96 lumina a/c

My wife came home with a/c blowing hot as hell. I let it set a couple hours and found that the compressor has stopped cycling and there was a little steam like stuff coming from the driver's side by the radiator/condensor. Any ideas before I take it to the shop?
Thanks, Jim

I have a 96 with 160k on it and have never had a problem with the AC.

I can tell you that there is a low refrigerant cut out switch that keeps the compressor from running if it senses that there isn't enough refrigerant (r134). Check to see if the clutch engages, you can by pass the switch. it's usually on top of the accumulator just jump accross the two terminals on the plug that hooks up to the accumulator, if the compressor runs..you are most likely low on R134 and may be able to recharge it yourself...

It did leak from somewhere but unlike your refrigerator the sealed system in an autommobile is not all metal to metal. (o-rings in/on hoses etc.) and some leaking on an auto system can and does occur without serious leak problem...o-rings dry out, shrink during the winter etc.

It's hard to know on the recharging how much gas is gone but you are usually safe to ad a 12 oz. can

Charging is easy, buy the kit with gauge and keep it 25 to 45 psi. That goes for R12 system with r134 even though mixing is technically illegal it works

Took it to the shop $500.00 new condenser and o-rings plus a recharge. Now the weather cools down. Go figure !
Thanks a bunch !