First hot day today, and my AC doesnt work. PO said it could probably use a recharge. I want it done right and not have to "top it off" every year. Im thinking full vacuum, all new refrigerant. Any parts i should change before getting this service done? How much is a reasonable price to pay?

 

My belief is that if you need a charge... it's because you have a leak.... my 95 Avalon with over200k miles on it has never had to be re-charged and is just as cold as the day one. No problems with it ever.
First thing is find the leak and fix it.. then evacuate and re-charge if needed.
Of course I don't know what price as I've never done it...
I could be wrong.. but I'd get the system checked for leaks with the dye stuff they use and then get it fixed... probably a two step process.

 

indeed. pretty irritating.
my mothers 2006 matrix also needed an ac "top up"...leak for sure, could be caused by gasket going out

 

When you take it to the AC shop they can put a dye in it to see if it's leaking and advise you from there. This generally costs anywhere from $75 to $125 depending on where your located. If it's leaking and if something is wrong with the system it won't take the charge and the machine will let the tech know this so most times they won't charge you and tell you what needs to be fixed.

 

our AC systems are usually very solid, so let's wait for LScowboyLS to chime in and recommend.

 

I tried it again today, realized there is no ac working at all, coldest it got was outdoor ambient temp. 23 celcius today. Unless it all leaked which i doubt, maybe compressor isnt even turning on?

 

speaking of Cowboy, this post he made is informative

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...g-problem.html

 

I just have a hard time believing there is ZERO refrigerant in there. I mean there is no conditioning effect at ALL, just ambient temp air. IN our 06 matrix i noticed the performance dropping off, but i mean it was still cool DRY air. here..nothing...

 

hmmmm. Sounds like it's not kicking on at all...
Could be just an electrical issue... not allowing it to turn on.

 

take it to a reputable ac shop..there isn't anything special about our a/c systems that require special training/knowledge.

 

talked to my buddys who'ss an HVAC guy, ill have him vaccuum it down and weigh in the correct amount of freon. We will leak test it beforehand too. Need to check if its even kicking on though first.

 

If it wont hold a charge the shop will know pretty quick. Then you go from there.