Air Conditioning Condenser with Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler

Signs of Wear & Troubleshooting

• Reduced cooling capacity in your vehicle's cabin could be a sign that your condenser is worn or in need of maintenance. Signs that the cause of the A/C systems poor function is related to the condenser may include:
• Evidence of physical damage to the condenser
• Fittings or tubes saturated with refrigerant
• Signs of corrosion in the system

• These signs of wear could be caused by:
• Leaking vanes or tanks
• Debris clogged core
• Plugged internal passages

• Your A/C system must be maintained with the correct level of refrigerant and appropriate pressure to work properly. An A/C system leak, which could result in incorrect fluid or pressure levels, could potentially harm or interfere with the performance of your A/C system. This would result in lack of or insufficient cooling performance. Common causes of A/C system leaks include:
• Worn or damaged service valves and caps
• Worn hoses
• Loose connections
• Seal failures
• Damaged components
• Worn or damaged compressor shaft seal
• Worn or damaged evaporator
• Worn or damaged condenser
• Worn or damaged compressor seals
• A/C system component corrosion
• Missing service cap

• To check your A/C system for leaks:
• Use a leak detection dye, such as ACDelco Fluorescent Tracer Dye. Be sure to use the dye that is specified for use with your systems oil and refrigerant type.
• Look for dirt or containment build up around hose or line connections. This could be a sign that oil, which would attract and hold contaminants, is leaking out of the connection.

Good Maintenance Practices

• Your vehicle's air conditioning (A/C) system should be routinely checked by a professional technician. This should occur approximately every 12 months, though you should check your owner's manual for more specific recommendations. Any related maintenance should be handled only by professionals. If you notice any of the following conditions, have your vehicle checked right away:
• Musty smell when the air conditioning or heating system is activated
• Inadequate cooling or heating temperatures when using the air conditioning or heating system
• The vehicle's temperature gauge indicates a ‘red' condition
• Steam coming from the engine compartment
• Unusual smells inside or outside the vehicle

• Your A/C system requires proper air flow to operate effectively. Poor air flow across the condenser will impact system performance and can increase refrigerant system pressure. Make sure air flow into your system is not obstructed by bugs, leaves, dirt, or other contaminates in between tune ups.

• Your A/C system is a sealed system, which includes different components connected by hoses, tubes, or lines. To keep the system leak free, inlet and outlet fittings have O-rings or seal washers, and the lines have leak free fittings. To help prevent leaks in the A/C System, follow these guidelines when servicing connections:
• Use the proper O-ring for the system
• Thoroughly clean all fittings and do not over torque beyond what is recommended
• Always lubricate O-rings with clean refrigerant oil
• Always replace sealing caps on service ports
• Recover refrigerant from the system when or if necessary
• Keep dirt and foreign material from all sealing surfaces