TheTank

Ok, so the air started blowing really hot with the AC on like 3 weeks ago so I took it to my mechanic and it checked it and said the R12 was really low and it hadn't been filled up in a while so he filled it up for me, and it worked great for about 2 more weeks including a 500 mile trip. But a couple days after I got home it went back to really really hot. He checked it again and said the freon was totally gone and that there was a massive leak in the evaporator core that let it all out. He never took the dash out or anything to look, so I was wondering if there's any way to find a leak in the evaporator without actually seeing it. But I also wanted to make sure I'm looking at the right thing. The evaporator is in the box directly behind the glovebox and to the left of the blower motor correct? I took it out and there is some fluid that looks like it leaked down the tubes on that other thing that is on the side of the evaporator.

And I was also looking directly behind the stereo and all that stuff in the center of the dash and there is something that looks like another condensor or radiator, but I wasn't sure what it was called. Sorry for all the stupid questions. I just want to make sure I'm looking at the right thing, so I can find this leak and get it fixed soon!

Oh and I was also going to just ask where exactly is the ac compressor? I', pretty sure it's right under the power steering fluid can, but everyone talks like it's really easy to change, and I was just thinking that might be another place where the leak could be coming from, but looks like a pain to even check out.

rimpainter.com

A good AC repair shop will have a "sniffer" that can pinpoint a leaky seal or identify a failure in the system. Try a shop that specializes in this, preferably one you can trust.

rpeAMP

To find the compressor, take your skid plate off and look to your right (if you're looking up from under the car). The A/C compressor will be a rather large entity with metal casing attached to a pulley (clutch) with a belt.