My 2002 has never had the coldest A/C. It's also never had refrigerant added. Phoenix is especially hot this summer so i figured I'd try to add some refrigerant and hopefully improve the situation. I bought one of those cans with the gauge and hose already attached and when I hooked it up, the needle was at the far end of the green showing a fully charged system. Is my A/C system just not up to dealing with 115 degree temperatures or could there be something else?

FYI- I replaced the power steering cooling fan last year so that's not a concern here.

 

Have you changed your Cabin Air Filter in the last year? It makes a BIG difference if it is dirty.

///Rich

 

^ +1

 

I wouldn't trust those "gauges" that come with the refil kits. To properly diagnose any HVAC system home or automotive the proper high/low side gauges are needed to see the pressure in the system.

 

i have an 03/2012 build cms all4 ... many cm owners are complaining about weak A/C

if i keep the rpm above 3,000, i get 42F air out the vents on a 100+F and very humid day

if i let the rpm drop to 2,000 rpm, i get 70F or higher air at the vents

the R134A A/C systems are not as efficient as the older R12 systems were and the extra rpm helps a bunch

scott

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I never thought about the cabin filter affecting A/C performance. I have a fresh one out in the garage. Will give that a try and report back.