A/C on 2002 Xterra works intermittently....Can you give your advice?

[gregsxterra]

I've had this problem for a few months. The A/C on my Xterra works sometimes then kicks off...It only works intermittently.

If I push the on/off A/C button on the dash repeatedly I can eventually get it to come back on...sometimes for a good while and sometimes it will kick back off in 30 seconds or so....I never know....I can hear the compressor clutch engaging when I finally do get it to come back on, and when it works it cools just fine. I have no idea where to start but I have decent mechanical skills. Not sure if it relates to the thermal switch behind the glovebox or whether it is somewhere else.Can someone give me advice where to start?Thanks for posting.....Greg

[gregsxterra]

Diagnosed the problem from the Xterra Owners Club B.B.

There is a Thermo Control Amplifier (part number 27675-9Z000) that fits into the fins on the evaporator coils behind the glove compartment. It's a 50 dollar part at the dealer.....It seems that a lot of Xterra's, Frontier's etc...have had the same problem. This sensor can go bad and send faulty electrical messages that keep the A/C from workin properly.....It took me about an hour to dismantle it and put a new one in (I cut the wire to the old one and left it in place----it was way in the back and I could only get the housing for the coils to open about 2 inches max)....

Anyways, this problem is cured...The A/C works perfectly now.