Answer
Aug 24, 2025 - 09:55 AM
Yeah, that definitely sounds like a restriction to me, especially if your low-side line is staying hot — that thing should be cold and sweating if everything’s working right.
If your Maxima uses an orifice tube, it’s probably jammed up with crud — maybe old oil, debris, or bits from the dryer if it’s starting to fall apart inside. Usually the orifice tube sits in the line between the condenser and the evaporator. Some Maximas don’t even use one though — they’ve got a thermal expansion valve instead, and that’s usually tucked way back at the firewall or even inside the dash, so it’s a bit of a pain to get to.
The fact that it worked right after you charged it, but then quit again after you shut it off, kinda confirms it. That’s a textbook sign of a blockage somewhere. System builds pressure, then once it settles, the refrigerant can’t flow right when you try to kick it back on.
If you’ve got gauges, check your pressures. If high side's super high and low side barely moves, or stays weirdly warm, then yeah — restriction.
I'd start with checking whether your system has a tube or a TXV, then go from there. If it’s the orifice tube, not too bad of a fix. If it’s the valve, might take some dash time.
Glad to hear you seem to know what you're doing. But just in case you want to get this right, the service manual does cover repair procedures for the A/C, though. It has everything from step-by-step instructions to clear images and exploded-view illustrations.
Perhaps if you could let us know more details about your Maxima (e.g. model year, trim, engine, etc.), we'll be ready to assist you further.
