Q: Ac not cold

asked by on August 12, 2016

I had a new compressor and drier installed and it only cools a bit better than before. The problem is that the air never gets cold. After 20-25 minutes it only cools a bit in this 95 degree plus weather where I live. I put a thermometer in the vents to check the temperature and it reads 60 degrees after 20 minutes. I also notice a mildew smell coming from the vents when I turn on the air. Had it checked twice and I am told everything is normal. What could be the issue?

My car has 114000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

AC Recharge $245.38 - $276.66 Get a Quote

Quite often, issues with maintaining cold air flow with an air conditioner are due to a commonly overlooked issue - charging AC refrigerant.

Although most vehicles (like your Toyota 4-Runner) have a closed-loop AC, when a leak occurs and is repaired, it’s critical to recharge the AC refrigerant.

Other issues you might want to have inspected by a local ASE certified mechanic include the cycling switch, which charges the refrigerant and allows maximum flow, or perhaps there is some sort of kink in your coolant lines.

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

How do I use the power outlets?
You’ll find three 12-volt power outlets in your car. These are designed to be used with portable electronic devices (charging your cell phone, for instance). They are NOT compatible with cigarette lighters. Using them is simple. Here’s what you need...
Tire clicking and grinding noise
Hello. From your description of the noise it is making I believe either the axle or the wheel bearing are at fault. If it is the wheel bearing there is a possibility that the bearing has broken rollers or broken...
Car won't start
Hi, thanks for writing in. The first thing to do is to check all the fuses (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuse) that deal with the battery and the ignition system. There is a possibility while changing the terminals one or more of the fuses...
Oil level is low.
Your engine may use up about a liter of oil for every 2000 km you drive so you should add oil until you see that the oil comes up to the top full mark. Running the engine low on oil...
Squeking in my front end while driving and turning the wheels
The noise is coming from the sway bar links, tie rod ends or lower ball joints. You will need to try and duplicate the noise without driving the vehicle and when noise is heard just put you hand on the...
Hello. My 2005 Dakota makes a loud thud about part of the time half way through braking and sometimes when accelerating.
Check your suspension on your front of the vehicle. It seems that the control arm bushings are worn or damaged and the bolts could be loose causing the suspension to move around when the vehicle is under a load. If...
I have a 2004 infinti fx35 everytime i start my vechile and put it in drive or reverse it turn off even when i turn my headlights
Hi there. When your car starts then stalls, especially when you shift into gear, it's typically due to a malfunctioning idle air control valve, throttle body, stuck open (even partially) EGR valve, or an air leak in the intake system....
I am having trouble starting my 2007 Dodge Charger and it does not have good acceleration
Hello. There are a lot of things that can cause this on your vehicle. I would usually start by scanning the computer for any codes. If there are codes set it can help to find the issue. If there are...

Related articles

2012 Ford Fusion vs. 2012 Toyota Camry: Which Should I Buy?
While most people believe that domestic sedans just cannot compete with the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, the industry leaders, that is not necessarily true. Yes, there are some metrics where the Camry just excels, however the Ford Fusion...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Love Road Trips
If If you love to travel, comfort is very important in a vehicle. You want a nice, quiet ride, comfortable seating, and enough room. We have evaluated several used vehicles, and narrowed our favorite road trip vehicles down to the...
How to Drive a Prius in the Winter
Driving Driving during extreme weather conditions brings its own challenges. For example, snow and ice can make roads slippery, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles. It can also be hard to stop when the roads are too slick....