HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Hi all,

After returning from overseas, I have found that my air conditioning doesn't cool.

I only had it re-gassed before I left, so it has all leaked out in 1 month.

I took it back to the A/C specialists who tell me that one of the metal pipes that comes from the canister (just under hood behind RH headlight) is leaking, wither from a hole or from the PRESSURE SWITCHER.

I am told the part I require is PN # 73052PA000.

Subaru Australia want $225 for the part and the A/C people want to charge 3 hours labour for the repair and re-gas.

HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND HOW WAS IT RESOLVED?

Does anyone know where I could find that part CHEAPER in Australia or Canada, as I will be in Canada most of May.


Kindest regards,

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Hi Mike, it could be the pipe from the condenser that has cracked, to leak. I had this leak on mine, replaced the condenser. It was about 550/600 to buy here, 350 from the US.

Harvey.

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Thanks for the prompt response, Harvey!

It was just fitted with the new dye, so the techs told me it is leaking from the pipe, not the condenser and that it was leaking near the pressure switcher - but without removing the radiator, they couldn't be sure.

They tell me that if it is a hole, they can fix it. If it is a problem with the pressure switcher, they recommend I replace part.

Cheers,

Mike

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

How about that - I had the EXACT same problem on my Grey SVX about a year ago......

:eek::eek:

I found that the A/C compressor clutch was not being activated when the A/C was turned on. The Trinary Pressure Switch was open-circuit, indicating a low refrigerant charge.

It turns out that the refrigerant had leaked from inside the switch itself! The internal seal inside the Trinary Switch had failed, allowing refrigerant to leak out from the body of the switch, where the electrical contact pins are.

It was cheaper for me to replace that entire section of pipe, which includes a new switch. I purchased one from the USA (1stsubaruparts.com).

It is very easy to replace that section of pipe - it comes with new o-rings on each end, so you simply unbolt the fittings at each end, and bolt the new pipe on.

If your system is still running R-12 refrigerant, you will need to convert the system over to R-134a - this involves replacing the receiver / drier unit, and changing the compressor oil.

Jason.

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Thanks Jason.

I have to go overseas for 3 weeks, but will sort it out when I get home.

Mike

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Yes, the switch has been a cause for leaks in the past. Not likely a pipe is leaking unless it is from a seal. Try replacing the trinary switch first

Tom

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

If that's the part that I had a problem with, the switch can't be purchased separately, the part comes from Subaru with and already attached to the pipe. My switch exploded green dye while while working on the system :eek:

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Thanks again for the advise. Can the TRINARY switch be purchased seperately?

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Should be able to. It is threaded into the block in the pipe

Tom

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

If replacing the reciever/dryer, would one made for a newer SVX fitted with R134a from the factory be the part to buy.

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

I lost my charge and it was traced to a bad O ring where the pipe connects to the compressor. It was then recharged with "Freeze 12", an R12 substitute. Anyone else use this?
Gene

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

unfortunately the R134a and R12 lines have different connections at the evaporator causing use of the R134a line unusable on an R12 car. Retrofit kits are readily available and very effective

Tom

Re: HELP! Tech assist required!
 

Hi! I am back from Canada and am keen to get the air cond fixed.

I am on 1stsubaruparts.com and am trying to find the part.

Do I need the whole $250 pipe and switch or is there an easier and cheaper way?

What is the part number for these parts?

Cheers,

Mike:confused: