A/C Not getting very cold

[Lugi20]

Is it possible to need to recharge refrigerant without having a "problem" or a leak somewhere? My AC doesn't feel very cold anymore, but it DOES feel colder than ambient. Anyone have similar experiences?

[S42RS4]

Do you have enough freon in the system? You may be a lil low. I added a lil more few months ago, I was in the same boat and it actually blew colder for me at least.

[Lugi20]

Do you have enough freon in the system? You may be a lil low. I added a lil more few months ago, I was in the same boat and it actually blew colder for me at least.

I'm not exactly sure, I'm going to be checking that out shortly. Even if I need refrigerant, should I be concerned with that?

[Gansel]

I was having the same problem the other day. It would blow ice cold then got way warmer so it was slightly colder then normal air. After messing with the econ button and such it ended up coming back but was spitting liquid out at me through the vents. Was a very random experience.

[0260]

I had the same issue ... just recharged the system with a bottle from the parts store and blowing ice cold.
Figured if it didn't solve the problem I'd have it looked at but three weeks now and no issues. Cost me less then $20.
The refrigerant bottle came with a gauge to measure pre and post. Easy to do.
My refrigerant was definitely low. It was in the red zone (low on supplied gauge) I added refrigerant back into the green zone. Cold air again.

More:
Before I did this I asked the service tech at the dealership. My a/c wasn't blowing cold and we were in a hot spell. I couldn't get my car in for service due to scheduling conflicts. The service tech said that I had a "leak" because the refrigerant doesn't go "bad". He said to buy a bottle and recharge. Sometimes the lubricants in the recharge can fix a minor leak temporarily. (recondition a dried out seal) No guarantees but at least it should buy me some time until I can get the car in for service. The air is still blowing cold and I figure I'd have it looked at the next scheduled service. It's been about a month and still cold.

[jimmythetulip]

I was having the same problem the other day. It would blow ice cold then got way warmer so it was slightly colder then normal air. After messing with the econ button and such it ended up coming back but was spitting liquid out at me through the vents. Was a very random experience.

Had the exact same experience this past weekend on a long drive. Not cold, pressed econ (just fiddling mostly, trying to get the air colder) and with the fans turned on high, it got cold and started blowing some liquid on me. My thoughts were: that's not right, but it feels damn good. I fairly immediately switched it back to Auto, and it stayed cold with no liquid blowing out. Same problem happened about an hour later in the drive. Same solution worked.

[S42RS4]

I'm not exactly sure, I'm going to be checking that out shortly. Even if I need refrigerant, should I be concerned with that?

I wouldn't be. You could be just low on refrigerant, and need to be top off.

[Gansel]

I wouldn't be. You could be just low on refrigerant, and need to be top off.

Where does one fill this up?

[NYC_Legacy]

Where does one fill this up?

X2 pretty sure I need a recharge as well.

[S42RS4]

Where does one fill this up?

Passenger side engine bay, remove rain cover tray, remove the cap from low-side service port, Follow the instructions on the refrigerant package, add refrigerant to the system.

[Gansel]

Passenger side engine bay, remove rain cover tray, remove the cap from low-side service port, Follow the instructions on the refrigerant package, add refrigerant to the system.

roger that.. thanks

[S42RS4]

No Problem

[koolade9]

Okay, nobody take that advice... Your a/c doesn't need to be "topped off". That's not a thing. You have zero idea of how much is already in the system, nor do you know how much you're actually putting in...

If you have a leak, find and fix the leak. Take it to an A/C shop that will vac out your existing r134 and they should be able to tell you how much they pulled out. Based on that info, you'll know if you have a leak or not, and said shop should also be able to help you diagnose where the leak is. The amount of refrigerant you recharge with needs to be exact (IIRC 500g), it's way too easy to over-charge and cause yourself a slew of other problems.

I said it in another thread, but you're probably looking at a failing orifice tube. Luckily, it's a cheap part.

Edit: Considering these cars are nearly a decade old, if you're evacuating the system and doing PM, I'd also consider a new dryer as well. Also, take a look at your condenser fins and make sure you don't have a layer of bugs and debris restricting airflow.

[Lugi20]

Okay, nobody take that advice... Your a/c doesn't need to be "topped off". That's not a thing. You have zero idea of how much is already in the system, nor do you know how much you're actually putting in...

If you have a leak, find and fix the leak. Take it to an A/C shop that will vac out your existing r134 and they should be able to tell you how much they pulled out. Based on that info, you'll know if you have a leak or not, and said shop should be also able to help you diagnose where the leak is. The amount of refrigerant you recharge with needs to be exact, it's way too easy to over-charge and cause yourself a slew of other problems.

I said it in another thread, but you're probably looking at a failing orifice tube. Luckily, it's a cheap part.

I agree with you. Refrigerant shouldn't just "leak" out of a sealed system -- and I would NEVER just "top it off" as it could introduce moisture. I deal with building mechanical systems (chillers, air handlers, cooling towers, etc.) and there is no such thing as a "normal leak," it is always indicative of a problem.

The car is at a very reputable Audi dealership (I know, that's practically an oxymoron). If they don't see an obvious leak, they are going to evacuate and recharge the system with refrigerant that has a dye in it to more easily locate the issue. I also have the Audi Pure Coverage (platinum) through Fidelity so I'm not terribly concerned as my max out of pocket can be $250.

[S42RS4]

Okay, nobody take that advice... Your a/c doesn't need to be "topped off". That's not a thing. You have zero idea of how much is already in the system, nor do you know how much you're actually putting in...

If you have a leak, find and fix the leak. Take it to an A/C shop that will vac out your existing r134 and they should be able to tell you how much they pulled out. Based on that info, you'll know if you have a leak or not, and said shop should also be able to help you diagnose where the leak is. The amount of refrigerant you recharge with needs to be exact (IIRC 500g), it's way too easy to over-charge and cause yourself a slew of other problems.

I said it in another thread, but you're probably looking at a failing orifice tube. Luckily, it's a cheap part.

Edit: Considering these cars are nearly a decade old, if you're evacuating the system and doing PM, I'd also consider a new dryer as well. Also, take a look at your condenser fins and make sure you don't have a layer of bugs and debris restricting airflow.

Sorry for the bad advice. Just going off what I have experience from the past. I do apologize

[koolade9]

Sorry for the bad advice. Just going off what I have experience from the past. I do apologize

No worries, nothing personal It's pretty amazing how common that (mis) information is.

[Reggie]

Okay, nobody take that advice... Your a/c doesn't need to be "topped off". That's not a thing. You have zero idea of how much is already in the system, nor do you know how much you're actually putting in...

If you have a leak, find and fix the leak. Take it to an A/C shop that will vac out your existing r134 and they should be able to tell you how much they pulled out. Based on that info, you'll know if you have a leak or not, and said shop should also be able to help you diagnose where the leak is. The amount of refrigerant you recharge with needs to be exact (IIRC 500g), it's way too easy to over-charge and cause yourself a slew of other problems.

I said it in another thread, but you're probably looking at a failing orifice tube. Luckily, it's a cheap part.

Edit: Considering these cars are nearly a decade old, if you're evacuating the system and doing PM, I'd also consider a new dryer as well. Also, take a look at your condenser fins and make sure you don't have a layer of bugs and debris restricting airflow.

Thanks for posting that information. AC work is not a diy job for home.

[MarcusDubya77]

Currently hunting down a similar issue, except I am practically getting zero cool air. Recharged with no luck. Changed out the cabin filter just in case. Next I will be replacing the high pressure sensor. VAGCOM gave me a fault for it. Hopefully it fixes the issue.

[koolade9]

Currently hunting down a similar issue, except I am practically getting zero cool air. Recharged with no luck. Changed out the cabin filter just in case. Next I will be replacing the high pressure sensor. VAGCOM gave me a fault for it. Hopefully it fixes the issue.

Do you know how much 134a you put in the system when you recharged? You have a low-pressure sensor and a high-pressure sensor. They're in place to keep from destroying the compressor. If you just stuck a can of refrigerant and charged without knowing how much is in the system, there's an excellent chance you over-charged it and the system is shutting down to protect itself.

As a rule of thumb in ANY a/c system. Don't just hook a can up to a system and charge. Always vac it down first so there is no air/moisture in the system prior to charging.

[MarcusDubya77]

Ewww, I have no idea how much was in there. That does sound very feasible. I guess I ne to take it to an AC specialist to drain and check for leaks. Thanks for the information. I charged it during our move to Alabama. We were in Kansas and it was 107 outside, and the family was miserable. I did what I thought would help out....

[moyzes]

I had to put a new compressor on mine last year.. and the RS was not the first Audi that needed it...2 of the 6 or 7 B6s I had also needed the compressor...

[0260]

Ewww, I have no idea how much was in there. That does sound very feasible. I guess I ne to take it to an AC specialist to drain and check for leaks. Thanks for the information. I charged it during our move to Alabama. We were in Kansas and it was 107 outside, and the family was miserable. I did what I thought would help out....

While I agree that having your a/c system professionally serviced is the best option. In a pinch, if you followed the instructions and used the supplied gauge to determine your refrigerant level was low first - then attached the gauge/hose to the refrigerant and filled to the proper amount - you're probably fine. Doesn't mean you don't have a leak but as a short term fix you're probably ok.