[HazFox]

So my AC started having issues blowing cool air alittle over a year ago. Decided to just put up with driving with the windows down for awhile. Now looking at picking up a recharge kit and fixing the issue. Recently retested the AC, turning it onto to full and listening to the engine. A fan-like hum comes from the engine when I turn on my AC controls. I'm assuming that's the compressor running? I only ask cause I just want to make sure the compressor is still working and doing a DIY recharge would still be okay to perform.

Thank you in advance.

 

[The_Block]

So if the compressor is making a hum it still could be bad. you want to find the compressor and make sure the clutch is engaging. When the clutch on the compressor engages the center of the pulley will rotate to match the belt. it should cycle on and off every few mins. If you do have a leak check the high and low inlet valves ( most common for a leak). If your system is low of too hight the compressor won't kick on. I know I threw a bunch of info at you at once, hope this helps.

 

[Brassmonkey]

Servicing any AC is very complicated. Does your area have a community college with an auto repair class? Take it there and let them check out your AC or take your car to a qualified tech. You could make it worse, with a DIY kit.

 

[Sternchallis]

Brassmonkey is correct. If you have a leak, its a waste of money adding more refrigerant and also adding to global warming if you believe all the hype. Find the fault, mechanical or leak. A good outfit will draw a vacuum on the system and see if it holds it for 30 minutes, if not you could have a leak somewhere. They will also purge it with Nitrogen first before checking the vacuum. After 30 minutes they will start the vacuum pump again and check it for leaks. Only then if no leaks they will add new freon.
I have known stones damage the condenser causing a loss of freon.

 

[Pez]

In Europe, as of July 2007 the manufacturer of ALL non refillable containers for f-gases are banned... I wonder why!?

Sorry excuse my sarcasm, but I advide against a DIY recharge too. Long story short, a recharge kit doesn't repair holes 😅. Take it to a repair shop who will be able to do a proper job. They should check for leaks, vacuum your system down (which will remove moisture), and recharge to the correct quantity.

That's more than your DIY can of refrigerant will achieve. 😉

 

[RocketmanKarl]

The only time you should fill an AC system yourself is after making a repair to a system that had leaked out all the refrigerant already. Then you can only do it with an expensive (~$150 US) vacuum pump and a full AC gauge set (~$50 US). As others have said, adding refrigerant to a leaking system is a waste of money and a deliberate release of pollutant.

 

[HazFox]

Thank you for the helpful advice. I don't have any community college with a mechanic shop near me to my knowledge. I assumed given the age and mileage on the car that the coolant simply was expended. Not really planning to hold onto the car for much longer (another 4-6 months) so if it's a larger issue, I'll probably just save my money.

 

[Brassmonkey]

I assumed given the age and mileage on the car that the coolant simply was expended.

Refrigerant does NOT expend, it will last forever unless there is a leak.

 

[Sternchallis]

I assumed given the age and mileage on the car that the coolant simply was expended.

Hazfox, Coolant is the water /anti-freeze mixture in your radiator which after I believe 10 years needs to be changed, but Refrigerant a Freon gas doen't wear out or degrade as Brassmonkey said, but may leak mainly from the compressor seals if allowed to become dry. This goes for any make of car. Would recommend in the cooler and colder months when AC is not required and your on a bit of a run, turn the AC for 15-30 minutes to circulate the oil. I wouldn't do it when temperatures are minus as it could overcool and damage the compressor.