surfer349

Thoughts on this? All I know is that my AC does not really get cold and chilly. I'm just noticing this now as summer temps creep up.

Is this something I can fix on my own? I've heard people talk about just buying a freon recharge kit. Or does this require a pro garage to fix?

uberwgn

The only way to correctly address this is to have the system evacuated and re-filled with the exact amount. You'd then look for other problem areas.

dzywicki

AC is not very difficult of you have the right equipment. You need a gauge set so you can read the high and low pressures. The pressures will vary based on the ambient temperature. Typically an AC system will leak a small amount but will not let oxygen back in since it is pressurized. If you get a set of gauges like this: , you can read against a chart like this: http://acprocold.com/faq/r-134a-system-pressure-chart/ and know if you are low on refrigerant. If you are low, you can get a recharge kit from Walmart and add some and then keep checking the pressures. If you have another vehicle where the AC is working in a way you think is correct, you can use a gauge set to read those pressures and then match your Audi against that by adding refrigerant . The pressures should be the same across vehicles. The volume of R134A in the systems will vary but the pressures will not. If the pressure is at 0, then you have problems where a professional will be needed if you don't want to take the system apart.

al329

Does the A/C stay on? Meaning the compressor runs ok?

You can get a gauge set as mentioned. Or run to Wallyworld and grab a 20 buck bottle with built in gauge. Set the gauge and fill her up. If you get colder air... she was low. Now being a closed system, you should not lose refrigerant quickly. So if she gets warm again..pop that bottle with a gauge on. If it reads really low, you have a leak.

Now what to do? Dig into it? Or pay someone? All depends on your pain / skill level. Up to you.

Oh and dont buy the fix a leak bottle .. that stuff wont work and may make things worse. Besides if you have a leak .. it needs to be fixed correclty or you will waste money on filling it up again and again. And that no good for the pocket and the environment.