f1anatic Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 We had a very very V.E.R.Y. hot day today in Chicago and my car's A/C stopped working. It has previously done this on two occasions: about 2 years ago on a hot, rainy summer day when I was stuck in traffic and two weeks ago when i was stuck in traffic, on another scorching day. But today...I was actually moving along at some 20-30 mph when it just stopped working. This was at 3 pm. By 4 pm I had a flat tire so it did not matter any more. By 5 pm with the tire fixed (plugged), the engine cool(er), the AC started working again; and continued for the remainder of the evening. it works at full strength, I am basically freezing at 70 F setting. Now I know there is feature so that it does not work all the time so it protects itself from "freezing" and from "burning" - sort of run 10 seconds ...wait 10 seconds off ( or something to that extent). But why did it stop working altogether ? Yes, the under hood temperatures were VERY hot...but my coolant was around 87 C (190 F) which is sort of normal temperature for my car (CarPC read-out). My coolant is about 1 year old and it was recently topped off. Was it some engine self-protection mode ? Did it shut off the A/C compressor (which is cooled with engine coolant) so it can better cool the rest of the engine ? Was the compressor "freezing" ? I had it on a mild 70 F setting. Have you guys experienced similar stuff ? Thanks. Input appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesuby Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 I've seen air conditioners freeze up if the refrigerant is low. You should have a good tech use some gauges and check to see if you need to add some (if you do, let the tech do the adding). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f1anatic Posted June 28, 2010 Author Share Posted June 28, 2010 Hmmm. I am not low on refrigerant. That is one thing I am certain about. Maybe time for a colder thermostat THEN get the oil cooler radiator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grimsleeper Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 Hmmm. I am not low on refrigerant. That is one thing I am certain about. Maybe time for a colder thermostat THEN get the oil cooler radiator. I'm sorry but that is some seriously warped logic:spin: You're going to dramatically reduce your oil & coolant temps in an attempt to get your a/c back? Have you even considered the complications from running a colder t-stat and air>oil cooler, or even the basics of how our cooling system operates? I see you live in Chicago, what's the plan when winter rolls around? Post a thread about why your heat doesn't work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f1anatic Posted June 29, 2010 Author Share Posted June 29, 2010 the plan is - as I do this every winter - to put 2 pieces of cardboard in front of the radiator and play with the opening depending on the ambient temperature. Works very well. There is nothing worng with my AC unit - unless it is the compressor. Funny, I was freezing inside the car tonite, on the same 70 F setting but ambient temps of 68 F. I will get a colder thermostat and replace my year old coolant and take it from there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClimberDHexMods Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 The unfortunate thing is I don't think the OP is joking about this one... [CENTER][B][I] Front Limited Slip Racing Differentials for the 5EAT now available for $1895 shipped, please inquire for details! [/I][/B][/CENTER] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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