1998 Ford Mustang Air Conditioner Problem?

[cocopuff1]

I got a 1998 Ford Mustang last November and the AC has never worked correctly. When I turn on the AC... only hot air blows out. The heater works fine. No matter how long I run the AC... just hot air comes out. Can anybody tell me why? How can I fix it? How much would it cost to fix? Thanks

 

[Puri]

Your best bet is to take it to a local repair shop or A/C specialist. Even if you are mechanically inclined A/C is a whole other world. However, by the sounds of it you are either low on freon or your compressor isn't kicking on for some reason; could be a bad relay/fuse or the compressor itself could be bad. Those will be your mostly likely issues. Try popping up the hood and turn your A/C on, if the compressor is working you should be able to hear it; if you're unsure then turn the A/C off and listen around under the hood again, does it sound the same? If the compressor isn't kicking on then you'll need to try and hard start it, if it starts up after that then it's time to get your relays! It's a good idea to pick up a can of freon at this point too because you might also be a little low, Walmart or any auto parts dealer will have cans with guages to check the pressure in your system, be sure not to over-fill.

If not then this situation gets a little messy. I'd highly recommend going out to the nearest pick-n-pull/salvage yard for a compressor rather than buying a brand new one from Autozone or the dealer. You'll need to figure out why the compressor died (ie. comtaminent) a new drier and expansion valve should always be replaced with the compressor and you'll need to go to an A/C specialist to vacuum out the lines and check for any leaks.