I have a Nissan Altima 2000. it is just blowing out hot air when I turn the ac on,, any ideas >?>>?

Question

of course the heater works,,, but i am in Fl... its hot!!
So seeing if any one who knows cars can throw out any ideas.. as well any advice on what to tell the car shops...
It is x-mas... i dont want to get ripped off...
Any advice on this car ac thing???
THANKS!

Answer 1

My first thought would be that you need a refrigerant re-charge. But you could have the valve stuck open that controls the engine coolant flow into the heater core. If you turn on the A/C and you don't hear a fairly loud click (which is the compressor clutch activating) from under the hood, you need a re-charge. When the refrigerant pressure is too low, the low pressure cut off switch won't allow the compressor to run. This is a safety feature to keep you from burning up the compressor when there's not enough refrigerant.

Answer 2

Most often the condenser in front of the radiator is the leak point. Look for traces of oil that may have leaked out with the 134a. If the repair shop can't see a visible leak they will have to re-charge the system with 134a and they should also add tracer dye so when the ac fails again they can tell where the leak is and do the repairs, then re-charge the system again. It will cost about $160.00 for the 134a,dye and 1 hour labor to do the first step in locating the leak. I was amused with the person who thought it was a head gasket!

Answer 3

With any luck it could be just a leak in the system. Get out your wallet, I think you have a new compressor in your future.

Answer 4

one reason could be the head gasket is worn out and the hot air is comming from the engine. My friend had a similiar problem. He changed the head gasket ( a lil expensive) but it solved the problem

Answer 5

check for refrigerant leaks and get a recharge. about 120 for the whole job.

Answer 6

r134 has leaked out and needs recharging.