1996 AC doesn't blow cold
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
I would start with a basic charge. Gauges are not cheap, a can of R134 is, or whatever they are selling now.
As for causes to lose coolant... the condenser is my first guess. They pick up stones and that's that. There are pressure sensors on the lines that can fail. And after 30 years, I would suspect o-rings and even the lines themselves aging out.
I guess the compressor could be the problem, too, but start cheap.
Basically, if you don't know how to fix AC systems, find a local trusted service center and let them diagnose it. With the right tools and skills, its an easy fix.
As for causes to lose coolant... the condenser is my first guess. They pick up stones and that's that. There are pressure sensors on the lines that can fail. And after 30 years, I would suspect o-rings and even the lines themselves aging out.
I guess the compressor could be the problem, too, but start cheap.
Basically, if you don't know how to fix AC systems, find a local trusted service center and let them diagnose it. With the right tools and skills, its an easy fix.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 579
From: Mays Landing, NJ
You can get a can of 134 and charge it. It's not expensive and you'll know fairly quickly if it has a major leak. I just recharged my 95 a few weeks ago because it was getting weak. The can also has a sealant it it that should resolve any minor leaks. So far its still working fine with the temps above 90 for more than a week.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,083
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Start with the basics:
> Does the compressor clutch engage at all?
> If = yes, is the on time very short compared to off time? After a period of time (about a minute or two) is the green LED over the selected mode button flashing?
> If = yes, the system is low on charge.
If the compressor clutch never engages. > Remove the connector from the switch on the large line that goes into the top of the evaporator case. With a little jumper wire connect the two terminals in the connector. Does the clutch engage? If = yes, the system is probably so low on charge that the switch doesn't 'see' the minimum pressure (35-40-ish psi) to turn on the compressor.
Low on charge is most likely, but checking that the compressor clutch circuit is intact is a good place to begin.
> Does the compressor clutch engage at all?
> If = yes, is the on time very short compared to off time? After a period of time (about a minute or two) is the green LED over the selected mode button flashing?
> If = yes, the system is low on charge.
If the compressor clutch never engages. > Remove the connector from the switch on the large line that goes into the top of the evaporator case. With a little jumper wire connect the two terminals in the connector. Does the clutch engage? If = yes, the system is probably so low on charge that the switch doesn't 'see' the minimum pressure (35-40-ish psi) to turn on the compressor.
Low on charge is most likely, but checking that the compressor clutch circuit is intact is a good place to begin.
Last edited by IHBD; Aug 6, 2025 at 11:21 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 579
From: Mays Landing, NJ
Adding to your system is easy to do. Pull off the passenger side cover and the Shrader connection is right there near the firewall. Screw on the valve and pull the trigger. The gauge on the can will guide you when within proper amount. The instructions on the can will walk you through it. It's only a couple minutes to do.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,083
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified