AC slow to cool down

[SVT_CT]

My AC takes about 15 mins to cool down to a really good cold temperature. It quickly gets slightly cooler than outside temperature but not cool enough to roll up windows. This occurs in both "regular" heat and the extreme heat last weekend in CT. It happens on MAX AC or AC settings. Also, it happens whether the car idles or is being driven. The AC was worked on in Fall of 2006 (details below) and it seems the delayed cooling started then, but since I had driven it wthout AC for over a year I am not sure if this delay was there before the work was done.

Details of AC service done:
Around 2004 a fender bender put a hole in the condensor. Fall of 2006 I replaced the condensor, accumulator/dryer, liquid line w/expansion device, and applicable O-rings. The system was evacuated and charged by a pro. The system seems to have no leaks -- I used Nylog lube on the o-rings and connections and it is still charged from then.

Is this delay normal? If not, could it be a symptom of the compressor getting old or wearing out?

 

[projectSHO89]

Might be a degraded system, might not.

Since we don't have gauge and temperature readings, we're only dealing with your perceptions which are not quantified.

If it is degraded, common reasons include a slipping clutch, improper charge, reduced condensor airflow, line restriction...and the list goes on.

Steve

 

[loc0gring0]

also have to think about everything else in the car being hot from sitting in the sun. so itll take longer to cool that stuff down also.

 

[SVT_CT]

Might be a degraded system, might not.

Since we don't have gauge and temperature readings, we're only dealing with your perceptions which are not quantified.

If it is degraded, common reasons include a slipping clutch, improper charge, reduced condensor airflow, line restriction...and the list goes on.

Steve

Sounds like it may be degraded. Compared to the time it takes other cars to cool down fully mine seems slow. Does a Contour's AC normally take 15 min for the vent air to get fully cool? Are Contiques known to have slow AC cool down time? I know I did not measure pressures and such, but I am just trying to determine if anything is even wrong. The possible problems you gave are the type of thing I am looking for. I will do some searching on how to check the clutch for slipping and how to determine if there is a restriction somewhere.

also have to think about everything else in the car being hot from sitting in the sun. so itll take longer to cool that stuff down also.

The AC is slow no matter what the car's interior temp is. I can't even see a difference in cool down time when the interior is already cool and the setting is MAX AC. Over two summers it has happened in every set of conditions that I encountered. Also, just to clarify I am referring to the temp of the air out of the vents, not the car's interior temp.

 

[twocontours]

You have a problem. Mine cools down in less than 2 minutes. Check pressures if you can. If you cant atleast tell us how often the compressor is cycling and for how long.

 

[Dyoel182]

The AC is slow no matter what the car's interior temp is. I can't even see a difference in cool down time when the interior is already cool and the setting is MAX AC. Over two summers it has happened in every set of conditions that I encountered. Also, just to clarify I am referring to the temp of the air out of the vents, not the car's interior temp.

First of all you shouldnt set it on Max to get the car cold the fastest. The regular setting will draw cooler air whereas the max setting draws interior air which is gonna be hotter than outside air because its been baking in the sun. But you seem to have a leak of some sort so go get a hose with a gauge on it, turn the car on with the ac on full blast and get your pressure reading.

 

[Tony2005]

Also leave the rear windows down about two inches to let the hot air out (with the blower set to max) during the first 5 minutes of driving if you had the car in the baking sun for a while.

 

[SVT_CT]

First of all you shouldnt set it on Max to get the car cold the fastest. The regular setting will draw cooler air whereas the max setting draws interior air which is gonna be hotter than outside air because its been baking in the sun. But you seem to have a leak of some sort so go get a hose with a gauge on it, turn the car on with the ac on full blast and get your pressure reading.

I use MAX AC when the car interior is already cooled down -- see my post you quoted. I'm trying to show that the AC is slow in all conditions -- even when it is drawing already cool air.

Anyways, I borrowed the hose and gauge of a store bought AC charge kit and measured low side pressure to be 30psi. I will borrow or buy a high side gauge when I can. Conditions were: outside temp of 90F, HVAC set to AC (not max), and clutch engaged right away and did not disengage until it became fully cool (which I timed to be 13 minutes).

If any other readings, measurements, or different conditions are required to troubleshoot this issue I will do whatever is needed.

 

[twocontours]

I'd still borrow a gauge set and post the High and low pressure readings but from what you posted it sounds like your charge level is about right. If the charge is low it would have cycled on the low pressure switch. The outside temp is just about where the chart shows continuous operation but your outlet temperature should have been about 40 Deg. You might have a problem in your engine fan area or condensor.

 

[CSVTnewbie]

Make sure to clean the front of the condensor.