A/C doesn't work at idle

[ColonelPanic]

Woo hoo! Got one problem fixed and yet another crops up. This afternoon, I fired up the ol' clunker and drove to Radio Crap, which is just a minute or so from home. The car was roasting, so I had the A/C on full blast. Had it set to fresh air... Since the car was roasting inside, I left the thing running while I went inside. (Of course, I carry 3 sets of keys with me, so I locked the doors after I got out.) lol!Five minutes later, I came back out and the car was still hot inside. The air blowing from the vents couldn't be described as being anywhere near cold. Switched the recirc on...I made one more stop - drove down the road for maybe 1/2 mile and once again left it idling, where the car idled for about 5 minutes again. Got back in the car, still miserable but slightly better than before.The air from the vents was still rather warm... Got in the car and headed to work, and the air cooled off a bit as I went out on the highway. So in a nutshell, the A/C barely works at idle, and starts to work once I'm at highway speeds. But even when I'm at highway speeds, the A/C performance is horrid at best.This car has the most god awful air conditioner I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with... And this makes it even worse... My question: Any cat/PCM replacees noticed a change in the A/C's behavior, i.e. not working as good at idle as it did pre-PCM swap? I'm trying to figure out whether this is a coincidence and something just broke on it today, or if the new PCM has some different programming for when to run the compressor?Hmm...

[millster]

Probably a coincidence that it occured after the repair.At any rate, you might want to have the charge checked. It sounds like the refrigerant might be low. It's possible that it's just low over time (my Sebring was when I bought it) or like my Mom's car, you might have a leak.

[northvibe]

My AC ...works i guess, not that cold. but i did what this thread said, maybe you already did this thou, http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1315otherwise can the ac fluid freon stuff lose its charge or something, man its been a while since ive had to work on a car :/ just some thoughts.

[ColonelPanic]

I've done that procedure a few times so far. The adjustment is adjusted as far as it can be adjusted. Could need some refrigerant, I dunno - the compressor was replaced last winter so it had sufficient refrigerant in there at one point in time.

[millster]

It happens. As I mentioned in my post, my Sebring was low this summer and it's an '04. If they replaced your compressor, it's possible they didn't tighten a fitting enough so some leaked or that they never had quite enough in there to begin with. At any rate, I would start by having that checked.

[ColonelPanic]

Cool. Let's hope it isn't another one of those "it's working to specifications" like it was when I complained about it way back when.... But then it wasn't as bad as it is now, so maybe I stand a chance. lol

[millster]

If the refrigerant is truly low, it's hard to deny it. Kind of on that topic and the topic of your troubles with dealers:My Mom's car had developed a leak in one of the refrigerant lines and they actually had to replace it. It took them 2 weeks to get the right hose. I went to high school with the mechanic, so I know him well. Let's just say I'm not surprised it took so long.

[JohnC]

Was the electric fan (the one right behind the radiator & A/C condenser) running? It should be with the car stopped/engine at idle, since there is no air flow across the condenser otherwise. It is pretty noticable when the fan is on...kinda loud when your standing outside of the car.Usually if the system is low on refrigerant the compressor will cycle on and off alot more frequently. The best way to tell is to hook up a set of gauges. If it out of warranty and you think it has a slow leak, just add a can of 134 to it. should cost you less than $10 including the hose/fitting.

[zionzr2]

that happened to a Taurus i used to drive... it was the compresser that went bad....It was nice and cold going down the highway but as soon as you were stopped the cold air stoppedd..

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »that happened to a Taurus i used to drive... it was the compresser that went bad....It was nice and cold going down the highway but as soon as you were stopped the cold air stoppedd.. That would be funny if that was the case... Compressor number three, will you work for me? And JohnC, the cooling fans were running, IIRC... I'll check for frequent cycling of the compressor as well and check the temps at the dash vents to see how far out of spec it is. It's going to be an interesting weekend, we should be getting temps in the upper 90's, with the heat index being well above 100. Good conditions for testing. lolI guess I'll look into buying the stuff to charge it up and see if that helps any... Still need to consider insulating the A/C lines under the hood like was mentioned in the other thread as well.Otherwise, if none of this works, back to the dealer I go... Can't stay away from there!

[Pick]

Here in the south florida the car will never get cold unless you're using Recirc. I NEVER use the fresh air selector unless i'm defogging.

[jbrown]

dont buy the suicide kit take it to a pro and have it fixed right you might try some other shop

[binary]

Quote, originally posted by jbrown »dont buy the suicide kit take it to a pro and have it fixed right you might try some other shop Suicide kit?