weird a/c problem

[integralover]

my sister owns a 99 jetta gl. her a/c is not working so she decided to take it to a shop. they told her that her whole a/c system needs to be replaced. bs. and then they said that it would be about $1k. then the guy comes back and says that he'll give her 70% off, yes 70%. so i looked at it and noticed both fans work, the comp clutch works, there is plenty of freon in the system. but it blows only hot air. now this has stumped me. does anyone have an idea what could be wrong b/c i don't want her to go to that shady mechanic. thanx

[boschmann]

It blows hot air (as in heater stuck on) or ambient (outside) air temp air?

[integralover]

ambient outside temp. no cold air at all

[boschmann]

Take it somewhere else. It sounds low on refrigerant to me.

[integralover]

but the wierd thing is that when i hooked my pressure gauge up to it it was reading about 55psi. now that seems really high? i know that my integra is fine at 40psi and blows cold. is 55psi where it should be for jetta's?

[bergsvt]

I Have The Same Exact Problem,fresh Freon Fans Work Switch Is Ok But Hot Air Only.

[boschmann]

Actually both could be a vacum problem, you might want to check for vacuum hose leaks under the hood. Is this the auomatic or manually controlled unit?

[bergsvt]

just got done putting on a new expansion valve and fresh freon but no dice still hotair im gonna go out and see if i can find a vaccum leak.
mine is a 97 jetta gls automatic.

[veedubmechanic]

Old body style? Sounds like low refridgerant

[bergsvt]

the clutch on the compressor was running it was full of freon but in the end it was the compressor replaced it and now all is well.

thanks to all.