mettec

I have a 06' and the issue I have is that my air conditioning is intermittent. It will blow cold air for about 20 sec then blows warm or vent type air for 20 sec then back to cold....etc... the compressor is kicking in the whole time but intermittent air. Could this be a temp sensor or bad thermostat?

Greybeard999

Are you getting a CEL? Any codes?

843de

Chances are you have a low coolant level which you should check first, or a sticking thermostat which is causing the symptoms you are having. When the A/C acts up or just plain quits, the usual things to suspect are low coolant/stuck thermostat since the ECT will throw a code due to not seeing the proper temperature....and it will prevent the compressor from engaging.

Greybeard999

With it switching back and forth like that, it may be something different.... with thermostat it usually throws a CEL and A/C quits..... I donno. We need more info.

843de

Yeah, it would be a good idea to head to an Autozone/Advance/Napa and have the code/codes pulled, as Greybeard said....it just might be something else other than the usual cause.

mettec

Ok I will have someone bring up the code if they can. I did just have it charged about a 1 1/2 years ago after an accident that took the bottom of the radiator out and the compressor. It did this last summer but was not all the time but now it's does it all the time especially during this hot and humid weather here in Minnesota.

Thanks

843de

OK mettec, now this kind of changes everything, accident damage where they replaced components and having to have it charged in addition, leads me to think in an entirely new direction.

I think you may be low on refrigerant which will cause the symptoms you've described. If the system pressure drops due to a leak the compressor will not engage or it will cycle on and off briefly. There is a safety switch of sorts built into the A/C system that prevents the compressor from running if the pressure drops beyond a certain set point. This keeps the compressor from destroying itself due to lack of lubrication, oil is also carried in the refrigerant charge.

You might take the vehicle to a good A/C service technician and have the system pressure checked, I think you've lost your charge. If the folks who repaired the system after the accident weren't super careful in reassembly, or if they reused possibly damaged fittings, you'll have a leak.

Greybeard999

Without knowing of the prior damaged system I was thinking low or contaminated refrigerant, now it's pretty clear that's the case. A good A/C shop will fix you up.

IgottaWoody

Low refridgerant.....the low pressure switch is cutting in and out....chances are u may still have a small lk....drop some dye in the system and add a can of 134 ..real easy to do..look for the dye stains for the leak..may take a few weeks depending on how much is leaking out..

AJochum

I had an intermittent problem as described and mine turned out to be the control knobs were bad (ChevyMgr's analysis) - he was correct. Replaced under warranty and never another problem.
May not be your situation, but mentioning it.