2005 VW golf
Good point made for the visual inspection! You have a problem, as a fact, so u batter start examin the system by overruling the posible problems. Thats the only way to find t problem, everything else is a waste of time! I have a friend that does the "Visual Inspection " for ours.😄 But on the end is me that fixes all his problems. Thenks for video, it was educational!
Unfortunately, I was one of the DIY hacks that started with the addition of refrigerant. By the way, "if it were spinning". Finally, someone who knows when to use "were" instead of "was".
In the run up to 12:29 in the video you had the voltmeter across the load side relay contacts. You would be unlikely to see a potential difference between the two relay load contacts - even if the load was passing current. With an open circuit as you had, the relay load side terminal would be floating. That is why you didn't read a voltage. This of course changed when you rearranged your meter leads to reference to the engine (which is grounded). If your load hadn't been floating the load current would tried to pass through the DVM.
Help please. First of all thanks for posting this great video. Here is my story. An almost similar story made you think AC Compressor Load but I'd like to give you more details. 2012 Malibu 2.4l Engine was replaced and AC came on and off and then disappeared. At 1st, I thought LEAK... Please let me point out I have basic or less than basic electrical diagnostic skill. 2 days ago, I decided to check for power and ground at the compressor connector after making sure all fuses and relay were good. I found a broken power wire (green) at the back of the connector. I connected the 2 wires temporarily, started the car and switch the AC, the clutch engaged and I could feel the air. HAPPY I FIXED IT, i just need to connect wires well for good. Yesterday, i woke up with this task in mind but since the wire cut at the connector was so small, I went to Chevrolet and purchased a brand new connector. THE BEGINNING OF MY NIGHTMARE NOW. I cut power and ground wire and, despite trying to be careful, I connected the wires to the wrong sides of the connector, not sure, but I had ground and power at the end of the Compressor connector. Plugged it, started the car and fuse blew. Replaced it, tried again fuse blew 2 times more. I tried to plug a bi directional scan tool but it would not connect to the control module; it is as if, my scan tool is not plugged. My neighbor put a wire on the ac clutch fuse to bypass it and I ensure to reconnect the power and ground wire like they are supposed to be. Scantool still can't connect. IM VERY CONFUSED AND THIS IS WHERE I NEED YOUR LEAD. 1- My first thought is AC CONTROL MODULE BURNED DUE (I do not know where the AC control module is located). The AC control panel buttons seems to be working. 2- Could the AC Compressor be burned by the wrong wire connections? 3- Since the fuse kept blowing before we bypass it, I also thought another broken wire but I don't know since compressor clutch still wont engage despite bypass. 4- I get 5V at the AC Pressure switch; could the AC pressure switch be the issue? What do you think? Thanks for reading my novel
Most of your stuff seems way over my head unless I pay really good attention (newbie on electrical diagnosis), but I know your methods can save me money, so thanks.
