Hey all, I am having some A/C issues.

Sometimes when I start the car (2008 2LT 32000 miles)(at lunch or going home for the day) the A/c won't cool for about 10 mins. I can tell the compressor isn't on because several times when this has happened I was sitting at a light and I could tell the compressor finally came on (rpm's lower slightly for a second). Then the car instantly gets cold. It then stays on.

Does anyone know what might be going on. It is intermittent, and seems to only happen when it is 100 degrees outside and I am wearing a suit. Bad switch, relay?

Thanks,

Van

 

Just to verify, do you have it turned to "recirc"?
There has been discussion by some that having it set at "outside air" will cool faster. Definately not my experience. I find I get nearly instantaneous cooling when set at recirc, nothing close to that on OA.

 

Its all relative. If the car has been sitting and closed up, you would want it on outside air. The outside air would be cooler than the recirculated air (initially) and the A/C would cool down faster. Once the cabin reached the ambient temp. then recirculate would cool faster.

 

I find that it will cool down faster on inside here in FL.

 

I haven't read me owners manual lately but I question whether it is actually in AC mode when in OA setting.
I beg to differ, my '06 cools almost immeadiately when in recirc. just isnt that cool in the OA mode, just seems like "fan mode".
I'll check my manual.

 

Just checked my manual, I don't press the AC button when I turn my air on, that's why no AC with the OA mode. You get AC automatically with the recirc mode.
If in the OA mode and you press the AC button instantaneaous cool air as previously noted, my bad.
The manual, though, suggests recirc to get the quickest cool down.
I guess one should get the old manual out occasionally. The issue for me is we do have winters and fall seasons which leaves large laps of time not needing AC, just forget some of the operations.
We have been having record temps as of late, today went to a Mariners game.............103 degrees, was even hotter when I arrived in Bremerton from the ferry.
Love that air-conditioning.......

 

Turns out it is the AC Relay. Just for the heck of it I swapped out the relay for the driving lights (same one as ac) and it works great. I need ac more than I need the driving lights. Now I just need to get to the dealer to get a new relay.

Thanks for all the comments!

Van