I just had my AC fixed like about a month ago, but just when I was stuck in traffic the AC went out yesterday. The AC light started blinking and it wouldn't blow out any cold air. I also don't have it on often unless I have to. I've literally only had the AC on twice before. Any suggestions as to what it might be or what I should do?

It sounds like you need some Freon. (the pressurized gas that the compressor runs on). Or maybe you need a compressor. Bring it to your mechanic. I'm interested in knowing how it works out... Keep me posted.

I think we have some Freon in the closet. I'll try messing with it tomorrow, if it doesn't turn on i'll give my mechanic a call. I'm just worried how much it'll cost since we really don't have the money to fix it again, right now. If anything we have a car box fan we got a while back when our old car had an AC problem, so I can use that in the mean time, if need be. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks Debbie

@ReneaC, There are numerous reasons why your AC failed. Low freon, blown fuse in the circuit that controls the AC compressor clutch, to name a few. If you add freon, make sure it's the correct type, usually R-134a for automotive use. You can usually get some pointers from any reputable auto parts store if you have any questions.

Mac, I forgot about the possibility of the fuse being the culprit... You're good!

There is lubricant in the system.
If you do not run it , seals will dry out and cause problems, especially leaks.

What year is your car?
If you car has true Freon, R12 and you have extra, ignore what "experts" say about changing to newer types as they do not cool near as well as R12.
My 1978 Olds needed a new compressor and I spent the time to find R12 online and at auto swap meets, rather than put the new crap in.
I ordered eight cans from China. It took awhile to get here but with shipping was still only ten bucks a can.
The cans are not the old size U.S. cans were so I ordered more than I thought I needed to fill the system and even with one U.S. can I still had it took one more can than what is considered normal.

When the OP said "the AC light started blinking" I assumed it was probably a late model car.

Yea, it's an older model. It's an '03 Toyota, but it still runs beautifully and is great on gas. The only problem with it is the AC. I have to ask my s.o. where the freon is since I couldn't find it in the closet.

R134a was introduced around 1994 so your Toyota should be using that.

Good luck. IDK how I'd live without my car A/C! IDK anything about cars but I know how to drive one... almost.

I've never understood how those Texans can ride a horse all day long, in the blazing sun, but can't live without AC .

RenaeC said:Yea, it's an older model. It's an '03 Toyota, but it still runs beautifully and is great on gas. The only problem with it is the AC. I have to ask my s.o. where the freon is since I couldn't find it in the closet.

LOL

As cars have runs from 5 years to over a decade, an older model may just be an earlier version of the same thing being produced.
For a car to be an older model to me it has to be at minimum before the turn of the century, and usually a lot older.
IF it has computer, to me, it is a newer pain in the buttocks.

It was in 1995 that the Feds. had their snit fit about freon.
Any car from 1996 on has R-134a which is a very poor replacement and not the same as freon.
HFO-1234yf is now replacing R-134a, which supposedly is contributing to global warming which is odd as Freon was supposedly destroying the ozone which was going to cause the sun to fry us alive.

Thanks for the info everyone. If I can't get it fixed right now, I'll just use the car box fan until we have the money saved up to fix it. I usually just drive with the windows down, but with earlier this week being at 103F the air blowing in the car felt like a heater was on. This week the temperatures are supposed to drop so hopefully it stays like that for a while.

I hope you can get it repaired .

Me too. Thanks Mac!

All my life I drove automatics. I got to CA, and was with a guy that rode motorcycles (crotch rockets). I learned how to drive a motorcycle before I learned to drive a car with a manual transmission. I love driving sticks and will never buy another automatic again.

McCannon said:I've never understood how those Texans can ride a horse all day long, in the blazing sun, but can't live without AC .

My hat won't fit inside my pickup, otherwise I'd be cool like when I ride my horse. Bahahaha! You watch too much TV, Mac!

ShadyGreenThumb said:My hat won't fit inside my pickup, otherwise I'd be cool like when I ride my horse. Bahahaha! You watch too much TV, Mac!

I bet your gun rack get in the way . I actually don't watch much TV, and what I do watch is mostly science related or educational .