Today, automotive air conditioning is standard equipment on cars and trucks. A vehicle without AC can be a sweaty and unpleasant ride. The most likely cause of an automotive air conditioner cooling problem is no refrigerant in the system.

If your vehicle’s air conditioning system has lost its cool factor, you need to do something. The following are easy step by step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix an automotive air conditioner.

When checking out an air conditioning issue, it’s easiest to begin at the compressor.

With the engine running turn the A/C on max cool, set fans high, and make sure that the clutch is engaging on the compressor.

If the clutch is not engaging, use a voltmeter to check for voltage getting to the compressor.

If there is voltage – the clutch may be bad.

If there is no voltage – a cycling switch may be bad, a fuse may be blown and the system may not have enough refrigerant pressure to trip the low pressure cutoff switch that cycles the compressor.

If the air conditioning is set to max cool and fans on high, but is only blowing moderately cool air.

Check to see that the cooling fans on the condenser or radiator are running when the air conditioning is on.

Look for any restrictions like leaves, bugs or dirt that would keep air from passing over the condenser.

Check the cabin air filter to ensure that it is not clogged.

Leaks are the most common problem associated with the air conditioning system. If pressure is low, then there may be a leak.

Using a UV A/C Leak Detection Kit is the easiest way to find a leak.

Check around all fittings to verify that they are all secure.

Check hose manifolds on the compressor.

Check the front seal and the o-rings sealing the pressure switches on the back of some compressors.

Check where the hoses are crimped onto the fittings.

Check the Schrader Valves.

Check for pin holes in the condenser.

Check where the evaporator drains condensation with UV light.