Just last week, I dropped my car off for an AC recharge. I'm certainly going to take it back as I'm having the following problem:

I can feel the compressor click on and off repetitively as I drive, and the car never really gets cold. Anyone have any idea why it would do this? Just throwing this out so I can maybe learn something...

Mike

 

It could be overcharged.

 

could be alot of things check for overcharging first. but it could be the compressor, clutch, or the expansion valve.or the thermostat


[Modified by minime, 8:50 PM 8/13/2002]

 

my guess is overcharging, since this started as soon as I got it back from the shop.

Any other ideas out there?


[Modified by Mike P., 11:22 PM 8/13/2002]

 

overcharged i would agree

 

Why was it re-charged in the first place? if the a/c was blowing cold then re-charging isn't common practice..

In some cases overcharged a/c systems create some pretty strange noises..i.e, water running thru pipes, water dripping in a pan, its pretty funny when you hear this and don't expect it from an automobile..

it could also be the hot air door in the HVAC system not closing all the way when the **** is turned to the cold setting...

Do you have the fresh air vents closed off and air mode set to recirculation?


[Modified by BreakStuff, 11:41 PM 8/13/2002]

 

Yes, I have been using "Recirc." The thing is, I can feel the power of the motor drop off when the compressor engages or disengages. I know it does this normally, but it's doing this at around 2 second intervals, and it never gets that cold. The reason I took it in was that I felt it wasn't as cold as it had been in the past. I haven't had it serviced since I got the car 3 years ago, so I figured it was time. With the 98 degree humid heat we've been having, I just want to make sure it's up to snuff.

 

Compressor cycling at 2 second intervals.. overcharged a/c system.. If it blows, make sure you make them pay for the repair!..


[Modified by BreakStuff, 12:14 AM 8/14/2002]

 

Thanks, BreakStuff! You're always such a good help. I will take it back to them tomorrow morning. They are good people, they just goofed up.

 

Either that or undercharged. They are supposed to evacuate the system first. Then see if it even holds a vaccum. Then if its good, they should recharge it. If the sensors sense too little pressure it will shut off the compressor to avoid damage. If it turns on can suck too much from one side and activate the switch off.

Put some gauges on it and check. Whatever it is its definetly a problem with the amount of freon.