Florida Sun And Broken Air Conditioning, A/C Is Very Weak When It Is Hot, Cool When Not
Thank you in advance if you can help me with this problem! I live in Orlando, where it is starting to get unbearably hot in my car! Basically, my air conditioner isn't working like it should. If it is hot and sunny, my a/c blows out very warm air. At night it will blow out cool, but not cold, air. It isn't working to take out much humidity either. I called my dad and he said it sounded like the freon was low and to get it checked out at Pep Boys. They're charging $50 to just check the level - not do any work. From what I was told, this is highway robbery... but I don't know where else to go for the service. I was hoping there was a cheap way to repair low freon on my own. I know you can buy it in cannisters at any auto parts store. The problem? I don't know where to look under the hood to do it myself. Thinking back, I had to replace my car's battery a few weeks ago. I don't think this ties in - because I sometimes DO get cooler air - but thought I'd share all information. Should I try changing the fuses? If the car turns on with the A/C on full, it never turns to the moderately cooler air. Should I replace the freon AND the fuses? I'm starting to hate my car and turn into a housebound recluse - the car is too hot to go into!
Answer:
Ive been a service advisor for about 10 years........Sounds like it is low freon. I would have it checked for leaks too. Depending on how long its been since you last had the ac/freon checked. As long as your compressor is switching on and off and the rest of your system is in good shape you should be fine. I would not reccommend doing it yourself unless youve done it before. Its not to terribly tough to do but you should get familiar with the process by purchasing a repair guide for your vehicle. I would take it to a goodyear service center or say a firestone. Some one who has been around for a while and is reputable. Ask people in your area or check your yellow pages too. I know of some good family owned shops who have been around for a while but you have to find them. I live in houston,Tx. There usually is a charge to check the a/c because they do whats called a test and dye. They'll charge your ac system with freon and add a dye to check for leaks. They'll have you drive your car around for a few days and then bring it back so they can put a black lite to test your system to see if theyre are any leaks. I would start there and go from there! If you have any more questions feel free to email me at joe_zapien@yahoo.com Good luck bro!