AC (mis)behavior
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 794
Likes: 348
From: VA
AC (mis)behavior
So,
AC season is upon us in the Tidewater.
Typically, I don't use the AC all that much, but LOML and I had to make a trip up to Northern Virginia (NOVA).
This is all interstate, and we will put the top-up with the AC on for less noise from the enormous amount of traffic on I-95.
The ac cools the car quickly as usual, but yesterday I noticed that after an hour or so the air coming on the vents was barely cool at all.
Today was the same experience. After about an hour the air from the vent was the same as outdoors.
I toggled the AC off for a couple of minutes, and then toggled it back on.
At which point, the air from the vents was it's usual cold temp.
Any idea what might be the cause of this oddity?
Thanks
AC season is upon us in the Tidewater.
Typically, I don't use the AC all that much, but LOML and I had to make a trip up to Northern Virginia (NOVA).
This is all interstate, and we will put the top-up with the AC on for less noise from the enormous amount of traffic on I-95.
The ac cools the car quickly as usual, but yesterday I noticed that after an hour or so the air coming on the vents was barely cool at all.
Today was the same experience. After about an hour the air from the vent was the same as outdoors.
I toggled the AC off for a couple of minutes, and then toggled it back on.
At which point, the air from the vents was it's usual cold temp.
Any idea what might be the cause of this oddity?
Thanks
Pole Position
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 632
From: AZ
I think you have a leak in your system. You can go to walmart or an auto parts place and get some r-134 and top it off.
If your car wasn't the age it is, I would tell you there was a leak and you need to worry. My theory is it just leaked out over time and a one time top off will solve the problem. If you find this solution doesn't solve your problem long term, you will need to get it looked at.
If your car wasn't the age it is, I would tell you there was a leak and you need to worry. My theory is it just leaked out over time and a one time top off will solve the problem. If you find this solution doesn't solve your problem long term, you will need to get it looked at.
Last edited by DshngDaryl; May 19, 2025 at 01:36 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 99
From: W
I thought those store refill kits aren't good cuz they have sealant in them which isn't good for the AC system in the long run. So because your system is already leaking it maybe compromised and have debris in the system which causes more damage.
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 241
Likes: 48
From: CA
Check your cabin filter make sure it's not clogged...check condenser for dust, leaves, dirt...compressor clutch can cause the AC to malfunction and a leak can also lead to inconsistent AC performance.......good luck
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: BC
When was the last time it was recharged?
I would try to recharge it with dye to find the actual leak.
Otherwise clean the condenser and evaporator gently via low pressure water.
I would try to recharge it with dye to find the actual leak.
Otherwise clean the condenser and evaporator gently via low pressure water.
So,
AC season is upon us in the Tidewater.
Typically, I don't use the AC all that much, but LOML and I had to make a trip up to Northern Virginia (NOVA).
This is all interstate, and we will put the top-up with the AC on for less noise from the enormous amount of traffic on I-95.
The ac cools the car quickly as usual, but yesterday I noticed that after an hour or so the air coming on the vents was barely cool at all.
Today was the same experience. After about an hour the air from the vent was the same as outdoors.
I toggled the AC off for a couple of minutes, and then toggled it back on.
At which point, the air from the vents was it's usual cold temp.
Any idea what might be the cause of this oddity?
Thanks
AC season is upon us in the Tidewater.
Typically, I don't use the AC all that much, but LOML and I had to make a trip up to Northern Virginia (NOVA).
This is all interstate, and we will put the top-up with the AC on for less noise from the enormous amount of traffic on I-95.
The ac cools the car quickly as usual, but yesterday I noticed that after an hour or so the air coming on the vents was barely cool at all.
Today was the same experience. After about an hour the air from the vent was the same as outdoors.
I toggled the AC off for a couple of minutes, and then toggled it back on.
At which point, the air from the vents was it's usual cold temp.
Any idea what might be the cause of this oddity?
Thanks
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 427
Likes: 183
From: VA
Did you look at the sightglass? Theres a glass windows you can check on the drivers side in front of the radiator. If you see bubbles in there than there's air in your system. If it's clear then you're good (no leak)
id also pull the codes to see if there's anything tripping out there. I've had the low pressure sensor go out on me before. And once replaced all was good again.
id also pull the codes to see if there's anything tripping out there. I've had the low pressure sensor go out on me before. And once replaced all was good again.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 794
Likes: 348
From: VA
I did a check when I had the Tech stream connected to do my new TPMS integration. There were no errors other than the occupant sensors.
I'll look at the sight glass.
It's be unseasonably cool here, so I really haven't been able to test it.
I am fairly certain that one or more of the under dash servos is dieing, so that will be more fun.
Cheers
I'll look at the sight glass.
It's be unseasonably cool here, so I really haven't been able to test it.
I am fairly certain that one or more of the under dash servos is dieing, so that will be more fun.
Cheers
Last edited by doobs; May 29, 2025 at 05:12 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 794
Likes: 348
From: VA
Well,
It's well and fully hot today. Some 95F.
I was getting on a local highway and "gave it the beans" to get past a slo-poke entering the roadway.
When I lifted off a bit, there was a very pronounced clack/clack/clack noise like a solenoid that was hunting.
When I got home, I left the car running and opened the hood. The suction line was sweating all the way to the firewall.
All my experience with HVAC has taught me that if the suction line is sweating, the system is charged.
So, my guess at this point is that I've got one (or more) of the door control solenoids is dead/dying.
Cheers,
It's well and fully hot today. Some 95F.
I was getting on a local highway and "gave it the beans" to get past a slo-poke entering the roadway.
When I lifted off a bit, there was a very pronounced clack/clack/clack noise like a solenoid that was hunting.
When I got home, I left the car running and opened the hood. The suction line was sweating all the way to the firewall.
All my experience with HVAC has taught me that if the suction line is sweating, the system is charged.
So, my guess at this point is that I've got one (or more) of the door control solenoids is dead/dying.
Cheers,
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