Air conditioner

30

Asked by Michael Jul 14, 2018 at 02:26 PM about the 2003 Toyota Matrix FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

A.c. system trapping the charge somehow. I
discharge the system and when I pull the hose it
explodes like its fully charged. Any thoughts?

4 Answers

43,910

I never heard of a trapped charge. Discharging the system takes a while to boil off so it make look like it's trapped. Pulling the hose will lose refrigerant and oil, and let air into the system. While the system is empty, add no more than two 14 ounce cans of 134a while checking pressure with a gauge. Make sure fan and compressor are coming on. Or take it to a shop for evacuation and recharge.

2 people found this helpful.
30

I fully discharged it with a robinair ac machine. The gauges read zero and yet when I pull the very first hose off at the condenser it went off like it was fully charged

43,910

Like I suggested, when a system is discharged, it takes a while for the last bit of vapor to escape. Refrigerant makes lots of cold while boiling off. When things later warm up, more vapor escapes unless you trap it. Trapped, it again builds pressure. Also, some refrigerant is dissolved in the lubricating oil. It takes time for that to boil out too. Now, here's the short answer: don't worry about it. It's just coming out of where it should be anyway.

30

I had never seen one fill the garage with a little trapped vapor before. Enough to create a fog that you could barely see through!

Your Answer:

Matrix

Looking for a Used Matrix in your area?

CarGurus has 132 nationwide Matrix listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Sam Samir
    Reputation
    320
  • #2
    dynasg2009
    Reputation
    310
  • #3
    Cyndy Crane
    Reputation
    290
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
108 Great Deals out of 2,035 listings starting at $2,795
Used Toyota RAV4
108 Great Deals out of 2,083 listings starting at $3,888
Used Pontiac Vibe
28 listings starting at $2,950
Used Toyota Yaris
8 Great Deals out of 206 listings starting at $4,770
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda CR-V
103 Great Deals out of 3,896 listings starting at $1,795
Used Toyota Prius
4 Great Deals out of 138 listings starting at $3,499
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Mazda MAZDA3
74 Great Deals out of 1,510 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 738 listings starting at $2,495
Used Honda Accord
40 Great Deals out of 910 listings starting at $1,599
Used Toyota 4Runner
10 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $9,700
Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,071 listings starting at $8,708

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.