The A/C in my car doesn't seem cold enough?

Question

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like my A/C on my 2002 mazda protege isn't getting cold enough. Is this a sign that there is something else wrong with my car? As far as I know my car is in good condition. Is there anything I can do to make it blast colder air and if so how much will it cost? It does start to get a little colder if I wait awhile and blast the air on the highest level and when I drive on the freeway and I can feel the air from the vents blow a little bit harder. I just want my car to blow colder air without having to put it on the highest level. How do I do that?

Answer 1

Have your A/c system checked by a professional, they will be able to measure what your A/C is actually putting out. In the heatwave that we have had here, the outside temp has been 102 degrees during the day, so if you are getting 40 degrees out of the vents in this weather, your A/C is working normally. I checked a 93 lincoln two days ago, and at 102 degrees in the shop, I got 33.8 degrees at the A/C vents in the car, that is spitting out ice cubes, and in extreme heat like that, it's hard to judge whether the A/C is working like it should, just from the amount of heat that must be displaced when you first turn on the A/C.

Answer 2

***revised a bit.

1) Operate the a/c on "Max" or "Recir" setting in town or traffic. It will circulate only interior air which will be easier to cool. 2) Is there water on the ground under the vehicle when you get out after running the a/c? If "yes" the unit is probably OK but perhaps it can't cut off or overcome the heat caused by a faulty heat cut-off valve. If the hot water cut-off valve not working properl replace it. Absence of water dripping from the a/c drain means it is not refrigerating, froze up or the drain is plugged. 3) Replace the a/c clutch if slipping. 4) Is the a/c clutch engaging or cycling properly? Check the low pressure switch and check refrigerant levels. 5) Buy a pair of K-D brand hose cut-off pliers, crimp off the heater hose in the engine bay and see if that makes a difference. If yes replace the heater cut off valve or install a manual cut-off valve. This is also related to #2. 6) Add refrigerant as a last resort and look for the refrigerant leak. 7) Be sure there are no obstructions in front of the a/c condensor core. If you have to add refrigerant look for the leak source as a/c units do not consume but reycle the refrigerant. 8) Be sure the control system is opening and closing the correct diverter doors in the dash. Your last statement raised the vacumn question as the air flow grows when cruising speed is acheived as is optimal vacumn.

If you lack a/c knowledge, hire it done so you avoid injuries. R134A is not compatible with R12. R134A is NOT freon, there is a difference and serious consequences down the road of you mix them, which can be done on a conversion.

Also when you move the key to start the a/c clutch automatically disengages, you do not have to manually turn it off.

Answer 3

Sometimes, the freon just escapes over time. A recharge kit from an auto parts store is an inexpensive way to solve the problem. It's easy to use.
If it works for a couple of days after the recharge and then starts with the same problem, again - then you should see a mechanic. But, hopefully, the recharge kit is the answer...

Answer 4

Someone I know who works on auto A/C told me to always turn your A/C off before turning off your vehicle. That way it doesn't send a jolt straight to the A./C when you turn the vehicle on which trys to force it to give it all it's got. Your A/C will last longer before it needs any maintenace. Also try not to put it on the MAX setting...try the next one lower. The air has time to get cold before it blows out on you. This answer might sound far fetched but it made sense when he explained it. What could it hurt, to take care of your vehicle?

Answer 5

A lot of places offer a summer checkup to check out your air conditioning for a low price. Try that.

Answer 6

Deal with it! My A/C doesn't work so I have to drive with my windows down everytime I drive. Haha just kidding (well acually my A/C really doesn't work) Take it to a mechanic. Ask for an estimate.

Answer 7

you may have a leak in one of the tubes that delivers freon. I would take it to a service station, and have them diagnose the problem, but make sure they dont charge you anything, if they did not do any work.

Answer 8

Try buying NEW FreeOn, extremely cold when brand new. Can't be more than $100 at AutoZone, PepBoys, Etc.

Answer 9

Sounds like your a/c system needs charged. Have your system checked. Mechanic will probably find a leak with a gas leak detector.

Read on....http://www.familycar.com/ac1.htm

Answer 10

Freon.