GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

AC not cooling. I noticed that the AC/cooling fan doesnt kick into high speed after I put the AC on. I pulled the relay in the fusebox under the hood labeled FAN NO 1 and plugged it back in. The fan kicked into high speed for about a min then turned off on its own. I pulled the relay and waited, for about another min then put it back in. Fan kicked in again then turned off just as before. I did it once more with the same results. I think the fan relay may be bad overheating itself thats why when i pulled it, the relay cooled off and worked again until it overheated again. What do you guys think ? I have a temp gage that I stuck inside the AC vents and watched the temp drop until the high speed on the fan stopped, so i found why my AC isnt cooling. Compressor is engageing, charge is fine and no leaks. I replaced a leaking valve core on the suction side thinking that was the problem initially, and thats when I noticed the fan wasnt kicking into the higher speed when AC was on.

Im thinking either the fan relay OR maybe my cooling fan is bad therefore overheating the relay. As a side note I there was a day when I heard a HIGH pitched sound comming from under the hood, pulled over and couldnt find anything. I didnt want to cause anymore damage so i turned the car off, turned it back on and the sound was gone. In retrospect im starting to think the fan was overspinning ( it was LOUD ). I did notice that the air AC didnt feel as cool shortly after but the temps were MUCH cooler at the time, so it was harder to notice. Now its much warmer. Any suggestions ?

Sounds like a bad cooling fan drawing high amps. High pitched squeal could be bad cooling fan bearings. You are sure about the AC charge not being low?

As far as the charge I just used one of those Freon cans with a gage for the low side. I dont have access to a manifold gage. Fan bearings ? Hmmmm.....that would definitely make sense

cptnsolo77 wrote:As far as the charge I just used one of those Freon cans with a gage for the low side. I dont have access to a manifold gage. Fan bearings ? Hmmmm.....that would definitely make sense

The freon can with gauge is fine, but it will only read correctly with the cooling fan and compressor running constantly! Did the fan sound normal when You ran it several times with the hood up? If not, replace the fan. Could also test the fan by allowing the Vibe to idle in park until the engine heats up enough to call for the fan to run. Make sure the cabin heat is off or you could be waiting all day!

OK I picked up a new fan relay from autozone for 12 bucks and no changes. I guess my fan is toast

Sounds like it!

Ok, i replaced the fan motor, but im still have the same issues. Fan isnt engaging into 2nd speed OR engages intermittently. HELLLLLLLPPPPPPPP !!!!!

Time for that set of AC gauges!
Sounds like it's cycling on low freon pressure.
As far as I know the cooling fan is only one speed, ON - OFF. Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

I was thinking that as well. I might have lost some freon with the leaky shrader valve. Pep Boys does a free AC check so im going to bring it there today. This way they can put some REAL gages on it...first time someone else will touch my baby in 9 years

Ok I have some readings for my compessor :

Low side - 60
high side 160

Seems like the low side is high and the high side is low. Tech said it could be due to moisture in the system. They would have to put a vacuam on the system and recharge it ? What do you think ?

I guess I should have said "time for that set of gauges" AND SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO USE THEM. Unfortunately, that's not Me! 60/160 sounds like bad blood pressure to me
Consider idling the car in park with the heater "off" in order to observe cooling fan operation as it is called to cool the engine. While watching the engine temp gauge, of course. That should show you if the cooling fan is shot!