Ac works when on the rode driving but fails to cool when sitting at idle.
First step is hook up a set of gauges and see what both the high and low side pressures are.
It’s entirely possible that at 6 to 7 years of age a small leak has occurred and there has been some refrigerant loss.
There are 4 reasons for this
- A defective condenser fan
The cooling fan in the condenser is the first thing that you should look into while finding out the reason for car air conditioner not blowing cold air when idling . If the fan is damaged or cannot run with its full force, it cannot cool down the heat coming from the Freon (refrigerant) through the condenser.
When the car runs at a high speed, the condenser does not require the fan for cooling the Freon because of sufficient air passing through it. But, when the car is not moving, the fan is the only tool for making the Freon cold.
You should check if the fan’s connections are loose or it does not properly sit in its slot.
- Overheated engine
Another common reason for a car AC not blowing cold air when idle is an overheated engine. The compressor of the AC system moves heat from the radiator to the condenser. When the car is already overheated and the fans in the radiator and condenser are not properly working for some reasons, the system can’t cool down the heat with the maximum efficiency.
- Low-level of Freon
Low-level of Freon is another probable reason.
The Freon gets used up with the running of the air conditioning. When its level goes lower than the acceptable level, you will face the issue of car air conditioner not blowing cold air when idling . The compressor can pump the Freon more easily when the car is running at a high speed on the highway but it struggles when the car sits idle. You can do the refill yourself if you know the procedure.
- Debris
If any foreign object or debris gets into the condenser and obstructs the fins, the cooling process won’t work properly, especially when the car is idle. These elements could also bend the cooling system and create the same effect. You have to clean up the condenser fins and other areas to solve this problem.
This same thing happened to me a year or two ago with my 2012 Sonata. If my memory is correct the repair cost me about $250 and had to do with replacing a hose. Supposedly a lot had to be taken apart in order to replace this hose, which was the reason for the cost. I’d be interested to hear what you learn about your situation and how much it costs to fix.