My A/C just died out of nowhere. It is blowing outside-temp air. It's definitely not cold. I hear a "hissing" sound near the passenger side firewall, in the corner of the engine bay. Probably a leak in some rubber in the hard line?

I checked the pressure again after several hours, and it went back down to low again. There's a leak somewhere. Not sure where. I don't know if it's on the hard line somewhere or if it's from the compressor.

Any ideas? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

UPDATE 1: The hissing sound is completely gone now. When I turn the A/C on, the engine doesn't get "louder" and the RPM's don't get any higher like they used to when the A/C is turned on. I guess the compressor is not turning on anymore?

UPDATE 2: I tried one of those A/C recharge kits, and I was able to get the A/C to blow cold air on the driver's side A/C vent, but the middle and passenger side vents were only cool-ish. It was on & off as well.

UPDATE 3:: I got the car checked out, and the shop says the evaporator core is leaking. He said he needs to change that and replace the washer/gasket between the firewall and dashboard (somewhere there). He says about $289 for the evaporator core, $75 for the gasket, and 3 hours of labor..

Total: ~$750

Any ideas?

 

Anyone?

 

Could be that your A/C compressor just gave out. Take it to go get pressure tested if in the process it starts to leak fluid you have your problem.

 

I actually just tried the A/C about 5 mins ago, and the "hissing" sound is gone. I also don't notice a change in the RPMs or engine sound when I turn the A/C on. It would be significantly louder when I turned the A/C on before. It might be the compressor.

A broken compressor will lead to refrigerant leak?

In any case, I'll get it checked at lunch time. Thank for the help, sir!

 

UPDATE 1: The hissing sound is completely gone now. When I turn the A/C on, the engine doesn't get "louder" and the RPM's don't get any higher like they used to when the A/C is turned on. I guess the compressor is not turning on anymore?

UPDATE 2: I tried one of those A/C recharge kits, and I was able to get the A/C to blow cold air on the driver's side A/C vent, but the middle and passenger side vents were only cool-ish. It was on & off as well.

I checked the pressure again after several hours, and it went back down to low again. There's a leak somewhere. Not sure where. I don't know if it's on the hard line somewhere or if it's from the compressor.

 

The A/C shop I went to wanted $55 minimum just to look at it, then another $20-30 if it just needs to be recharged.. That's basically the cost of a slightly used compressor.. So I left.

 

For under 100$ you could have it diagnosed? Sounds like a deal to me.

The AC recovery equipment only costs 4-5K$ 100$ repair quote sounds downright reasonable.

 

It's not a repair quote. It's a "check it out" quote. If he said $90 fixed, guaranteed. I would have done it, but he never said that. That's the minimum amount.

 

Your best bet is to have it looked at by a qualified professional. If you just go out and buy a compressor because that s what you think the problem is you're wasting your money because that doesn't sound like your problem to me.

 

I know. I have a leak somewhere. I will get it fixed by a professional. I just need to find a good A/C shop.