I recently fixed a leak in an a/c hose and had my system recharged. Now I notice that the air gets down to 47 F while moving, but when just idling it warms up to about 75 F. I believe the reason is that the compressor turns off when idling. When it gets up to 75, the compressor kicks back on and stays on until it gets down to about 67, then it turns off again. But idling I would say I average about 73F. Not very cold. This is all the way on full cold fans on 4 and on recycle interior air.

I had the system properly evacuated and recharged and it is holding a vacuum. It gets consistently cold while moving so I don't think it is a leak. Why would the compressor turn off while at idle?

Could this have anythig to do with the dryer needing to be replaced? Would that cause these symptoms? I think it is just about filled to capacity.

Any idea why this would be occuring? Anyone had this problem in the past?

 

Isn't this normal? Because there is no air flowing to the a/c condensor when ur sittin and idleing.

 

I'm pretty sure this is not normal. I have been in a lot of cars that have a/c cold at idle. I believe mine used to but it has been so long since i have had working a/c that i can't be sure.

I guess if no one has had this problem I will have to go ahead and retrofit the high side of the system (the lazy owner before me only did the low side), swap out the dryer for a new one, and have the system evacuated and filled again. Then I suppose a shop could diagnose my problem better even if the dryer didn't fix the problem.

 

I have this exact problem, but it's in my CRX, lol. Still don't know why it does it and no it's not normal.

 

If you're not cooling off the condensor, then you're not gonna get any cold air. Just look at the central A/C system on your house. There has to be air blown across (or pulled through) the coils.

So.... the question is, are your fans turning on high with the A/C? If so, then I'm out of ideas.

 

blower motor is different than fan motor. doesnt matter what setting as long as the A/C is on. the problem i think your having is that the compressor is not getting enough power at idle. the problem is usually back preassure. how many pounds did you fill up? R12 or R134a system? easy check is open your hood with A/C on. have someone shut the car off, did the magnetic clutch turn backwards a few times? it could also be caused by a restriction, too much dirt in A/C or bad dryer and maybe thermo switch. you dont have a FMIC or after market A/C condensor that would be restricting air flow? be sure to check your radiator fans also to make sure both of them are coming on together. this would cause idle overheat also.