Expert: Candido Figueroa - 7/11/2009

Question
My dad charged my AC... 99 Jetta. it was not blowing as cold as it used to.
Immediately after the charge, it was blowing WARM air. Checked fuses, cabin
air filter, all seemed fine. Thought maybe it was overcharged, so he lessened
the pressure. (I'm not sure of the exact readings he had.) Still didn't blow cold
at all. He gave up, I have no AC now! I still think it is overcharged based on
my limited knowledge of cars and random Google searches using that limited
knowledge. Wish there was a Control-Z for this charge... what's your opinion?
If I can't fix it myself or get it to a mechanic until next week, should I keep
the air off completely? I'm starting to wonder if it's even safe parking it in my
garage under my living room....

Answer
Hi Chris

You do not have to be scared.  It will not blow if you keep it off.  Do not use system until you can check the pressures.  You can mess up the compressor.  If it comes into my shop I would turn it on with gauges installed and see if compressor turns on.  If compressor is on you need to see the pressures.  From experience the compressor is probably not pumping.  If it was pumping normal and you overcharge it the pressure relief valve would have blown already.  Good luck