How to check freon in A/C?

[azncapcom]

My a/c is not cold anymore, i want to know if i am able to check if it just needs new refridgerant or if its a major fix? Or do i have to take to a mechanic to check?

if it just needs new refridgerant i am doing to do it myself. if its major then ill just live without a/c. its a 2000 le.

[fishexpo101]

Pretty loaded question - hard one to answer as there are so many variables to consider. First - determine if is just low on charge (or no charge), if there is something electrically wrong with the system (magnetic clutch does not engage), or if there is some mechanical problems (leaking hoses, damaged condensor, locked up compressor, etc.)

When you turn on the A/C - does the A/C indicator turn on (lights up)? Look at the A/C compressor (look for the unit that is connected to metal hoses, has a complicated looking face). Start the car and cycle the A/C - note that the magnetic clutch is turning on and off when you turn the A/C on and off. You can check refrigerant levels by running the A/C and noting any bubbles in the sight glass (little window on the top of the receiver/dryer - metal cylinder that is on the passenger side of the radiator - just look for the metal tubes running to it). Lots of bubbles or foam past the sughtglass means a low charge, no bubbles or a few bubbles initially means charge is probably just right or the system is completely empty.

If there are no mechanical problems and the system works as advertised, besides not being cold enough, probably needs to be recharged. I would definitely take it in to be double checked for leaks - as the A/C is closed - refrigerant doesn't wear out and need to changed on a regular basis. That fact that it may need a charge indicates that there is a leak somewhere. Catching it early means you can fix it relatively inexpensively - waiting to repair it later would invite something else to happen, making things worse.

[azncapcom]

Originally Posted by fishexpo101

Pretty loaded question - hard one to answer as there are so many variables to consider. First - determine if is just low on charge (or no charge), if there is something electrically wrong with the system (magnetic clutch does not engage), or if there is some mechanical problems (leaking hoses, damaged condensor, locked up compressor, etc.)

When you turn on the A/C - does the A/C indicator turn on (lights up)? Look at the A/C compressor (look for the unit that is connected to metal hoses, has a complicated looking face). Start the car and cycle the A/C - note that the magnetic clutch is turning on and off when you turn the A/C on and off. You can check refrigerant levels by running the A/C and noting any bubbles in the sight glass (little window on the top of the receiver/dryer - metal cylinder that is on the passenger side of the radiator - just look for the metal tubes running to it). Lots of bubbles or foam past the sughtglass means a low charge, no bubbles or a few bubbles initially means charge is probably just right or the system is completely empty.

If there are no mechanical problems and the system works as advertised, besides not being cold enough, probably needs to be recharged. I would definitely take it in to be double checked for leaks - as the A/C is closed - refrigerant doesn't wear out and need to changed on a regular basis. That fact that it may need a charge indicates that there is a leak somewhere. Catching it early means you can fix it relatively inexpensively - waiting to repair it later would invite something else to happen, making things worse.

No theres no lights indicating failure of the a/c system. I'll probably take the car to get checked as im not that mechanically inclined.