I am fixing my AC. Can you help me?

[aripitkanen]

My AC stopped working one day. I added Quick Cool or something like that, worked for a day. Stopped working again. I think there is a significant leak somewhere.

Do you know a common place for a leak on Chev Prizm?

I bought 134a with UV, includes dye. It says on the bottle that it is essential that the system is liquid charged only.

What that means? How do I know if it is or isn't?

Thank you!

[GTP Dad]

Anywhere there is a fitting or connection you can have a leak. The condensor is a prime location with the evaporator probably being the least likely location. As far as the system being liquid charged only, it is difficult to tell without the proper equipment. What this means is that you only introduce the liquid 134a into the system without putting any gaseous 134 into the system. You may do very well taking this to a shop and having it tested. I posted to your other question about the ac compressor rebuild. If this is where the problem lies then replace the compressor and take it to a shop to have it checked and recharged. You will need to pull a vacuum on the entire system to properly recharge it. Also, if the compressor went bad you need to flush the entire system with specialized cleaner and replace the filter too. If you don't do this you will trash the new compressor very quickly. You will also need to make sure you have specialized compressor oil in the compressor. As you can tell, I am recommending you have a shop do the job for you! If you don't want to pay their mark-up for the parts then find a shop that will allow you to furnish the parts. All they furnish it the labor and expertise.