My car's AC doesn't blow cold air after gas recharge. What could be the problem?

Question

My 2001 Toyota Carina Ti still has original AC fittings. 2 days back- my AC mechanic saw (and showed me) air bubbles running through the lens which is there on top of the dryer/receiver (the bottle shape thingy) when the AC is on.

He released the existing gas, pressurized/vacuumed the system and found no leak- no drop in the meter needle. Then he put some soap-foam in different joints to ensure there is no leak. And then he recharged the system with R134a gas (from a brand named Kalton).

Now in the morning the AC seems to be working fine. but when the heat soars up- the AC only seems to be blowing COOL air not COLD.

My trusted mechanic bought this Kalton brand gas for the first time. In my previous car he used a gas from France and that virtually blew freezing cold air.

Is it the brand which is to blame?

Answer 1

ne of our most common questions about air conditioning has to do with “how to charge a car’s ac.” In this auto repair blog, we cover the do’s and dont’s of DIY car AC refrigerant charging. We have suggestions on how to fill a car’s air conditioning system if doing it yourself. We caution DIY’s of the dangers and the possibility of over-charging a car’s air conditioner. Questions and answers covering AC gauge sets, charging kits, troubleshooting, refrigerant, leaks and much more. Basic step by step directions are provided.

Answer 2

The mechanic doesn't know what he's doing. You don't evaluate charge by looking at bubbles. You use a gauge. And there was no reason to drain, flush and refill the system. He was just soaking you for as much money as he could.

He probably overcharged it. That makes the high pressure switch kick out the compressor when outside temperature is high.

Answer 3

If he's trusted mechanic I'd take it back and let him repair it. If it was the gas he used by now he should have found out that there was a problem with it and if so, be willing to replace it for you. Your symptoms suggest that the system isn't fully charged.