Hi Folks,

I am buying a '94 Impreza, and it is in pretty good shape except

for being a bit rusty, and the a/c does not cool.

 

It appears to be R12 and not converted, and when I checked

the fuse it is OK, the fans start when the a/c is switched on

and it appears to have some R12 in it because when I quickly

pushed on the little valve in the fill fitting I got a good squirt

which seemed to have some pressure behind it - but the

compressor does not start, though it spins freely by hand.

 

I also pulled all 4 a/c relays and switched them around with

no change evident.

 

Questions:

1 - Is there any reason NOT to convert it to R134a ?

 

2 - Assuming it is low on gas and that's why it won't run,

when/if I convert it, is there anything special I must do ?

 

3 - Is there another common cause for these symptoms ?

 

4 - Where are the high and low pressure switches located ?

 

5 - Is there an online source of repair info for these cars ?

(Maybe like Honda's online manuals ?)

 

Any education would be greatly appreciated !

 

mark

Hi,

 

I'm not familiar with that car so my response should be considered as a generalism.

 

If the compressor does not spin, it may simply be disconnected, electrically. If it is connected, get a wiring diagram and check the path. There may be some simple things that affect the status of the compressor.

 

As for conversion to R134a, one typically has, at a minumum, to replace the high/low pressure switch and the receiver/dryer. If you think you're going to keep the car a while and there is no leak in the system, you may as well stick with R12. R12 prices have dropped recently.

 

There is a product called Freeze12 that is supposed to be a drop-in R12 replacement. To use that you'll have to convert your line fittings but that's not difficult. Check their website for details.

 

Regards,

Adnan

It's probably low on refrigerent. I'd just convert it. Replace the receiver/dryer, flush the system, put pag oil in, and charge the system with 134a to 3/4 of the R12 capacity.

 

I've got a thread detailing my conversion process if you search.

Shouldn't a '94 have R134A? What kind of service fittings does it have, threaded or snap-on?