Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting A/C Issues (sucks with this weather)

I have a second issue that is not as important as my other post but since I am posting might as well ask.....my A/C has been acting funny......it works fine until I drive in stop and go traffic. Once I hit that then it gradually start blowing warm then hot if I stay in it to long. If I am driving the interstate then it is fine...I also checked the pressure and it was within limits.....Please tell me this is not my compressor??

Thanks again for any help.

Is the compressor cycling? Mine was, but not long enough so things got a little warmer that they should be. Replaced the switch and it's cool in traffic.

Feel Like a dunce.....but you lost me?

The compressor run by the drive belt. You can usually feel it cutting on and off (it causes a surge) when the engine is running and see it turning when looking under the hood at it. If it isn't running, or running long enough, it will get warm inside.

The Condenser could be dirty. You need to clean it with a hose.

The Compressor Clutch could be slipping. That was my problem that I just fixed. I replaced the clutch without taking out the compressor. It was not that hard contrairy to previous posts in this forum. Total Cost $ 30.00.

To check the clutch: check the air gap, specification 0.014 inch to 0.033 inch.

If you have very cold air when your A/C is on, it is NOT your compressor.

For more info check out this forum: http://www.autoacforum.com/

There are several auto a/c mechanics that are moderators.

Good luck,

Mario

Other bug I had was the relay that picks the compressor clutch. It went bad and would work most of the time. You could hear the system try to come on but the clutch wouldn't engage so it would try a little later. I've seen many compressor clutches ruined due to bad relays because they don't get the current they need to hold.

The relay is very easy to check, you switch it with the starter relay (same color, same part number) in the fuse box near the battery.


Mario I

96 Mystique Zetec MTX

If it doesn't work in stop and go traffic, it could be that your cooling fan on the radiator isn't working properly. If the fan doesn't work correctly, you won't have air flow through the radiator or the ac unit(condensor??) in front of the radiator. With no air flow, the condensor (or whatever it is called) heats up, and the high pressure keeps the ac from working. Or something like that.

True, also make sure the engine itself is not overheating! The a/c will shut off then. If that is happening, replace the waterpump/thermostat and coolant. Make sure the air deflector is in place under the front bumper, the gray fiber glass panel.