What could be the reason if the car's air conditioning stops cooling right after adding refrigerant?
4 Answers
If the car's air conditioning stops cooling right after adding refrigerant, it could be due to the following reasons: 1. Reason one: The added refrigerant may not be compatible with the air conditioning system or the amount added may be incorrect, such as too much or too little refrigerant. 2. Reason two: Apart from insufficient refrigerant, if the air conditioning system has been used for a long time without cleaning, the internal filter may become too dirty, which can also affect the cooling performance. 3. Reason three: Insufficient power supply voltage can cause the air conditioning to stop cooling. Normally, the voltage required for the air conditioning to start properly should be 220V ±10%.
I've encountered many similar situations where the car stops cooling right after recharging the refrigerant. The most common cause is still refrigerant leakage. It's possible that a hose or seal in your car has aged and cracked, causing the Freon to leak out quickly. Additionally, compressor issues shouldn't be overlooked—if it's seized or has an electrical fault, the cooling effect drops to zero. Another possibility is improper vacuuming during the refrigerant recharge, allowing air to enter the system. I suggest doing a preliminary check yourself with tools, like looking for oil stains in the engine bay indicating a leak, or listening for abnormal sounds when the compressor starts. If that doesn't work, it's best to take it to a repair shop for professional pressure testing and leak detection to avoid prolonged lack of cooling affecting summer driving. Remember to maintain the AC system regularly—clean the condenser, replace the dryer, and so on—to prevent issues before they arise.
Last time I got my car repaired, the AC stopped working right after the refrigerant recharge. So frustrating! It's usually caused by leaks—maybe loose pipe fittings or aged, damaged parts letting the refrigerant slowly escape. Sometimes it's the technician's sloppy work during recharge, like not vacuuming properly, allowing moisture and air to mix in. Compressor issues are also common; if it fails to start, you get no cooling. I suggest checking for oil stains around the AC pipes or hissing sounds first—that often means a leak. If the fan or thermostat is faulty, cooling can become inconsistent. Don’t waste too much time tinkering—get a professional shop to run a pressure test ASAP. Only proper repairs will give you peace of mind while driving. Looking back, next time I’ll pick a reputable shop for refrigerant service to avoid wasting money on repeat fixes.
I just found out while repairing my car that if the air conditioning doesn't cool after adding refrigerant, it's mostly due to leaks or compressor failure. Cracks in the pipeline or worn seals cause the Freon to escape. If the compressor isn't working, the refrigeration cycle is interrupted. Additionally, system blockages such as a stuck expansion valve or a dirty filter can also affect performance. It's best to have a shop perform a pressure test to locate the leaks.
