Used to be fine... still blows hard, but not cold at all. Just noticed since the weather heated up again.

Where do I start to diagnose the problem, or is it a no-brainer? I know nada about A/C systems.

 

You probably ran out of refrigerant. Go to walmart, or target, or where ever and get a recharge can.

If the compressor is not coming on in the engine bay then it is a different story. Have someone look at the compressor under the hood while you turn the AC on. If it engages then you probably ran out.

 

What will I see when the compressor engages?

 

You'll see the front of the compressor spinning if the clutch is engaged.

 

Wont the compressor not start if its low on refrigerant.. as it also serves as lubricant for the compressor?

 

the compressor won't engage if the system is low on refrigerant

and it is lubricated by oil that is suspended in/circulated by the refrigerant, not by the refrigerant itself

 

So really I need to just add refrigerant? Don't you just use some hose kit and then the refrigerant cans?

 

probably

just remember there is a leak, and it will just leak out again

get the can/hose kit that comes with a gauge on it, it will be labeled with a range that is good

 

Or it could be a relay. That just happened to me. It wasn't cold and when I looked down into the engine bay, I could see that the clutch wasn't turning. So I brought it to the A/C shop next to my mom's store. First they filled it up--it was only .7 pound low, so no leaks. That's to be expected in an 11 year old car.

Then he hooked up his scanner, which didn't work. So he finally found his loose wire and hooked it up again and found a bad relay.

Total bill: $100.86.

 

Where exactly is this relay?

 

I think in the underhood fuse box.