Within the last week I've noticed that my 01 I30's AC isn't cooling like it should. Sometimes it blows warm air until I get above 30-40mph. Other times it cools right away. It seems to be getting worse as time goes by though. This weekend we did a lot of interstate driving and there were times where we would be going 70mph for about a minute before it would start cooling.

My first thought was perhaps the belt isn't tight enough on the compressor and therefore compressor isn't running like it should. Any thoughts?

 

Could have air in your lines, I would try to burp the system first. Then if that doesn't work you could try a flush and fill. I would replace the thermostat if you do a flush and fill as well.

 

Recharge the a/c

 

yea sounds like there is not enough a/c gas in there bro

 

Thanks, guys...I'll look into burping the system and a flush & fill. It's never been done on this car so maybe it's due. I'll do some searching, but can you tell me if that's an easy task for an average DIY? I tackle most small things on the car like oil changes, belts, sensors and breaks.

 

I would just bring it somewhere. Most places charge like somewhere in the range of 100 bucks to recharge. You could do more harm then good, if you dont have a good idea how the a/c system works. (overfilling, getting air in the system) Remember, it is a pressurized system..... Just be careful!

 

Sounds good. I don't think I'd want to mess with it myself anyway. Is there something I can check or test beforehand to make sure it needs to be completely recharged?

 

last year I took my I30 in for a recharge. it ended up it was fine. They didn't charge me anything. I would just bring it in. I think I brought it to a meineke or a midas. Not sure if you have those where your at?

 

Actually, Meineke is in your area. They also have a coupon for a free a/c check. I attached the link for the coupon.

http://www.meinekepersonalpricing.com/coupons.aspx

 

I really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

Seriously, you need manifold gauges to check low side and high side pressures BEFORE adding more refrigerent.

 

+1
Yea adding more R-134a when u don't know how much is in there can be dangerous.

 

hello my condenser was smashed in a crash i'm going to replace it. after i do put the new one in will i need to have the system vacuumed out before i recharge it?