1994 Mazda 626 No cold air from AC

SPIREGROUP

MEMBER
1994 MAZDA 626
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

The AC comes on and the blower works fine. But the air is not cold. Should I recharge the systen by buying a can of coolant and screwing it on the under-the-hood nipple? Is it still possible to buy a coolant recharge can?

If the coolant needs to be recharged, how likely is it that I have a gas leak? What would it take to fix that problem?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

Hi spiregroup. Welcome to the forum. It is certain you have a leak, but that is to be expected. Every AC system leaks a tiny amount of refrigerant. At 16 years old, it would be typical to have had your system recharged twice already.

You'll have to find a state where it is legal to sell the one pound cans of refrigerant. Check the label under the hood, but most likely your system uses R-134. If the compressor still runs, the system is not totally empty, and if it worked last year, it will probably only need one can. If the compressor does not turn on, the system pressure is too low. That would suggest a major leak. You might be able to find a can of refrigerant with dye added to show the location of the leak, otherwise you'll have to use an electronic leak detector which you might be able to rent or borrow from a parts store.

If you add a can, always keep it upright so only vapor boils off and enters the system. Liquid will lock up the compressor. If it takes more than two minutes and the can still has refrigerant in it, place it in a pot of hot water. That will empty the can in 15 - 20 seconds.

It would be wise to wear a face shield, or at the very least, safety glasses. Refrigerant will freeze eyeballs and cause frost bite. Be sure to replace the cap on the nipple. Valves leak. They are only meant to hold the refrigerant in until the cap with the o-ring seal can be installed.

Caradiodoc