A/c loss of power
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
A/c loss of power
Alright guys, just got back from Alaska today. Had my ac on high cold seeing as it was a very hot day in az. As I was getting onto the freeway I stepped on the gas to accelerate and the air pressure coming out of the vents dropped significantly. As soon as I let off the pedal it went back to normal. I did this a few times just to make sure it wasn't a fluke and it had the same results. Any ideas what the cause could be?
#3
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
I checked for a vacuum leak in that area didn't hear anything. Although I did hear a small leak coming from around the tb couldn't narrow it down though... Wouldn't a vacuum leak there Cause the AC loss of air? Sorry a slight noob
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 672
Likes: 5
From: Colorado
Year: 2001, 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
The dash vent actuators are vacuum controlled. Check the intake manifold. There are 5 vacuum connections- 2 on top, 3 on the side. The elbows on the side connections tend to fail. Just be careful moving things ago. The lines can be brittle and break.
#5
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Do you have a good diagram of the vacuum line system by chance?
#6
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 672
Likes: 5
From: Colorado
Year: 2001, 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I have the FSM but I believe forum rules & copyright laws prevent me from posting. It should be pretty clear by looking at the manifold. There isn't anything hidden underneath. What isn't fuel, electrical, or the air intake is vacuum.
#7
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
I thought so, I only saw one line on the side and three lines on top.. Still couldn't track down the leak, would there be anything else that would cause the original problem?
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 691
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Your A/C problem is almost certainly lack of vacuum. When you accelerate, engine vacuum decreases and A/C vents default to the defrost position.
I wouldn't depend on hearing the leak(s) but then I'm deaf to start with (per my wife). Perhaps the most common point for cracked vacuum line is in the battery area where acidic fumes work on the plastic line. Assuming that you have a decent vacuum at the reservoir (football) , I don't think you need to worry about leaks elsewhere affecting the A/C system.
Of course there can be a leak inside the cabin causing the problem but most seem to be in the line from the reservoir to the firewall.
I wouldn't depend on hearing the leak(s) but then I'm deaf to start with (per my wife). Perhaps the most common point for cracked vacuum line is in the battery area where acidic fumes work on the plastic line. Assuming that you have a decent vacuum at the reservoir (football) , I don't think you need to worry about leaks elsewhere affecting the A/C system.
Of course there can be a leak inside the cabin causing the problem but most seem to be in the line from the reservoir to the firewall.
#9
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 4
From: Riviera, Texas
Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I would start at the vacuum ball under the front bumper passenger side and fallow the hoses all the way back to the fire wall. Don't forget to check the vacuum ball itself for any cracks.
#10
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Ok guys, so I replaced the vacuum line coming from the reservoir to a t fitting by the battery as it did have a crack in the line. But, still on hard acceleration my air is still defaulting to defrost. Should my next step be replacing the actual vacuum reservoir or is this a normal thing? Help!
#12
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
eureka!!
So I went back to see if I over looked any of the lines and sure enough the line going into the fire wall on the passenger side had a nice crack! Now how the heck to do get that line out??? Do I have to take the while dashboard apart? I tried tugging on it and to my luck, the line broke completely... Today is just not my day lol Anyone know how to get this line out?
#13
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 90
From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So I went back to see if I over looked any of the lines and sure enough the line going into the fire wall on the passenger side had a nice crack! Now how the heck to do get that line out??? Do I have to take the while dashboard apart? I tried tugging on it and to my luck, the line broke completely... Today is just not my day lol Anyone know how to get this line out?
You won't have much luck getting that tube out and fishing new tube in.