my ac in my 96 xj works, it just blows hotter than the air outside. I figure it just needs to be charged with freon but i assume that there is a leak someware so even when I recharge it I think it will just leak out. Is this the only way to find the leak? How can I fix the leak once I find it? thanks. Ted

 

Go to the auto part store and get the recharge can with the gadge and dye in the can to check for leaks.

 

if its hotter than the air outside, you could have a vacuum hose disconnected causing the blend door to send air over the heater core instead of the AC evaporator.

start by having someone check it with gauges to see if the system is low

 

had similar probs like you, but mine needed a new ac compressor and the clutch for the ac or whatever its called burn't up and blew smoke from around that passenger area of the hood.

 

First thing you need to do is se if the compressor runs. Probably not, but first things first. Then se if the clutch is getting voltage. If it is, then the clutch is bad and you will need a new compressor, which is cheaper than replacing a clutch. If it is not, then you probably are low on refrigerant. You will then need to charge the system with some UV dye and run it until it does not work any more. Then use a UV flash light in the dark and look for florescent yellow. That is where your leak is.