A/C not blowing cold

[OXX1973]

Hello everyone, I need some advice. My A/C in my 1998 Expedition XLT with rear air started loosing its cold temp. The clutch is spinning and there is about a 10 degree change in air temp when set to max A/C but I live in Florida where it is 95 degrees and above constantly.
I bought a can of Freon to recharge and although it was a little low it wasn't super low. I charge it to max which took about halg the can and now my max setting is about 20 degrees cooler than the outside but my regular A/C is slaking a lot.
Any ideas on what I can investigate to get my A/C properly functioning. I do not like the idea of spending $60 for a shop to tell me that it will cost $1200 to replace the entire system when it might be something less complicated.

Thank you for your help.

 

[stamp11127]

There isn't much you can do without the proper tools to diagnose your system other than throwing things at it with your fingers crossed. Check with your local parts house to see if they loan/rent Ac manifold gauge sets so that you can get the system pressures.

Since the compressor is running that tells you the low side pressure switch senses enough pressure to run the compressor or it has been jumped. What you don't know is the pressures on the low and high side of the system. Once you have that information you can proceed with a repair or recharge.

Since he is in Fla and it is the middle of summer there, you can bet his a/c is on the max setting as stated below.

 

[docraymund]

There might be a leak in your ac sysrem. Examine the ac lines and look for oily spots which indicates a leak. Stick to max ac in the meantime.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Does it work on the highway better than at slow speeds?

 

[OXX1973]

Thank you to everyone for their help. I will track the AC lines this weekend to see if I locate a leak. I do not notice a difference between highway speeds vs low speed.

 

[stamp11127]

You normally will not see a leak unless you are using the black light and glasses. The standard leak points are any of the o-rings, compressor shaft seal and condenser. The worst component to leak is the evaporator - usually have to take the dash out in order to get to it. To test the evaporator for leaks you need a sniffer.