Q: AC blows cold until engine warms up.

asked by on June 07, 2016

4.8 liter V8, AC is full of refrigerant, verified with gauges. I cleaned the condenser out with a hose last year when I replaced the radiator. I had the AC serviced last July and they did a vacuum test and it held pressure. They put in .81 lb of refrigerant and it was fine the rest of the summer.

My car has 223000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

AC is not working Inspection $111.46 - $131.46 Get a Quote

You do not mention what kind of vehicle you have, but I can tell you that if they only put in .81 lb of refrigerant then your system is likely low on refrigerant. Most systems take more than 1.5 lb of refrigerant. If you are just using your A/C after not using it during winter time then you may have leaked some refrigerant out.

You should have the A/C system checked to see if it is running at the correct pressures when the vehicle is warm. Depending on the vehicle and outside temperatures, your pressures should be about 30 on the low side and 200 on the high side. These pressures are not exact, and will vary, but would give indication of problems if your pressures at idle are way off from these pressures. I’d recommend having the system checked by a qualified mechanic, they will be able to perform these tests and accurately diagnose your A/C issue. Once that is done, the necessary repairs can be made.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Headlights are really dim, car is brand new
The headlight system on your car is controlled by a module and this module will put out a low voltage to the headlights on low beam and maximum voltage on high beam. The lighting system is programmed in the module...
What does the “Tire pressure monitor fault” warning mean in the message center?
Your car includes some pretty advanced electronics, such as the Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPMS). The TPMS is supposed to monitor the amount of air in each tire. However, if something goes wrong with the system, it will not be...
Belts squeak when starting
The belts are squeaking from the belt tensioner is not strong enough or the belts are glazed and slipping. The belt would need to be checked and the tensioner checked for proper tension. The hig idle when cold may be...
Van jerks, engine loses power, no acceleration - 2008 Hyundai Entourage
Hey there. A good start would be to have the car scanned to see what code has set in the computer and turn the Check Engine Light on. Your problem could be many things, from a problem with the drive-by-wire...
Timing chain problem should I replace the motor because of the mileage
Hello. I would go with the option that makes the most sense in terms of cost efficiency. In some cases replacing the engine entirely is actually less expensive then rebuilding or servicing a major component. The 4.0 V6 that your...
Loud knocking while driving straight and while turning left and right
Hello. If the knocking only occurs when the vehicle is moving then you either have an engine mount issue or a suspension problem. A knocking is usually the result of bad starts, a loose ball joint, or a bad bushing....
Emissions test failed with a new gas cap
Hey there. This may be related to other possible malfunctions in your EVAP system, such as a faulty vent valve solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/evaporation-vent-solenoid-replacement). The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system...
Brake Light and ABS Light
This is a sign of faulty wheel speed sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-speed-sensor-replacement). Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system...
windscreen wiper motor stutters and stops when lever is activated
All the relays and control module is inside the TIPM or totally integrated control module mounted in the engine compartment. The TIPM has all the fuses and some replaceable relays but wiper relays are built inside the module and the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Acadia
When When it comes to finding the right SUV for your family, it seems like there are always a lot of compromises to be made. One vehicle is so performance and off-road oriented that you can’t imagine taking your kids...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Yukon
When When you want a big SUV that can hold its own, come what may, you’ll be happiest with a GMC Yukon. Although the inside of one of these vehicles can sometimes resemble an upscale hotel room, the 2012 GMC...
2012 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2012 GMC Terrain: Which One Should I Buy?
The mid-size crossover SUV category offers the comfort and size of an SUV, but on the platform of a car, giving it the look and feel of a large hatchback. The unibody construction typical of passenger vehicles is used instead...