Having difficulty getting the air conditioner to kick in. seems if I play around with the settings and set the temperature around 21, eventually it kicks in. Control shows lights on Auto, A/C and re-circulate and vents set to driver (I've been reading some of the posts). Not sure if a switch is sticking and finally kicks in with all if the on-offs?

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

Or YOU are right at the threshold of low Pressure in the system and that is why is not kicking in? Had a similar issue recently, have a small leak in the condenser. Dealer recharged the system and all is good for now, next time I will try one of the ac recharge sprays with stop leak. Good luck

 

Perhaps a small leak in the A/C system. There is some of those DIY containers from any auto parts store that contain a UV dye that might help you narrow down where the leak is coming from.

 

I did the charge kit originally and was surprised at the time that the system wasn't low. I topped it up, but still had the same issue. figured I had bigger problems and would have to get it looked at, then one morning (couple of weeks later) the system turned on very first thing and it was very cold (I had to turn up the temp). since then, I have intermittent success getting it to turn on (over weeks). so I don't think it's a leak. just seems even though the lights turn on, a mechanic switch\solenoid is not kicking on?

 

You're on the right track. If the high and low side pressures are okay, there probably isn't a leak. Next thing to start hunting for is a mechanical failure. Either the AC compressor itself has gone bad (which may not be the case) or the magnetic clutch relay has failed (which is a little more reasonable) Best bet is to find that relay which may be labeled as "Mag CL" or something similar and put your finger on it and have a friend turn the AC switch on/off. You should feel a strong click when it turns on and off.

 

^Generally-speaking, where would that relay be? Near or on the A/C compressor itself or within one of the fuse blocks?

 

Should be in the Fuse box under the hood. The relay itself is more like a squared shape.