A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents

migitalwarfare · Post by **migitalwarfare** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 3:25 am

I have an '04 Vibe, and I did not have a problem with my A/C last summer, but every time I've tried using it this summer, the air temperature is the same as if I had just opened the vents and turn the blower on without hitting the A/C button.I've also noticed that hitting the A/C button does not seem to tax my engine at all while idle, where as before I could see the RPMs drop slightly, then rebound.What could be wrong with my car?

ligion · Post by **ligion** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 3:46 am

Could be the A/C condenser, or your vibe might be over heating but that would be a noticeable symptom.I just had to replace my radiator and thermostat, and the 1st symptom was A/C going out, but a minute or so later the whole thing over heated. If you go get your A/C Coolent stuff refilled that MIGHT solve your issue if your condenser is fine, which you can do your self, but if you want everything at the best psi for the best A/C performance go get it done at anyplace that does oil changes.Advanced Auto Parts or a place like that might offer to do it free.Good luck, sorry i don't have a better answer

migitalwarfare · Post by **migitalwarfare** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 3:49 am

I can't imagine that it's a problem with my radiator or thermostat, since the A/C has been acting like this since the beginning of the summer, and I haven't had any overheating issues. If the refrigerant is low, would that keep the condenser from engaging?

ligion · Post by **ligion** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:22 am

It would just run with out really doing anything, I suppose, but i think somebody else might have a better answer. But refilling the refrigerant is the best and cheapest immediate maintenance. You also may have a leak in one of your A/C hoses. But that would be noticeable as soon as you attempt to refill it.

djkeev · Post by **djkeev** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:55 am

Air conditioning is a wonderful thing to have in your car and also a total pain in the A$$ to have in your car!When it works, it is wonderful, when it doesn't, it most often cost many $$'s to fix.The most likely reason for your problem is a slow refrigerant leak that has reduced the pressure of the refrigerant gas to a level low enough to open the low pressure cut off switch. This prevents the Air Conditioning compressor from pumping a dry system and causing extensive damage.You are tempted to run to an auto parts store, grab a few cans of R134a and shove them into the system. This may indeed work but if you don't know how much refrigerant is in the system or any pressure left at all, you may be wasting your time, your money and potentially seriously damage the system with excess gas in the system. They only take about 1 1/2 pounds of gas total. Also if all of the gas is gone, it has been replaced with air. That air is laden with moisture and moisture will KILL your AC if it is allowed to remain, not to mention decrease the efficiency of the system. If air is in the system the system will need to be evacuated, remove all the air and create a vacuum in the system using a vacuum pump. YOU CANNOT SKIP THIS STEP!!!!Pay a few $$'s if you don't have the tools or experience and get a proper diagnosis. If you only need a 1/4 or a 1/2 pound of gas you will be way ahead for the money spent.Don't go guessing, this system operates at high pressures and can do some serious damage to you if repairs are not carried out properly.Dave

ligion · Post by **ligion** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:07 pm

Proper answer

2002sportside · Post by **2002sportside** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 9:35 am

If the compressor is not turning on, it could be a blown fuse, bad clutch relay, clutch not engaging... But if you don't know what you're doing, bring it to someone. Even if the system is empty, the compressor should still affect the idle when it turns on as a parasitic drag.

migitalwarfare · Post by **migitalwarfare** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 11:28 pm

I took it in, they filled it with refrigerant and dye, so now I need to drive it for a week and take it back in to check or leaks. As of right now, the A/C is working beautifully, blowing air at 45 degrees F. Hopefully it wasn't working because I haven't done anything with it since I bought it in '05, but if there's a leak somewhere, it's probably a hose or a clamp.Thanks to everyone that chimed in to help! I don't post here often, but when I do, I get the help and insight I need.

brichter45 · Post by **brichter45** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 12:24 am

My G/F's 03 vibe is having the same problem. The A/C doesn't blow cool air at all. We took it in a few weeks ago because it wasn't working and the mechanic filled the freon. After this the A/C worked. About a week later it's back to not pushing any cold air at all. I'm thinking it's the condenser in the car. I'm going to check the fuses tonight to make sure. Does anyone know the fuse number that i need to check? Thanks

A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents

A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents

Re: (migitalwarfare)

Re: A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents (migitalwarfare)

Re: A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents (djkeev)

Re: A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents (migitalwarfare)

Re: A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents (2002sportside)

Re: A/C doesn't work, blows same temp air as open vents (migitalwarfare)