98 A6 Quattro, 141K

The AC was recharged about a year ago and works great when the car is moving. But when I am at a stop sign or a red light, the AC air does not blow very cold air. Any ideas what it could be, or is the AC just old?

Thanks

 

Check the AUX fan is spinning... should come on as soon as the A/C is.

 

The AUX fan comes on when the A/C is on.

 

OK.. next step is to see if its pulling enough air.. it should be 'lots' ...

About the only way the air blows cold while moving, but not stopped is if there is not enough air movement...

 

You may have a reciever/dryer that is contaminated, restricting refrigerant flow at lower speeds, or your inline filter in the system. Possibly both. Were they both replaced at the service? They are both critical items for low-rpm velocity of refrigerant.

 

I am not sure if the the parts were changed? can I change them myself or does the refrigerant need to be drained in order to replace the parts. I don't know a ton about A/C repair.

 

I remember reading somewhere about a blocked drain causing these symptoms. Do you get the usual pool of A/C condensation on the ground at standstill?

 

I think there is some. where would I check to see if the drain is blocked.

 

You need to be licensed... FYI, the dryer only works when the system is first filled when it 'dries' what ever moisture is left after pulling a vacuum. If it fails after that, something else is wrong. Also, every time the system is opened, the dryer needs to be replaced.


In any case, if the fane works, make sure its actually moving enough air. Check your belt to make sure its not slipping (though I doubt it), and make sure your condenser coil is free and unclogged. Theres not much else other than low on refrigerant.

 

may be the ac gas is very low. you should go and fill the gas in it.