Ac just stopped working after looking like frost lots condensation

2007 SATURN VUE
161,000 MILES • 4 CYL • MANUAL
Avatar
CHRISTA DICKSON
  • MEMBER
  • 148 POSTS
I borrowed a friend car because ac works great the other day i noticed it looked like frost blowing out of vents like it was super cold with drops of condensation around vents the a few days later it literally just stops blowing cold all together tried switching setting that made no difference any idea what that could mean with it blowing out like that it looked like frost or smoke coming out vents
Jun 21, 2021 at 4:29 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely the freon level is low from a leak and this is causing the Evaporator to freeze.

We need to start with checking the pressure in the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Let's run through this info and then below is a chart of the pressures and what the possible issues are based on these readings.

Please run through this and let us know what you find with this. Thanks
Jun 22, 2021 at 4:21 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CHRISTA DICKSON
  • MEMBER
  • 148 POSTS
I don't know if I'm not using these darn digital A/C guages correctly or what they seem to be harder to use then the manual ones. but i'm going to upload a video of the way i'm using them later so hopefully one of you guys can watch it and verify or tell me what i'm doing wrong. When i jumped it at boc and after i refilled with least can and half nothing as far as cold air goes still blowing hot and shot quite a bit of dye in there not seeing any leaks anywhere didn't want to over fill so stopped there.
Sep 10, 2021 at 1:49 AM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Yeah, a video would help because they should operate the same just a digital read out rather then analog but I have never used them because I prefer the analog as that is what I am use to.

However, seeing what you are dealing with will help us figure out next steps.

Is the compressor coming on after you filled it with a can and a half of Freon? Depending on what engine you have, it appears to take 1.5 -1.75 pounds of Freon. Normally on can is about 1.25 pounds so after a can the compressor should be on.

Thanks for the update.
Sep 10, 2021 at 7:17 AM