A/C chemical smell

Hey guys, quick question. It's not for my truck but this is the forum I use. Plus, I assume most car air condition systems are rather similar..

The air conditioner on my girl's car is struggling. It doesn't blow very hard, almost sounds like something stuck in there, and I can smell the freon occasionally when we turn on the ac. It's cold it just does not blow very hard.

I've replaced the filter and the motor looks okay.. does this mean there's a Freon leak or mean I need to add more freon, or maybe there's something wrong with the condenser.. any input from someone that knows AC systems would be great.

Thanks

 

A/C refrigerant doesn't really have a smell but the oil does, many times if you smell it in the cab you have an evaporator leaking. If there's dye in the system you can shine a UV light at the A/C drain and see if there's dye coming out (glows bright green under UV light), if there is then you 100% have an evaporator leaking.
As far as the low airflow it could be a plugged cabin air filter, something stuck in the air intake or blower, evaporator that's plugged up with dirt/debris, a broken blend door, or a failing blower motor.

 

Thx for the thorough answer. Blend doors seem ok, I tested the rotation.. cabin filter is clean and replaced. Blower motor didn't have an obstruction. It could be going bad though

 

I'm not sure as I've never had the blower out of a 2nd gen but on some vehicles you can see part of the evaporator with the blower removed, wouldn't hurt to take a look at it if it's visible and see if it's plugged or leaking.

 

Ok thanks man. I'll give it a look