Does the A/C auto turn on? Wheres the switch? It aint COLD no more!

[W O T]

Ive had my qx4 since the winter, never used the a/c yet until today I thought I was gonna cause its the first real hot day of the year. Whne I bought the car, the guy told me the a/c was connected to a small toggle switch, because the oem switch broke and was to expensive or something.

It DID work, he showed me when I bought it, and the air was ice cold. I can flip the switch, and something defineytely happens because the idle drops a bit, but I either dont have the a/c on, or it simply doesnt get cold and needa a recharge?

Where is the oem a/c switch located? Ive also removed the oem radio for an aftermarket so I was thinking it was maybe on there.

By not getting COLD anymore, I mean, if I was driving for 30 min and turn it all the way down to 65 degrees on the dial, the air is "cold" but not a/c cold, should be alot colder

Anyway to tell whats goin on?

[SnowSurfLax]

Hit the AUTO button on the climate control. That turns on the AC, regardless of the temp you have it set to. Since he gerri rigged it, you'll probably have to turn on both.

[W O T]

oh k cool mine is always on manual, hope thats all it is, thanks!

[bmlawless]

The previous owner probably uses the switch to activate the clutch that engages the A/C compressor. As mentioned, you will need to hit the "Auto" switch on the temp controller and the system will make the right moves to bring the cold air into the cabin.

On a side note, if the only method of activating the compressor is with a switch, you will need to make sure that you occasionally cycle it during the winter. This circulated the oil through the A/C system to preserve it. On a normal system, the compressor comes on automatically when the defroster is turned on. Turn on your defroster and see if your compressor kicks on. If it doesn't, remind yourself to turn on the compressor for a little while every coupld of weeks in the winter.