Random Problems (Need some help) - 1995 DeVille

[Frostbain]

I've got a 1995 DeVille with a little bit of exterior damage (previous owner somehow backed into her garbage can), and about 145k miles now.

Just about two weeks ago the radiator decided to bust open and the A/C compressor wanted to rip itself to pieces. Got that all settled down, with aftermarket parts, for a grand (including towing over 50 miles back to my home town). Then today, a connector in the coolant system punches a hole in itself big enough to fit a pen into (luckily the parts blew outward instead of going into the system). Took care of that one myself - for a whole $3.00 (plus extra antifreeze to replace what it lost).

And that brings me to my questions/problems.
1) With the AC problem - it seems to have lost it's charge (either due to the dealerships work, or just time). Is there any decent way I can check to be sure that it just doesn't have a charge on my own?
Also, if it is the charge; would I need to get the system depressurized by a shop before recharging it myself? I've got people that can help me with most of the work, but none of us have a vacuum pump.

2) With this last coolant system problem, it spewed antifreeze onto/into the air intakes for the cabin. Are there any good ways to clean it out; or do I just have to drive with the windows down until it evaporates (the scent is noticeable when the fan is turned on).

3) I also had my tires changed, but they didn't disable the ride control system before doing it - so the "Service Ride Control" message comes up (it's happened before - it's from having the car lifted without the system disabled). Am I stuck needing a diagnostic tool to reset the message, or is there another way I could do it?

[joemedulla@sbcglobal]

1) You can pick up R134A recharge kits and guages at you local auto parts store. You should be able to pick up a guage with the fill attachment on it should you need to recharge. You may, however, have a leak in your system, which you can find by getting a leak detector kit. This, of course, depends on how comfortable you are working on an A/C system.

2)Have you tried shampooing your interior? I use a Bissel on my home carpeting and it has an attachment for upholstery. If not, you can usually rent these from Home Depot.

3) I don't know

Hope this helps

[Frostbain]

[quote=joemedulla@sbcglobal;1622088]1) You can pick up R134A recharge kits and guages at you local auto parts store. You should be able to pick up a guage with the fill attachment on it should you need to recharge. You may, however, have a leak in your system, which you can find by getting a leak detector kit. This, of course, depends on how comfortable you are working on an A/C system.[quote]
My dad's certified on HVAC systems (he works with industrial freeze dryers normally), so whatever I can't do, he can. I've got a few friends that can handle it too (including Dodge/Chrysler's top rated mechanic in the state).

2)Have you tried shampooing your interior? I use a Bissel on my home carpeting and it has an attachment for upholstery. If not, you can usually rent these from Home Depot.

It's (almost) all leather. I didn't get any misting inside, and with the fan off/vents closed there's no scent; so all of the smell and fumes are coming from outside the cabin. I'm hoping I might have just missed a small pool of antifreeze - but I won't be able to check until tomorrow.

I'll look at giving it a good interior cleaning anyway, it can't hurt .



Thanks

[Ranger]

1. You have to put a set of gauges on it to see what the charge is. You can recharge it if it has not been opened to atmosphere, If it has, then you have to pull a vacuum.

2. Remove the intake grill at the bottom of the windshield if you can and flush it out with a garden hose. Even if you can't remove it, flush it as is. That should help a lot.

3. Clear the codes. See the sticky at the top of the page.