Chevrolet Repair: 2000 cavalier air conditioner 2.2L, cavalier coupe, condensor

Question
Hello Tom, I have a 2000 cavalier coupe and having a problem with the air conditioner. I have charged this system several times for it to lose the charge in a couple days. The compressor seems to be kicking on as it should once the freon is charged and is cold, but just doesn't hold it very long. Was wondering if this would be the condenser, or how would I check the system for other leaks. I've also tried the freon with dye in it, but to no avail, and couldn't find any traces of the dye. Any suggestions?
Thank you, Wanda

Answer
HI WANDA,THERE ARE MANY AREA'S FREON CAN LEAK FROM,SUCH AS HOSES,COMPRESSOR SEALS,EVAPORATOR [IN THE DASH]LETS ASSUME THERE ARE NO EXTERNAL LEAKS THAT YOU CAN SEE. THE ONE PLACE THAT YOU CAN NOT SEE IS THE EVAPORATOR.UNDER THE DASH.. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PLACE..I WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CONDENSOR OR ANY OTHER PART UNTILL YOU ARE SURE.IF THE CONDENSOR IS LEAKING THERE IS USUALLY A WET SPOT ON THE SURFACE OF IT IN ONE OF THE CORNERS. PUT DYE IN THE SYSTEM THAT YOU NEED A BLACK LIGHT TO CK FOR LEAKS.MAY NEED TO TAKE TO A SHOP FOR THIS. THIS WORKS VERY WELL.. NO LEAKS FOUND OUTSIDE THE CAR. THE EVAP IS BAD..VERY COMMON.HOPE THIS HELPS TOM.