few things (AC, brakes, CC)

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

1. AC: I have a can of refrigerant (R134a) and I can see the valve I am supposed to use...but HOW THE HELL am I going to connect the can to the valve (behind the engine by the exhaust manifold) while the engine is running? It is a short (6 inch) hose. (I have the LD9, auto)

2. Brakes: on my way home from work today (18 mile commute), I gently stepped on the brake pedal and it went all the way to the floor. I was scared. But it went back to normal after I pumped it a couple times...and then I try it again and it goes to the floor. Rinse and repeat. I'm guessing a slow leak somewhere? Anybody have any btter guesses?

3. Cruise Control: my switch doesn't stay turned on. I physically took the switch off the steering wheel and it rattles when I shake it. is THIS the only problem I have? I don't feel like shelling out $25 for a new switch unless I have to.

[Philbar71]

For no:3 Stick a dime in it.

[walkerj014]

#1 Did you buy the kit or just the can of R134a. You need the quick connect (usually comes also with a gauge to let you know if you need a refill and pressure level). I bought mine at Walmart for about 40 bucks including the can of R134a

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

the can has a quick connect hose and a gauge on it.

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

For no:3 Stick a dime in it.
if this works, I'll buy a switch later on...but then there's no need to hurry. lol

[Philbar71]

if this works, I'll buy a switch later on...but then there's no need to hurry. lol

Oh ya it works ;) It only costs 10 cents and is not noticeable at all, sometimes I forget its there.

[cherrington17]

i have no idea why they give such short tubes with those cans of r134. the 3400 is behind the engine, and you have to have your arm nearly touching the serp to get to it.

idiotic. make them 2' long. I'll pay slightly more for a longer tube!

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

2 feet would be perfect!!! I could rest the can on my STB while I fire up the engine and AC and can come back around to turn on the can. If it could be so easy....

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

well, the dime thing doesn't work. I guess my switch was that far gone.

and I got my AC charged yesterday. man was that a bitch. I had my wife hold the can up so it didn't touch the hot engine (I don't wanna chance anything) while I made the connection. For future reference...take off the STB to make it easier!! I got scrapes and scratches up and down my left arm from trying to reach down there in a tight spot.

[cherrington17]

Last time I tried to do mine, I got it on there....but the can wouldn't discharge. I'm outta coolant(have been for about 2 years) and the nozzle was on right, and I did puncture the can... it just... wouldn't work.

I'm still pissed. I won't want to pay someone to do it, and I don't alwant to buy another can for it to not work...

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

did you "un"screw it for the pin to let the coolant out of the can? at first, I was puzzled as to why it wasn't doing anything...but while it was connected, I reread the instructions...slower. then it worked fine.

[cherrington17]

yes. I've done it before, and it worked fine. 2nd time, nothing worked... at all

[clutch1]

For the brakes issue, it's almost assuredly the master cylinder.. aside from some insidiously odd problem like ABS unit or something.

However, check your brake fluid and the caliper seals, as well. Could lose pressure there, too... but in that case there would be a leak.

If the master's seal is it'd act like you said.

[zzyzzx]

In so far as the A/C thing goes, check Autozone Loaner Tools section.

Look everywhere for brake fluid leaks. If you don't find a leak, look again. You might need someone else to pump the brake while you look at stuff. How amny miles are on the car? Also, since you live someplace where you drive on salty roads, don't rule out rusted away brake lines that are leaking (I've even seen them here).

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

it's weird...It only happened on Friday. I checked around my car for drips and puddles...nothing. Master cylinder level is right where I left it also (from when I got my brakes done last fall). I have noticed that my rotor doesn't seem warped anymore. Perhaps I wore it down and the caliper was simply adjusting for having to go that extra little bit?

AC is done. tested it out today. it works. not as ice cold as last year, but I rounded down the ambient temp so I don't put too much refrigerant in. Maybe I'll do some more later on...

CC is just going to have to wait. it is a luxury item, and it's been broke for a while. I just wanted to get everything fixed.