Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting A/C doesn't cool unless moving

My A/C on my 1999 Mystique doesn't seem to cool while at a stop but works fine while traveling on the highway. I added a little r134 but less than 8 ounces. Could there be a belt or something slipping or an idle increase switch or something not working?

Is your a/c fan working?

Heh, maybe you just think your a/c is working @ high speeds but in actuality it's the air flowing in through the vents, do you have "max a/c" on?

ah yes the usual A/C suckage...

normal for our cars, it NEVER gets really cold - it may get comfortable inside the car but only if the system is performing properly, i.e. has the right amount of R-134 and all the mechanicals are good...

Yes my A/C fan is working and I do have max A/C on. There is a very noticable drop in the blower motor speed when at a stop. Is this normal cause if it blew like on high when moving at a stop than I wouldn't have a problem. Thanks

Belt slipping would show up as squeal, so that doesn't appear to be your problem. A/C does shutoff to prevent stalling but I don't think that's your problem either.

I would start with car cold, by turning a/c on at idle and confirm that rad fan goes on and that compressor clutch engages and disengages, i.e. cycles while car is sitting there cooling.

We have to go to licensed a/c people here for leak test before recharge so I can't really comment on your DIY kit as I'm not familiar with them. "Adding a little" doesn't seem to me to mean the same as having the right amount, and more isn't better than the right amount as far as a/c goes. I would therefore think that check of refrigerant would be in order if above checks OK.

p.s. Just saw your simultaneous post. Max a/c only affects air circulation, not amount of cold.

Based on that last post you might be wise to check bat volts at idle to make sure alt is putting out enough to keep them 13.5+ volts.

Your compresser is running faster while zipping down the road and brings the pressure up. Get the system tested (or buy the gauges) and fill it up properly. Too much will blow out the safety plug. If you spot any oil stains on the A/C lines that is where the R134a is going. I've seen quite a few Goodyear hoses leak. The Stop leak/compresser oil combo sold in stores works well on the hoses. Added some to wife's car over 2 years ago and mine last spring and they still cool well.

replace blower motor resister amd connector
all contour have this problem at some time
this is a factory recall!!!!

don't forget, overfilling your A/C system will make it not perform well too!