Any at home tests for car AC?

[badatmath]

Thanks for this, I need to look into this more. I have a set of gages but I like this idea too, much faster and easier.

Yep more my speed. Like plugging in a toaster.

 

[old medic]

this is what I use

https://www.harborfreight.com/121-infrared-laser-thermometer-63985.html?_br_psugg_q=thermometer

 

[badatmath]

Thanks OM, glad to see you around posting and hopefully continuing to get better!

 

[HawkeyeNFO]

How old is the car? If more than 3-5 years old, it may just need some more coolant. That's the cheapest, and easiest thing you can do.

All car a/c's leak, some much faster or slower than others. My GM SUV is now 20 years old, and the a/c worked fine for 16 years, until it didn't. A can of AC PRO, and it's been cold ever since, even in the hottest weather.

 

[38Chevy454]

Chances are your system is low on refrigerant. Look under the hood with engine running and when the A/C is on max. Is the compressor short cycling? Meaning clicking on and off every few seconds? On max cooling the compressor should stay engaged. Your radiator fan should also be on high when A/C is on. The condenser (thing in front of radiator) needs airflow to remove heat from the high pressure refrigerant. So even if your system is charged proper amount, if insufficient airflow through condenser it won't make as nice cool air inside the car. Best is to verify with gages on high and low side. That AC Pro can just has low pressure side gage.

Also look at the label under the hood that references the A/C charge. Is it R-134a or some newer cars are R-1234YF. If topping off the system, make sure you put the proper refrigerant. R-134a is relatively cheap like $9-10 per can, R-1234YF is much higher cost like $40-50 per can.