AC trouble-heat still works perfectly, and it’s not a leak, please help.
What is your question?
I’ve have my Pontiac for 5 years or so now, I’ve only ever had an issue with the starter going out aside from this issue with the AC. It actually stopped working properly about three years back and I’ve just been dealing with it but I’m getting ready to have a baby and I don’t want to put my newborn in a miserably hot car- it gets up to 108-111 in the summer.
So details: the heat still works just fine, defrost is great, the fan is still blowing air out when it’s on the AC setting but it’s warm air. Not hotter than the external air, it’s the same temperature- it just never gets cold. Last summer I picked up an AC recharger kit from autozone with the pressure gage and refrigerant and followed all the instructions to recharge my AC but the minute I connected the pressure gage it became instantly apparent that the system doesn’t have a leak or issue with low pressure or anything, I’m wondering if it’s the condenser or compressor. Is there a way I can troubleshoot the problem?
What makes this problem better or worse?
Nothing seems to change the problem for better or worse.
How long has your 2003 Pontiac Vibe had this problem?
3 years, happened instantly one day though. Just stopped working.
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Congrats on the baby!
Air conditioning problems can originate by one of the following general areas:
1) A problem with the refrigerant system. Meaning, the refrigerant used has escaped and there is not sufficient refrigerant to pressurize the system properly, resulting in hot air. When this happens, the system must be checked for leaks, the leaks repaired, and the system recharged.
2) A problem mechanically or electrically with the under hood components. If the compressor has failed, it will not allow the system to operate. Further, if the system becomes contaminated with debris from a failed compressor, this can be even worse. Electrically, the coil of the compressor may not be working properly, or a cycle switch could fail preventing the system from operating. If your condenser fan is not working, the system may not work properly also.
3) Climate control problem inside the vehicle. If the system that operates the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system fails to operate properly, then the under hood components may not be turned on or off properly, keeping the cold air from being produced.
Only testing these systems will yield a direction and an eventual result.
So -- it's not so easy. Also, you could have high pressure in your refrigerant system due to a restriction -- such as from a compressor that has failed and spread debris throughout the entire system.
A refrigerant recovery machine, as used by professionals, needs to be hooked up to measure system pressures, state of charge and analyze any refrigerant still in the system.
Air conditioning systems are really not "do it yourself" areas of repair, unfortunately. Refrigerant handling requires certification to do it legally and safely.
Good luck!
