2008 VW Jetta AC not cold

The AC blows good and strong. Just not cold. when I turn the AC on the vents blow and I do not notice any drag on the engine or any noise.

I see there are different AC services on here, like Compressor replacement, AC repair, AC inspection. Which service do I need to go with? Do I need to pay for an AC inspection, then AC repair based on what was found? Need direction on right approach to getting the AC fixed and of course mindful of cost.
The car has 56,000 original miles on it.

Thanks,
Allen

My car has 56000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi Allen. By far the best way to have your AC system correctly diagnosed is by having an AC inspection completed first. By having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location to diagnose the issue correctly, it significantly minimizes the mistakes in completing the wrong service. In your case, the issue could be as simple as needing to have the AC system recharged, or there is an existing leak that needs to be repaired before refilling the refrigerant. Best economic bet is to have the AC inspection completed first.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Volkswagen Jetta ac isn`t working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. You may not realize there`s a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold.
The most likely reason the AC isn`t working is your car`s AC is leaking. Your car`s AC unit needs freon to cool the ambient air temperature and creates needed cold air. When there is a freon leak on your car there is no way to cool the air.
A properly charged system should read between 25 and 40 psi on the low side. If the pressure is low, add more refrigerant into the system.
The most common reasons a Volkswagen Jetta heater isn`t working are a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater blower motor resistor. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue. Oops! We got lost!
Leaking or Low Refrigerant

If your central AC is not blowing cold air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. The most likely cause of this is a leak.

Common Reasons AC Doesn`t Run Cold

The most common causes of broken air conditioning leaks or compression issues. If you are feeling cool — but not cold — air, the issue could be a clogged filter, a problem with the cooling fan, signs of radiator trouble, or it could simply mean it`s time to recharge your AC.

Leaking Refrigerant | AC Blowing Hot Air

If your A/C is blowing warm air, there`s a good chance your car is low on refrigerant. Simply adding refrigerant to the system isn`t enough!

SOLUTION: Remove any sticks, small rocks, etc., from the grille. This simple DIY action might stop the problem of your AC blowing hot air. If not, take the car to a body shop. The system may need flushing or mechanical repair.
This tyre placard recommends a minimum tyre pressure of 38psi for the Volkswagen Golf.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

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2008 VW Jetta AC not cold
ANSWER : Hi Allen. By far the best way to have your AC system correctly diagnosed is by having an AC inspection completed first. By having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location to diagnose the issue correctly, it significantly minimizes the mistakes in completing the wrong service. In your case, the issue could be as simple as needing to have the AC system recharged, or there is an existing leak that needs to be repaired before refilling the refrigerant. Best economic bet is to have the AC inspection completed first.

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ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. There are so many different codes being triggered, that it is unlikely all of these systems are having issues at once. We need to focus in on the fact the engine is overheating at all. You will want to check the level and condition of the coolant and the overflow tank. If the level is full then you may have an issue with the thermostat, radiator cap, or water pump. These can all be tested and changed relatively easily. If the main cooling system is okay, you will want to look into the heater core and climate control module. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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ANSWER : Based on the information you provided for your 2010 Dodge Avenger. It is likely that you have a leak in the air conditioning system. You may also have a resistor pack going bad, or the selector switch itself could be going bad. To have the problem verified, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to detect any leaks and make needed repairs.

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When I first put refrigerant in my car the ac was really cold after 2 days its still cool but not as cold is this normal?
ANSWER : It is possible that since you had a leaking O-ring, not only did the refrigerant leak out, but the outside atmosphere contaminated the receiver/dryer in your A/C system. The job of the receiver/dryer is to absorb any moisture and contamination inside the A/C system. If your o-ring was leaking for a time, the receiver/dryer may need to be replaced. A contaminated receiver/dryer can will effect the efficiency of your A/C system.

It is also possible you may have another leak somewhere in the system. Try to get your A/C system dye tested. They will put a UV fluorescent dye in the system along with the refrigerant. If there is another refrigerant leak somewhere, the dye will come out with it and be visible under UV light.

If you decide to get this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to your home or office to diagnose the issue with your A/C. Good luck.

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when I turn my ac on my cars idle drop and stalls out and the ac is hot
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Although the pulley is still spinning, the compressor has likely failed. If it is not properly regulating pressure in the system, one of the first signs is a warm air conditioner. Considering yours is not cooling off, the pressures are not correct. If you believe the compressor is working correctly, you may want to check for a clogged line before replacing it. Keep in mind, a blocked line has likely put extra strain on the compressor, and may cause premature failure. For more help with testing or replacing the compressor, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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