A/C only blows cold while driving

if the freon is charged correctly..you may have a weak compressor

 

The guy at the auto store suggested replacing the low pressure switch. Where is that located?

 

This. Mine was not super cold at a stop either this however changed when I did an electric fan conversion.

 

You're going to trust a guy that makes $8 an hour and doesn't actually get paid to work on cars?

The low pressure switch MIGHT be out of calibration, but most likely not.
They usually either work or they don't.
Without knowing what your pressures are and EXACTLY what the compressor clutch is doing, you have no way of knowing what the LP switch should be doing.

If your clutch is engaged and the compressor is running at idle, the LP switch it just fine.
It is SUPPOSED to disable the compressor under certain operating conditions... one of which protects the compressor from being damaged by an insufficient charge.

 

Hey there. My neighbor's 2000 Volkswagen Golf has the same problem- if the car is not in motion, (not going above 2k RPM) his AC blows un-cold air. With his, he said that there is a fan that will not engage until then- I believe he called it a clutch fan. Maybe that's the same problem you're having.

 

I cant really say I trust the guy at the auto store. I just hate to take it to an overpriced AC shop who I know will not be honest with me about what they really found. It could be something really simple but they will not tell me....I'm sure they will find another excuse to overcharge me. However...it looks like I have no choice.

 

There has GOT to be more than one place in town that can look at it and tell you what is wrong. Hell you will spend more time guessing and throwing parts at it than getting it diagnosed properly.

 

+1

Shotgunning parts is what auto parts store guys are good at... and it's good for sales.
It's not their money.
Internet advice often runs the same way. Everyone has their own experiences. "X" was the problem when I had an issue so I'm going to be likely to suggest that. Tom encountered "Y" so he's going to suggest that.
Both might be issues... WE don't know without more information, and getting that information requires input from someone with a good understanding of the systems.


It's like an O2 sensor code, Autozone will sell you a new O2 sensor.
Just maybe, that sensor was doing it's job and a problem in the engine was causing the code? That's why techs make a lot more than Autozone employees.

 

I have this same problem on my 05 tacoma.
When I got new frame (from recall) I had dealership put in a new ac. Works great while moving then warm parked.
I do drip water when ac is on so am I reading these pages right by thinking my problem may be the fan.?

 

1000% positive you need more airflow across the condenser..get an electric fan and your good to go.

 

By electric fan u mean.........​

 

I installed two 8" e fans recently. And only noticed a VERY minimal increase in efficiency. By minimal I mean it only keeps it slightly colder for longer idling. however it may be due to the fact that they are so small as well. And I don't think the cfm is all that great. $80 down the drain. I'm planning on taking it in to a family owned shop to have it checked out. Too much work and too many variables for a newb like me to mess with and risk screwing up even more. It should work better without any modifications like it did from the factory.

 

Mine has the same problem, I just crank up the fans to max and recirc and wait for Fall.

 

Mine does the same. It blew warm the whole time. I took it to a shop and it is cold when the truck is moving but anytime I'm stopped it isn't warm but it isn't freezing like when I'm moving.

 

Its airflow

 

Hey BamaToy it's Hayes here in Pensacola. I'm having this issue on my 08 and I'm not the best at checking these types of things. Still need some electrical work done. Can we look at this soon?

 

I am sure we can figure out something. Will be next week before I have the free time though.

 

You probably had HVAC ducts that were controlled by engine vacuum. These trucks do not work that way.

 

I know old thread but good info anytime, common issue for any A/C system, could be lots of things, most commonly it is low airflow across condenser (in front of radiator) I have witnessed dirty fins that can't even be seen , flush with a good cleaner, I use acid type cleaner that foams and pushes dirt and debris out (works good on radiators as well, seen 20 degree drop on bug filled radiators) hard on paint, so wet paint first before use and don't let it dry! The gallon jug I have says dilute, I use latex gloves str8 and pump sprayer, make sure no or little wind and remove glasses after use a shower maybe necessary, if that doesn't help check fan clutch and charge of 134 (should be ok tho, since gets cold when moving)these are a good starting point, 134a condensors are extremely sensitive to heat transfer on condenser coils, as a side note with this condition extended you'll have higher than typical high side pressures and that stresses compressor and acc drive belt and idlers as well.