So my A/C no longer blows cold air. Last summer it did. I bring it in to the dealer as it is covererd under warranty. The dealer says that it mearly needs tp be charged and then tells me that it is 150 bucks to charge. I tell him not to do it because it seems a bit steep. I ask hin how it is possible for A/C to work one summer and then not work the next. I mean, shouldnt it be a gradual thing? The car is 4 years old. SHould it need to be charged already? And how much should this service really cost? It makes me think that there really is a leak somewhere. I don't want to bring it somewhere, even if it IS cheaper and then turn out that there was a leak and then have lost the money for the service. If I go to the dealer and pay the 150, at least if does turn out to be a leak, then they would refund my the money for the service correct? What do you think I should do? Thanks!

 

4 years is pretty young. Take the opportunity to save weight and power.

 

Tell that to my princess of a girlfriend

 

if your max(I assume) is 4 years old you have the new r-134 freon.

To Refill:
You can get refill cans at most stores (walmart to auto shops) and sometimes they come in a kit with the hose that'll let you connect to your low pressure a/c line.

The Problem:
Ideally ac systems are air tight, but it'll leak through the seals. I've been told that average customer refills thier ac every year by Goodyear techs. But I didn't ask if those customers systems were flat empty or not.

But in your case, you say that last year it works, and now it's flat. You could have leak...

If the 150 includes leak testing, then it's a fair price.

If it's only to charge it up then that's VERY expensive and you'll just end up having to charge it again, if there is a leak in your system.

The cheap alternative is just to get a can for about 20-30 bucks and refill it your self. Run in for a month and see if it stays cool or not.

 

yah, goood luck with that one

 

This still may not work. If the coolant leaks out under pressure, air can suck back in when the system is off. The system may have to be pumped down to vacuum.

 

Ha. Same thing happened to me when I told her I wanted to do it to go faster. She balked at the idea. I'm still debating. Anyone have concrete #'s of how much power this gives up. I know its in the area of 30-35Ibs but how much actual power and torque. Anyone got a link to a thread? I know the condenser has a clutch but its still something.

 

$150 is rediculous to refill your system. Can's (6oz I think) of r 134 cost here locally $6 each and our car only takes @ a can and an a half (actuall amount is on sticker under hood). The hose/adapter should only cost about $15. If u dont have a leak it should last @ 4years.

If u do have a leak your a/c will last much less, in that case if ur a/c compressor and other parts of a/c system are working u can buy a die kit and put die into your a/c system and get an ultra violet light to find the leak. This is how I found my leak, the condesor (rock prob hit it). But most people dont have a die kit or would feel compitent enough to do this and u may want to take it to the stealership or certified repair shop.

-carlos

 

If it went out "suddenly" then you probably have a leak somewhere. I would shop around for a shop to recharge your system and insert some dye to check for leaks. I had it done for $29.95 plus r-134 at $6 a lb, only took 1 lb. Luckily no leaks in the system. The system should also have some a/c oil inserted, to keep the compressor lubricated. Also, it's recommended to run your a/c compressor at least once a month during the winter months, to lubricate the system.

Ideally, if the system is airtight, the refrigerant should stay perfectly intact. I have a buddy with an '86 Accord, 300k miles, and ICE cold air; he's never had a leak or had it recharged... Good old R-12 freon still seems much colder to me.