GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

So I have had my Vibe for about 23 days now and have noticed that the Air Conditioner just doesn't seem to get cold enough on HOT days. I took it back to the dealer today and they told me that there was nothing wrong with it. Mind you today was by no means a HOT day but still, It's seems to be a problem whenever the temp. goes above 30°C outside. Anyone else having similar problems???--Zero

I had a problem like that too. All I would get is warm and hot, even with everything on A/C and even with the unit turned off. I took it in and they fixed in a half hour. They said it was a latch or something that was stuck. I also noticed that the A/C is a bit weak though. If you turn the A/C on and the recirculate button ON, and have the air come out the dash it'll work a lot better. Now I'm finding that when I turn the flow control to the windshield/floor or defogger, the A/C turns on? Now figure that one out!

There is an extensive thread on A/C problems in the Warranty forum at http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=227&page=1

defrost turning the A/C on is a PONTIAC thing. my girlfriends sunfire does the same thing......

Not just a pontiac thing. The wife had a Mirage years ago that did the same thing.I think her Saab does it too.

Definitely not just a Pontiac thing. I can't speculate on the technical reason it does this since I really don't know, but this occurs on almost all cars with factory A/C.

OK, I found some info. I pulled this from a page about VW's HVAC system... To eliminate fog on the inside of the windows, several things must happen. First, the incoming air must be dehumidified (moisture must be removed). Second, the dehumidified air must be directed at the windows. And third, if the fog is heavy, adding heat to the air will speed up the defogging action.In order for incoming air to be dehumidified, the refrigeration compressor of the AC system must be running. In the manual system, select a fan speed and depress the [AC] button. A light indicates that the button is depressed. In the Climatronic system, press the [AUTO] button.The compressor works as long as the outside temperature is higher than 40° F (5° C). Below that temperature, the compressor is disabled. This is normal operation.
[Modified by millster, 12:26 PM 8/24/2002]

The A/C going on with the defroster is normal. I'll bet just about every car now does that. The A/C helps dehumidify the air and clear the windshield quicker. You will also notice that if the recirculate is on, turning the control to defroster will turn off the recirculate. Again, this is done to dehumidify the air inside the passenger compartment.

I have the same problem and I took it to the dealer too and they said the same nothing wrong with the a/c . , also they told me when you use the a/c push the recible button and the a/c works better, because if you don't then you're been pulling a/c from the motor and that's the problem. " BORDER="0">

Speaking of the Recirculate button, that's one of the disappointing features of the Vibe, in my opinion. I'd prefer to be able to adjust the amount of outside air entering the car with the control. In the Vibe, it's either open or closed - feast or famine.

That's the way it works on most if not all cars. Why would you want to regulate it?

Force of habit, I guess. I was able to do it in my last car, a 98 RAV4.

Reall, the Rav4 has that option. I wonder why and I wonder why this "Toyota" Vibe doesn't have the option.

I posted this somewhere else I think....anyway, my dealer said this was a know issue. The inner dampers are not closing all the way and are letting hot and cold air mix. Tell your dealer to look it up!!

IS there a TSB out o n the dampers??

My air conditioner does not get cold on hot days for about 15 minutes after i turn it on. Has anyone else had this problem? I called up pontiac today to take it in under the warranty and they told me this was normal. It just doesn't seem right to me that it should take that long. I had two hondas before my vibe and the a/c came on cold right away so I assumed that was normal, but maybe I was just spoiled by my hondas. . . . would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

don't think your 98 rav was able to do that...now early 90 trucks,late 80s toyotas DID have 3 positions recirc, middle (both) and fresh. no toyotas with a push button recirc button can have both outside and inside AT the same time.

As someone pointed out above, there is an extensive thread discussing a known issue with the A/C not being cold enough. A cable can be adjusted that can correct that problem. Takes approximately 5 minutes to fix. Call your dealer. There IS a TSB regarding this issue.

I have taken mine in twice for the poor a/c temps-told both times that the temperature registers "right on", but it really does not feel very cool-and people in the back seat are dying when it is hot. When I tell them about a TSB-they look at me like I am crazy! Oh well-it's not hot now so I guess I'll worry about it next year

I actually get cold airconditioning, the problem is that it takes about 15 minutes before it is actually cold. After that 15 minutes however, it is definitely cold enough. Has anyone else had this problem? How long does it usually take for your A/C to be cold?

Just wanted to follow up. After talking to one dealer who told me it was normal for the A/C to take 10-15 minutes of blowing room tempertaure air before getting cold and that nothing needed to be fixed, I called another dealership in the area. They gave me an appointment right away and turns out the compressor needs to be replaced. I have my vibe back while the part is on order, should be getting the new part next week, I'll update you as to whether the problem is fixed or not then.

Sounds like you know a dealer to avoid for service in the future. You are fortunate to have several nearby to choose from.I hope that fixes the problem.