Q: Air conditioning blows hot air

asked by on January 30, 2016

The air conditioning blows hot air and won't take Freon charge

Hello. If the AC will not blow cold air, then it may indeed be low on refrigerant. Most AC systems will not allow you to simply add refrigerant without jumping the compressor to get it to turn on. If the system is full, then the problem may be electrical. A mechanic would install a pressure gauge set to see if the system is low. If it’s not, then the voltage at the compressor will need to be checked and if there is nothing there, an electrical diagnostic will need to be done. If this is not something that you plan on doing, then I would recommend the help of a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, to inspect the failing AC system.

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 turn on the automatic dimming side view mirrors?
The automatic dimming side view mirrors are a great safety feature. If your vehicle is equipped with them, then they dim your mirrors at night to keep headlight glare from getting in your eyes. To turn on the automatic dimming...
can't connect OBD port
Hello. Usually when the OBD scanner does not connect to a car’s computer it means that the fuse for the OBD connector is blown. This fuse can stand alone as its own fuse or it can have other power supplies...
My Yukon Denali is AWD. With front tires off the ground, should the drive shaft and both tires spin freely of each other?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. This is a normal thing. Your front axle carrier has an electronic actuator that locks it in only when the transfer case is locked into 4WD. The fact that...
Car shudders and idles low - 1992 Toyota Cressida
It is possible that this is a misfire condition either due to a faulty ignition system component or fuel injector (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-injector-replacement) that is creating a power imbalance that will cause a shudder sensation. The fuel system and ignition system should...
Will it damage my engine if I switch from synthetic blend to regular motor oil to do a oil change being I live in Florida?
It is not snow or ice that will damage an engine but heat and friction. This engine is turbo charged and the turbo bearings are lubricated by the engine oil. When you change the oil you should use only the...
Car won't start - replaced torque converter. 2005 Ford Expedition
Hi - if you are getting power to the starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-starter-relay) - both the power cable from the battery, and the "start trigger" wire from the ignition switch, most likely the starter is no good - the solenoid at...
Went over a speed bump and now my car is making this strange noise whenever i accelerate. What should i do? Can it be fix
Hello. Thank you for writing in . The extent of the damages done will depend on how hard you hit the speed bump. It also will depend on what exactly was damaged. Typically the front or the back of the...
The AC starts out cold but doesn't stay cold, blows out cool air after about 20min.
Hi there. Sometimes a compressor clutch failure or restriction from the low pressure side of the AC system can cause this type of problem. In other cases, it'll be due to a refrigerant leak. It's always a good idea to...
while applying hard breaks, car unable to stop, getting slip and making sound while hard breaks
This is the way ABS or antilock braking systems work. You should not release the brake pedal when your are feeling the pedal vibrate since this is the ABS system pulsing the brakes so you do not skid. If you...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Condenser Fan Relay
If your car's AC is blowing hot air or its engine is overheating, you may have to replace the condenser fan relay.
How Do I Prepare My Car for Summer?
Summer's Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic will take their tolls on your vehicle. Follow these tips to ensure optimum wellness of your car: Air Conditioning: Have your air conditioning inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heating-ac-inspection) by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin...
Top 10 Best-Selling Cars of 2016
Ford F-series pickup trucks, Toyota Camry, and Honda Civic are some of the best-selling cars of 2016 and all deliver on reliability and efficiency.