A/C problem
09-05-2017, 07:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 4
A/C problem
Good evening:
Hope I'm posting this in the right spot, apologies in advance if I am not. I have a 2010 v6 convertible, 104k miles. Been a great car, few problems.
Right now it's just started having an issue with the A/C. Twice now it suddenly started blowing warm air for a period of about 5-10 minutes before going back to cold air. During the same period I'll feel one or two small hiccup like jerks in the engine, sort of like a mild cylinder misfire. That latter symptom has been quite minor, but I've noticed it both started and tends to cooccur with the A/C issue.
I figure I'll need to bring it in, but curious what it might be that would do that. Doesn't seem like the AC compressors gone, but maybe a relay?
Any thoughts are welcome.
Hope I'm posting this in the right spot, apologies in advance if I am not. I have a 2010 v6 convertible, 104k miles. Been a great car, few problems.
Right now it's just started having an issue with the A/C. Twice now it suddenly started blowing warm air for a period of about 5-10 minutes before going back to cold air. During the same period I'll feel one or two small hiccup like jerks in the engine, sort of like a mild cylinder misfire. That latter symptom has been quite minor, but I've noticed it both started and tends to cooccur with the A/C issue.
I figure I'll need to bring it in, but curious what it might be that would do that. Doesn't seem like the AC compressors gone, but maybe a relay?
Any thoughts are welcome.
09-06-2017, 02:08 PM
#3
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
OP, you could be low on refrigerant. At the very least get a can with one of those cheap gauges on it...do NOT add any freon if the guage shows the pressure in the good range. An overcharged system is worse than undercharged system.
If it shows good, you'll need a manifold gauge set to get a better overview of what's going on. If it's not low freon, it could be clogged orifice tube or sticking expansion valve (depending on which your car has), could be a failing compressor, bad low pressure switch, clutch as imp stated, etc, etc. Guage set will get you pointed in the right direction.
09-14-2017, 04:08 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 4
Hey folks:
First, thanx for replying with some ideas. I apologize for the slow response, but was dodging Hurricane Irma (I'm in Orlando). In between that I had the car looked at so here's some (frustrating) updates:
First place I took it replaced the battery and added freon. No dice, same problem. They said the AC clutch looked a bit worn but not enough they wanted to replace.
Took it to a second place. They said the computer tossed off about 40 error codes when they had it hooked up. They don't do computers so they recommended the dealer.
Keep in mind I don't get an engine light or other error codes on the dash. Mostly the car works fine,...just every now and again it does the symptoms I described. If it happens when I'm at idle speed, the car WILL stall.
Took it to the dealer and, typical for an intermittent problem, they couldn't find anything wrong with it. No error codes in the computer.
So...grrr....what do I do, keep running it until it breaks in a more comprehensive way?
Thanx
First, thanx for replying with some ideas. I apologize for the slow response, but was dodging Hurricane Irma (I'm in Orlando). In between that I had the car looked at so here's some (frustrating) updates:
First place I took it replaced the battery and added freon. No dice, same problem. They said the AC clutch looked a bit worn but not enough they wanted to replace.
Took it to a second place. They said the computer tossed off about 40 error codes when they had it hooked up. They don't do computers so they recommended the dealer.
Keep in mind I don't get an engine light or other error codes on the dash. Mostly the car works fine,...just every now and again it does the symptoms I described. If it happens when I'm at idle speed, the car WILL stall.
Took it to the dealer and, typical for an intermittent problem, they couldn't find anything wrong with it. No error codes in the computer.
So...grrr....what do I do, keep running it until it breaks in a more comprehensive way?
Thanx
09-15-2017, 01:50 PM
#5
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
Hope everyone is ok after Irma!
Unfortunately in this case, if you want to start working on your car you'll need to invest in some tools. Luckily the tools in this case are pretty universal so you can use it on other cars as well.
for the A/C m-a-n-i-f-o-l-d g-a-u-g-e-s..... You'll need to see exactly what the system is doing
You can pick up a set online for $50-70
for the "40 error codes" (doubtful) get a scan-tool that can do ABS code reading as well (and Transmission code reading if you are automatic - Manual doesn't really have anything). The units for $150ish and up will live data and data logging so you can see what the car is doing. It will also let you know what codes if any are pending.
Unfortunately in this case, if you want to start working on your car you'll need to invest in some tools. Luckily the tools in this case are pretty universal so you can use it on other cars as well.
for the A/C m-a-n-i-f-o-l-d g-a-u-g-e-s..... You'll need to see exactly what the system is doing
You can pick up a set online for $50-70for the "40 error codes" (doubtful) get a scan-tool that can do ABS code reading as well (and Transmission code reading if you are automatic - Manual doesn't really have anything). The units for $150ish and up will live data and data logging so you can see what the car is doing. It will also let you know what codes if any are pending.
