05 AC explosion!! Solved

[heuster]

Ok, loads of drama here - I won't get into the ethics on this one, cause there certainly are some blatant violations...

Shop replaced the AC manifold hoses. AC was not performing correctly after hoses were replaced in the rear. Intermittent cooling in the rear, front was fine.

After 3 weeks, went out to start the expy...BOOOOOOOOM!!!!! The accumulator(aluminum can sized deal on the manifold) freaking exploded. About 2 seconds after I started the truck, boom. It didn't even take any time to build pressure - just exploded. The AC was on when I started it, 2 seconds, BOOM.

Shop replaced the hose again, but said it had a "slug" in the system so they wouldn't test it further or put freon in it.

What are my next steps on this? Add freon and take my chances? How do I test the compressor before I put freon on it? I don't want to blow another line - it damaged EVERYTHING in there. Cooling lines, tranny dipstick bent to hell.

What next...it's 110 degrees today, so the faster you help me the smaller puddle I made driving this thing.

 

[stamp11127]

Well, the best way to fix the problem is to replace all the components with new. Most people don't want to do that due to sticker shock.
Another option is to flush the system. There isn't a guarantee that all the components will clean up, some may have retained trash only to release it at later date taking the big buck components out.

So what should you do - get another shop that is competent or learn how to do the ac work yourself.

 

[docraymund]

With what you experienced its better to take it to another reputable ac installer. Expect to replace the condenser, accumulator, evaporators and orifice tube. You may not need to replace the compressor.

 

[heuster]

Ok, well for the record, I found out that this was because of a bad AC Compressor. Go figure.

So, I'm about to replace everything except the ac manifold hoses. Does anyone have access to a good video/steps for getting the condenser R&R? That is going to be the toughest one. This is for an 01 with the 5.4. I ordered a Denso conpressor, condenser and expansion valve and the rest of it was 4 seasons brand. ANY tips/tricks on these replacements will be greatly appreciated.

 

[and0r]

A bad AC compressor does not create pressure. Creating too much pressure is a sign of a good AC compressor! See if there is a way you can actually test the AC compressor.
Sounds like a valve or something else caused blockage.

 

[stamp11127]

The accumulator is the large aluminum can mounted close to the firewall, passenger side. You may be thinking of the muffler.

The compressor is protected by a safety device that lifts in order to keep it from grenading due to extremely high pressure on the high side. A blocked orifice tube or txv will allow the high side pressure to reach the maximum the compressor is able to produce. In your case the muffler "opened" at a lower pressure than the safety of the compressor.

"Shop replaced the hose again, but said it had a "slug" in the system so they wouldn't test it further or put freon in it." No kidding - fix it DA. Isn't that what you are in business for?

Take a look at the orifice tube before swapping in new components. There should be nothing on the screen. Most older systems may have a black sludge type crap on the screen. In this case the system needs to be flushed. If metal is found then entire system replacement is in order. Some will argue that point, but those small aluminum slivers are imbedded in the hose liners. Repeated hot/cold cycles will free them allowing them to pass throughout the system. Possibly taking out that nice new compressor in the process.

 

[heuster]

HEY ADMINS - this is not for a 1st gen Navi, it is for an 05. You moved to the wrong forum. Delete this line and move it back with my solution below. You also left off some of the history on this thread.

Solved this one. The A/C control button inside failed. I ordered a replacement on ebay and everything fired right up. I doubted my troubleshooting and testing. Told myself there is no way the button failed, I must be missing something and skipping a step somewhere. Nope.

 

[GaryH]

HEY ADMINS - this is not for a 1st gen Navi, it is for an 05. You moved to the wrong forum.

You didn't mention what year or model it is in your OP. I suppose the just picked the first one in your signature line. Please elaborate on how the AC control switch caused the accumulator to explode. I don't see how its possible. But, what do I know. Is it still working after 7 years?