Hi again

Summer approaches and i have tried using my a/c system in the car. Push both buttons on (climate control and recirculation), knob on cold air, put fan up for some speed, but air does not seem to be coming out cold, had impression it was bit cool at first but seeemed to alternate to warm at times (could be my imagination) and then did not seem to cool at all. Does the fiat climate control use any fluid which needs to be topped up?

Upon checking the manual, i found an indication that the a/c used a coolant fluid but no sign of where this is stored, I'm also not sure if this is the issue or something else. Any ideas? Thx for the help

probably needs gassing up

if you dont use it once a month (even in winter) it doesnt take long to die. you'll need to re-gas it, and then make sure you use if for at least 5 mins each month. if it stops working againt after that you probably have a leak.

thx jug, i think it is not working at all, as when i turn it off, cold air from fan feels pretty much the same, this is the first time im trying it since i got the brava, or else, the power is extremely mild, it does feel cold at times. I'll call up my fiat dealership to have it checked in *sigh*

is re-gassing, leak fixing an expensive procedure? completely new to a/c systems in cars

i also put window down at one point and noticed a rattling which could be heard on the outside of the car (not really audible) when i had the a/c on.

No need to go to fiat if you dont want too, find an air con specialist and get a few quotes they should be able to test, sometimes for free if you have a leak. The rattling could be your compressor which is lacking oil hence being noisy. Oil is introduced with refrigerant.

Usually no oil no refrigerant means the pressure switch prevents the clutch engaigng. Window open engine on, engage air con, a second or so later there should be a satisfying Kerlunkkk the engine idle speed should bounce about a bit as the load comes on and cold air should pour out of the vents. Maybe getting the triple switch checked and the receiver dryer changed ( my switch was £35 trade) then re-gassing with sealant for about £100. Couple of threads on this in Mare tech recently

On further "testing" , i notice that the a/c always produces cold air, although it is way too mild for my liking, but the cold air stops coming out from only my side of the car, ie middle vent of driver's side and driver's side air vent near door, air starts coming out completely normal as opposed to the mild cold on the other side..