Chrysler Repair: A/C confusion, dodge shadow, car cold

Question
-------------------------
Roland:

Isn't that true that it wont get too cold because of the hot and humid temp?  At night, I feel that it should be colder than what it is.
Followup To
Question -
Hey Roland:

Kevin here.  Just to refresh your memory, I have a 1994 Dodge Shadow.  You helped me out several times in the past.  This is my question.  It's been so hot lately, my a/c in my car is not putting out the cold air like it did when I first got it serviced.  At first, it was very cold, now it's barely keeping the car cold.  I know that if it is very hot out, that the a/c don't perform as good, but even at night, when it isn't as hot, it still is not that cold.  I don't think the compressor is going out.  When I first turn the a/c on, the battery voltage drops, so I know the compressor is on.  It just dont get as cold as it used to.  It is still humid and hot out, so maybe I should wait until it cools down and then see if it is functioning correctly.  Like I say, at first, it was so cold in that car, I had to turn the a/c to let the car warm up.  

PS:  My Camaro does the same thing.  I know your expertise is not Chevy, but do they all function kinda the same?
Answer -
Hi Kevin,
It sounds to me like yo may be loosing the refrigerant due to a leak somewhere in the system. After you loose too much the compressor will automatically refuse to start (for safety to prevent damage from loss of the lubricant). If you have a drier/filter canister that has a sight glass (not all do) you could look to see if there are bubbles showing in the fluid after the system has run for a few minutes. If you do, that is a sign of low refrigerant level.
So if the compressor is now running but you don't get sufficient cooling that is my suggestion. The temp door lever on the console control should feel like it is attached mechanically; if it moves as if it isn't attached that is another possible reason for no cooling.
You may want to go to an independent AC shop to have them check the refrigerant level and to snoop for leaks.
Roland

Answer
Hi Kevin,
Of course the output temp is related to the ambient temp. Here is what Chrysler says as a test:
Set the A/c to max cool, recirc, panel, blower at highest;
run the engine at 1,000 rpm for 5 minutes with doors and windows closed;
insert thermometer in left-center ac outlet:
the outlet temp should be:
56-70 if the outside temp is 110
50-62          100
44-55          90
39-50          80
35-46          70

That is the best I can give you. Please no more than one question per day as I can only deal with a limited number.
AC is not my expertise.
Roland