Year: 2002
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Jetta
Engine Size: 1.8T
Refrigerant Type: R134a
Ambient Temp: 100+
Pressure Low: TBD
Pressure High: TBD
Country of Origin: United States

After many years and a couple handfuls of successful projects thanks to what I learned last time I posted and from what I could look up on the site, I am back with another one.

2002 Jetta. The A/C seems to work kind of while driving. It is definitely cool, but not cold. At a standstill it blows warn air, maybe 5 deg cooler. I have not opened the hood yet to get readings (that will be tomorrow), but I wanted to try and get some preliminary info.

My guess is that it is a little low on refrigerant. I remember complaints last year that it was cool, not cold. After I look for leaks, what should I be charging this up to? Is there a hi/lo target? I have read that this either does or may have a variable condenser and they are finicky. Most posts I saw suggested filling from a vacuum, if that is the only way to do it how much does it take?. I did not see anything about just adding a little. Apparently the A/C has never been serviced.

Any comments or thoughts? Anything specific I should start with or look for?

Thanks in advance.

So no way just to add a little?

Also, how would I get to 27oz with 12oz cans?

The pressure was about 150/15, I added a little and now it is around 195/25. It is blowing cool, but not consistently. I have not driven it but was told that it was not as cold after driving around a little, then it would get cold again. Hmmm....

Like HECAT said you need to charge by weight then evaluate performance. Variable compressors do strange things when not properly charged. Until you know the charge is right (by weight) you're just forever guessing whether it is the charge amount or something else.

Refrigerant capacity is always stated/measured by weight whether it's stated in ounces or grams. Hope you get your AC working again.