Common causes
- Low refrigerant, which almost always means a leak somewhere in the system
- A compressor that isn't engaging, from an electrical fault, a pressure switch or a worn clutch
- A condenser fan that doesn't run, often cooling on the highway but not in traffic
- A blend door or actuator stuck on heat, sometimes with a clicking behind the dash
- A blocked cabin air filter, which weakens the airflow rather than the temperature
Why a recharge alone may not last
Refrigerant doesn't get used up. If it's low, it leaked out. Topping it up without finding the leak can buy some time, but it often comes back. We check the system first and tell you what we find.
What it costs here
An A/C performance check is $60 & up. An A/C recharge is $150 & up, and the price varies with the refrigerant your car uses.