A/C blows warm
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A/C blows warm
Hi. On my 2009 G. Caravan seems when it's over 90*F, the A/C comes on and after 2-3 minutes, it's warm air only. ( I've gotten out and looked: compressor is on) Then after 2-5 minutes of driving again it blows ice cold. Happens at both hi and low speed driving. No abnormal noises/hissing/dripping. Fan speed makes no difference.
Has never happened when 80* or lower temp outside.
I could be wrong, but lowering the blue temp control a few notches seems to prevent the event from occurring. Of course it's blowing only moderarely cold air but it's A/C air! (not just outside air) Maybe the problem has just cycled around and remedied itself by then?
Any ideas before I go to dealer??
THX!
SD
Has never happened when 80* or lower temp outside.
I could be wrong, but lowering the blue temp control a few notches seems to prevent the event from occurring. Of course it's blowing only moderarely cold air but it's A/C air! (not just outside air) Maybe the problem has just cycled around and remedied itself by then?
Any ideas before I go to dealer??
THX!
SD
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From: ft lauderdale, fl area
Since no one has chimed into your thread yet. Here goes
I am by far not an expert. My experinces are limited. Just finished doing brother n laws ac/--compressor and accumulator installed, flushed system.
I would check to see if your low on refrigerant--You can get cheap gauge at store. Of course you can only check low side (where 134 goes). The gauge will have a reading on it and tell you if it's low. If low then you have some leak over time. You can then do a recharge by adding 134, walmart for 10.00. Don't buy it with sealers in the can.
Expansion valve could be problem too: 35 dollar part. location on firewall passenger side. It opens and closes based upon temperature of a/c air. Sometimes they get stuck open or closed. type in a/c expansion valve at youtube for more info.
Set of gauges will Help tell if expansion valve--If low reading on a/c line low side and low on high side info. If gauges read low psi on Low side and Low on high side then valve is open. If low side has a higher then normal psi and slightly higher than normal high side then valve is closed. Either way possibly bad valve.
Easiest for you, if little experience and have the cheap gauge then check low side. Passenger side left of radiator (as you look toward the car standing behind radiator).
Anyone correct me if what i said is wrong--at least he and I will both learn.
I am by far not an expert. My experinces are limited. Just finished doing brother n laws ac/--compressor and accumulator installed, flushed system.
I would check to see if your low on refrigerant--You can get cheap gauge at store. Of course you can only check low side (where 134 goes). The gauge will have a reading on it and tell you if it's low. If low then you have some leak over time. You can then do a recharge by adding 134, walmart for 10.00. Don't buy it with sealers in the can.
Expansion valve could be problem too: 35 dollar part. location on firewall passenger side. It opens and closes based upon temperature of a/c air. Sometimes they get stuck open or closed. type in a/c expansion valve at youtube for more info.
Set of gauges will Help tell if expansion valve--If low reading on a/c line low side and low on high side info. If gauges read low psi on Low side and Low on high side then valve is open. If low side has a higher then normal psi and slightly higher than normal high side then valve is closed. Either way possibly bad valve.
Easiest for you, if little experience and have the cheap gauge then check low side. Passenger side left of radiator (as you look toward the car standing behind radiator).
Anyone correct me if what i said is wrong--at least he and I will both learn.
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Scotter5, Thx for those great ideas. I suspect it may be over my "technical head". I think I will stay on the dealers butt till they do something. Next time it heads for 90*F around here (this week?) I'm gonna drive over there and stay there, until a mechanic agrees to feel it. The mantra of "Can't reproduce" will no longer cut it!
It's under warranty still and I'm gonna push it, as I think your diagnosis of bad valve/low 134 is likely. And to be fair, they do step up, cause they just changed BOTH rear calipers,rotors and pads for $85 total, on 2nd visit. (both were squealin/freezing up!)
I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something silly. (yes checked condenser grid for obstructions, slipping belt etc)
Appreciate the help!
SD
It's under warranty still and I'm gonna push it, as I think your diagnosis of bad valve/low 134 is likely. And to be fair, they do step up, cause they just changed BOTH rear calipers,rotors and pads for $85 total, on 2nd visit. (both were squealin/freezing up!)
I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something silly. (yes checked condenser grid for obstructions, slipping belt etc)
Appreciate the help!
SD
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OK...brought to Doodge and natually, it was only 83* that day and it worked great! They checked ALL pressures, switches, blend door, etc........nothing. Nothing wrong......
In frustration ( I lost a half days work!) I said "next time it does it, I'm driving right down here and you can see it yourself!" They said OK! Now I wait for a 90* day when I can break away for an hour.
Alternatively, I will bring to a local shop, pay them and send bill to Chrysler (last resort)
Steamed in NY
SD
In frustration ( I lost a half days work!) I said "next time it does it, I'm driving right down here and you can see it yourself!" They said OK! Now I wait for a 90* day when I can break away for an hour.
Alternatively, I will bring to a local shop, pay them and send bill to Chrysler (last resort)
Steamed in NY
SD