Rep Power: 334

AFter a whole winter of not using my AC it doesnt seem to work anymore.

The AC button lights up but i dont hear see or feel the compressor engaging like it used to.

This is what i mean when i say:
Hear - Engine RPMS raise up slightly when at idle and AC is turned on.
See - Lights dimming slighting from extra electrical load
Feel - Feel the engine from the RPMS raising.

I checked all the plugs going to it and they are fine. (engine bay)

What gives? my car is an 2001 and my AC has worked flawslessly till now. Is it possible that maybe the refrigerant leaked out and now the compressors safety thingy wont let it engage? Im sure it cant just break by itself.

 
Rep Power: 303

Could be the low pressure safety switch. It will prevent the compressor from running if the refrigerant's too low or gone. If you know where the switch is, you can jump it and see if the compressor starts. DO THIS ONLY FOR A FEW SECONDS! The compressor WILL seize without R134. If it works, you have lost the charge and need to get the system checked.

 
Rep Power: 334

yea maybe some has leaked out over the 4 years i had the car.

 
Rep Power: 334

does R134 last forever? as in, the only way you can "run out" is becuase of a leak?

 
Rep Power: 453

yes refrigerant lasts forever. You never need to change it. But I do recommend every yr or so to get it serviced. Basically take it to a shop and they will evacuate the system and put a vacuum on it. this will pull out any moisture possibly in there. Then they will put it back in.

But yes a leak is the only way to lose it.