Why isn't my air conditioning blowing cold air?

[jordanr]

Ben goes over reasons why your car's air conditioning might blow warm and not cold air. He shows simple testing on his Subaru Outback. Tools needed are a pressure gauge and a temp gauge.

Step 1 is to check the pressure in the system without car running. Then check pressure while running.

Common Causes of no cold air
* Not enough pressure
* Too much pressure
* Electrical issues giving power to compressor such as fuse, relay box or wiring
* Belt slip on compressor
* Clutch slip on compressor
* Controls on climate control system at dash

Ben also talks about why you might get cold air on one side and not the other side of your car.

What other causes can you think of or suggestions for basic diagnostics of air con blowing warm?

 

[jordanr]

Response video to comments on the prior DIY air conditioning video.

Ben goes over the limitations of diagnosing your air conditioning system. Sure you can test wiring, fuses, continuity checks, sensors, but there are limitations.

* High side gauge cost ($75 to $150 for manifold gauges)
* Recovery machine to evacuate R134 ($600 to $3,000)
* Environmental issues with R134 refrigerant
* Time waste of going back and forth to shop if you want to do some of work.
* You cannot get big container of R134 without a special license. Also cost is high say $100.

You might better going to a shop with air conditioning issues unless it is purely an electrical issue.