Airconditioning Check

There isn't any way to easily check the refrigerant yourself and it is illegal to vent it to the atmosphere anyway so you need special equipment.

If you buy a service manual, it should give you the procedure to check the temperature of the air at the dash outlets. This is the best way to check if the system is working overall as it should be. It should be able to maintain a specified temperature drop.

Matt

I think I've seen some do it yourself recharge kits that come with a pressure gauge, might want to give that a try? though the cost might be up near having it checked out professionally.

Why would you buy a recharge kit prior to troubleshooting the system to see if it is working properly?

Matt

FWIW, I find the Elantra's A/C system to be too effective. If your wife's A/C isn't blowing really frigid air, it needs service. A common problem with the A/C system is that the position of the condensor exposes it to damage from rocks and debris thrown up by other vehicles. Many Elantra owners install plastic gutter screen or metal mesh behind the grill to protect the condensor from damage (DIY instructions are available at the Elantra Club Web site). You may have a hole in the condensor if the A/C isn't working at all. If it's just weak, it's likely that it's simply in need of a recharge.

Get a thermometer and stuff it in the center vent with the a/c on coldest setting, fan speed full, and in recirc mode. 45 degrees F or below should be fine. If it's a particularly hot day, you should lower the fan speed and see if the temperature lowers significantly. In these cases, this volume of very hot air is too much for the evaporator, and the lower speed will give you an indicator of what the a/c is capable of once the interior of the car cools.