SOLVED: How to put freon in a 2000 Chevy Malibu - Cars & Trucks (2024)

FAQs

Why is my freon not going in? ›

It's possible that an internal component is broken. You will have to fix the compressor before you can recharge the Freon. If you see a very high pressure on the high side gauge and very low pressure on the low side gauge, there's a Freon blockage. Start by checking the expansion valve or orifice tube.

If your compressor will not engage, add half a can of freon. If it still will not turn, it is likely broken. Do not add more refrigerant! You will need a mechanic to repair this problem.

Check the cabin air filter to ensure that it is not clogged. Beyond this, the next step is to always check the pressures in the system using a manifold gauge set. The recommended high-side and low-side pressures can be found in your vehicle's repair manual, or online.

The most common reasons a Chevrolet Malibu ac isn't working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor.

Low refrigerant can lead to compressor damage and inefficiencies of the air conditioning unit. When there isn't enough refrigerant in the unit, the evaporator coil becomes much colder than it should be, causing the moisture on its line to freeze up. This is another sign of low Freon.

Crank your engine and turn the AC on high cool, high fan.

It's okay if your air conditioner is blowing warm or hot air at this time. Your hood should still be up.

Most air conditioners come with a reset button attached to the compressor unit. Typically, it is a red button and is very visible to an onlooker. To reset your air conditioner, all you have to do is press the button, and you won't have to worry about all the heavy lifting.

Irregular Cooling: A sure sign to relay failure is uneven cooling. Once the relay starts to fail, it will provide relatively weak, irregular power to the AC compressor, and the compressor will work intermittently as long as it receives power.

It's a small, red button usually located on or around the unit. The button should have a clear 'reset' label. Once you find the button, press it for around three seconds and observe the AC. Check whether the AC kicks on immediately and if it doesn't, press the button again for another three seconds.

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.

Why is my AC blowing warm air in my car? ›

It could be a number of issues, such as refrigerant leaks, faulty compressor or compressor clutch, blocked air vents, faulty thermostat, broken cooling fans, a blown fuse, electrical problems, a broken condenser and blower motor issues. All of these issues can cause your AC unit to stop operating properly.

Dirty, clogged, or blocked coils restrict your outdoor unit's ability to gather warm air from outside. This process often results in your HVAC unit blowing cold air. It's possible to clean your outdoor unit yourself, but sometimes, it's better to let a professional team handle this process.

Low Coolant Level

If there isn't enough coolant in your system, the heater core will blow cold air into your car. Solution: If you confirm that a low coolant level is the source of your problem, you simply need to top off your coolant. You may want to check for leaks as well if you just recently refilled your coolant.

First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.

If the heater isn't blowing hot air at you when you turn the system on, the blower fan might have a problem. Either it's not getting electrical power or, more likely, the motor itself has simply burned out. A blower motor in an older vehicle is likely to burn out over time, and may need replacement.

If you're low on refrigerant, you should notice that your air conditioner runs constantly, struggling to reach your temperature setting—or it may never reach it at all. On very hot days, you may even feel lukewarm air coming out your supply vents. Sure, summer electric bills are usually high.

Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It's not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner's refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way.

It's a small, red button usually located on or around the unit. The button should have a clear 'reset' label. Once you find the button, press it for around three seconds and observe the AC. Check whether the AC kicks on immediately and if it doesn't, press the button again for another three seconds.

Damage or corrosion to AC components: Damage or corrosion to the AC system components, such as the AC compressor, refrigerant lines, stuck clutch, etc can cause freon leaks. Improper installation: If the AC system is not installed or maintained properly, it can cause freon leaks.