2003 Toyota Corolla AC / Leak Problems

[funky2003]

I was hoping someone may have some advice. Recently my 2003 Corolla AC system stopped working. I noticed that there was a leak of some sort as well (recent too). I checked the oil levels and they seem fine. I looked at the coolant levels and they were very low.

Just today, the temperature gauge quickly heated up. This hasn't happened in nearly 5 years. I service the car on a regular basis. I was wondering if this was a low freon issue or something to do with a coolant issue. Would low coolant affect the AC or are these items seperate?

I appreciate the advice and realize I will need to go to a mechanic but want to make sure I have a better idea of what I'm dealing with (and price!).

Thanks

[90 GP]

You first need to investigate the souce of coolant leak . Could be waterpump ,radiator or hose. You could have two separate problems or they could be linked. Possibly your A/C condenser(in front of radiator) and the radiator itself was hit by road debris which caused the coolant leak and the A/C to quit working due to freon loss. Have you checked to see if both cooling fans (in front of condenser and on engine side of radiator) are working? When temp guage gets to slightly above midway point the radiator fan should come on. When you switch on A/C the condenser fan should come on. After you locate/repair the coolant leak you should flush the cooling system and replace thermostat.

[funky2003]

Thanks. It turns out to be the waterpump. I was surprised that it was that. But then again with a 100,000 miles and never flushing the engine, it should be expected.