<p>Reader Question Hello, Austin,

I came across your website when I was looking for answers to what to do about a vehicle my husband wants that has a broken A/C. It is a 1996 Chevy Blazer LS. I have heard that one cannot get a “shot of Freon anymore.

Supposedly, one has to replace the A/C or some such thing. I don’t want my husband to buy this vehicle and then have to put a lot of money into it. Can you help me to let him know what needs to be done to fix the A/C and whether or not it is just a matter of replacing the Freon?

Thanx!

Meri

Hello Meri

The first thing you should do in this situation is get a qualified air conditioning mechanic to add some Freon to the system and check it for leaks. This will probably cost you $100 or so U.S., but this will give you some idea of cost needed to repair the A/C.

Just adding the Freon to run the test MIGHT be all that is needed. It is not too uncommon for older vehicles like this to seep some Freon out over time and need a “shot” here and there to top the system off again and keep things cold. When the seep turns into a leak is when the repairs can get costly.

Blessings,

Austin Davis