Today I had my AC blowing at the lowest level and I noticed that the air would get warm for about 10-15 secs and then get cold again for about 15-20 secs. I'm really confused do I need a recharge? What could be causing this problem? It doesnt matter if I'm moving or not and also I raised the level to two lights and it didnt make a difference. Actually the air wouldnt get warm but the couldness would go away. I hope you guys understand what I mean. Thanks

 

Is the a/c clutch going on and off ok? Kind of sounds like its cyling on and off on its own.


The coldness of the air would have nothing to do if your moving or not or what speed the fan is on.

 

Does the RECIRC mode change the symptoms? If it only cycles when the RECIRC light is off check for a clogged AC Cabin filter. Otherwise, most likely you're low on refrigerant. There's a pressure switch in the system that will open and disengage the compressor clutch to protect the compressor if the refrigerant is low. (or other, more expensive, issues) When the compressor cuts off, the pressure in the system changes, closing the switch and the compressor is re-engaged repeating the process. Eventually the compressor clutch won't engage at all. You can get recharge kits at the auto parts store but if you don't know what you're doing it can be dangerous. If you're not familiar with servicing AC systems its best to take it to a shop to have it diagnosed. Don't use the AC until you get it fixed...AC compressors are very expensive!

 

How do you know if the A/C clutch is working or going out? MY A/C makes a ticking sound when on and stops when I press the clutch in or turn it off.

 

He is referring to the clutch on the compressor, not the one inside the transmission.
The easiest way to make sure its working properly is to look at the face of the compressor with the car off, then start it without turning the AC on. Go back and look and the face of the AC compressor, you will notice it is not spinning. Go turn the AC on. You should hear a click as the clutch engages and when you go back and look and the face, it should now be spinning.
Good Luck!!

 

Does anyone know what the PSI should be for the A/C system on the low pressure side when it is full?

 

There's likely nothing wrong with the AC system.

The system is closed and operates by moving coolant through a rad to exchange heat it pulls from the cabin. Especially during the hot months, the AC system has a large draw on heat and coolant does not exchange quickly enough to get back to full coldness as it cycles through the system. The result is cold AC that varies in coldness for a few cycles until all the excess heat can be exchanged.

Also, if you get WOT enough the AC compressor disconnects and you will effectively turn of the AC for a few moments, which will also give you hotter air.

The real question is, does it go away with time, or on a cool day, or is it persistent all the time? The fact that you ask this in August leads me to believe nothing is wrong.