Air Conditioning Problem

[bigdog76]

96 Q45. I have had the car now for just about 5 years. I have not had the a/c serviced at all.

The a/c works good when I am driving. Well I would not say great it could be alot colder. But when I am just idling it is not blowing cold air. Summer is around the corner and it gets hot out here in Cali.

I need this fixed.

I did replace the darlington Resistor that was in the glove box a few years back when the air conditioner just started blowing like crazy and it was set to off. That solved that problem.

Blower works strong. I read in one of the posts on cleaning it. Taking out the glove box pulling the motor out and clean all the fins with soap water and a tooth brush. Would this help at all? It does seem like it would.

Seems to me I need to make sure it is recharged.

How much is a A/C running theses days. Non dealer?

[elwesso]

sounds like you just need a new compressor.

[qship96]

Cleaning evaporator will help,but the real problem is probobly a weak compressor.I had the same problem last year in the 96q-vent temps creeping up at idle, blew colder at higher engine speeds-search for both my threads on compressor replacment last year, and my recent post last month on evaporator cleaning-sounds like both will benefit you.

[maxnix]

Cleaning the area between the condenser and radiator won't hurt either. Check condenser and radiator fin alignment.

Check you fan clutch and electric condenser fan operation.

[qship96]

Good point Brian. Always start with the basics and also have a vac/recharge service to be sure you have no leaks and have the exact amount of r134 in system.... then start looking at component replacement if warrented

[bigdog76]

What does the compressor cost?

[bigdog76]

I will clean it this weekend see what that does.

[qship96]

What does the compressor cost?

$650 +/- for factory new part from Joe {cheaper non OEM rebuilds available for about half that if you feel lucky}

[bigdog76]

Ouch!

I might have to sweat it out this summer dont want to dump that much right now since I am buying another car and a house at the end of the year!

[goody90q45]

Do all the cleaning that's been suggested (I should do it myself) and then spend the $100 and take it to a reliable shop that can recharge, diagnose any problems, and properly repair any leaks. I don't think our A/C's are anything special, especially if you can provide the mechanic with a few applicable pages from the FSM.

{Crossing my fingers for you}....... If you're getting cold air while at speed I don't think your problems can be too bad. It could be something as simple as replacing a leaky valve and getting a recharge. I went through a similar repair on my Toyota truck last year. Good luck.

[maxnix]

Ouch!

I might have to sweat it out this summer dont want to dump that much right now since I am buying another car and a house at the end of the year!

Hmmmm....not my business, but you could fix up the Q45, save the $50k difference and apply it to the house.

[qsiguy]

You can have good luck with used compressors. I only paid $50 IIRC. You have to be willing to risk the money for the part and more so the labor to replace it again should it fail. I bought one from a fellow NICO member a couple years ago and replaced it myself. Still blowing ice cold air today. I normally have to turn up the temp because it's too cold.

[bigdog76]

I took out the motor look at it and the fins that spin around look good not dirty at all.

I didnt pull the whole air box out look like alot of work.

I put it all back maybe I will see if it just needs a recharge.

More than likely it is the compressor. But I will have to make due with how she is working for now.

[qship96]

It's not the fan blades that you are looking to be sure are clean, but the evaporator core {looks like a mini-radiator} to the left of fan= easier to see if you remove the darlington resistor and use a flashlight{mine were dirty, blocking airflow and therefor cooling} search for my post in April -also go to q45.org for pictures from jesda of the evaporator