A/C no longer working

[BigBL87]

Over the past year, my AC has gradually been going out. For awhile, only the passengers side would blow cold air, while the drivers side would just blow regular air. Now, neither side is blowing cold air when the A/C is on. Anybody have an idea of what it could be, and a guess as to the cost to get it fixed? I can't DIY it, becuase I'm pretty much mechanically inept, but I wanted to try to get a gauge on the problem and the cost.

[mike561]

ok i figured id post in this thread rather then start another ac problem post because my air has done the exact same thing. as some of you may have remembered my 98 gtp with the dual climate, was blowing warm only on the drivers side. a few days ago i noticed now its warm on BOTH sides, i at first thought it could just be one of the actuator "doors" that control the flow of the warm and cold air, but what are the chances of both of them going bad around the same time?? AND ive been told that if the air blows warm on one side that its also a sign of low freon, so im geussing there might a leak somewhere? i was considering getting one of those recharge kits from autozone with the guage on it, but if its going to just leak out again then thats a waste. let me know what you all think... thanks!

[BNaylor]

The best thing for both of you to do is take it to an automotive HVAC expert. Based on the symptoms it could be a leak or it could be something major like a orifice valve, compressor, evaporator core, condensor, accumulator, etc. They will evacuate the sytem and can perform a vacuum test to see if the system will hold pressure. Also, they have the proper gauges and diagnostics procedures to troubleshoot these type problems.

If you can DIY it could be as simple as a low refrigerant charge. You can get one of those inexpensive kits with a gauge and the proper fitting to recharge at the low side pressure port. However, there are no guarantees that this will resolve your issue. Also, review your state law and see if it is legal to do your own AC work. In some states you cannot purchase R134a refrigerant.

Other things you can do DIY is check to see if the compressor is working/cycling. Check the A/C clutch fuse. The system has a low/high pressure switch that will engage which is an indication you are most likely low on charge. If pressure is too low or high it will cut off the compressor.

[richtazz]

I agree with Bob that both of your symptoms sound like low refrigerant charge, but could be more serious. Unless you have a set of A/C guages and the right know how, you may be better off taking it somewhere.

[BigBL87]

Well, I took it to our mechanic abotu 20 minutes ago, and he said just from looking at it/feeling it, it wasn't the compressor, so at least that's been eliminated. They're going to check it out and give me a call when the find out what it is, so I can decide whether to fix it or not.

*EDIT* Another update. The system had little or no freon (or whatever they use now) in it, so they filled it up and put some dye in it to show leaks. They gave it to me to drive around for a day to get it circulating, and I'll be taking it back tomorrow to see if anything comes up. It seems to me like it might just be a leaky seal or hose somewhere, we'll see...

[Phoenix69]

how much does it cost to replace the condenser?