Air Conditioner

2005 DODGE NEON
13,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SILVER1941EAGLE
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I just replaced head, timing belt, water pump, oil, oil filter, and coolant. I did not unhook or take off any air conditioner components other than unplugged air conditioner compressor. After putting back together and starting (driving) car the air conditioner works intermittently. When accelerating or driving steady air conditioner gets real warm air. When you let off the gas it gets very cold, when in park it runs cold for a while then warm for a while. Sometimes it will start to get cold again. In drive when stopped it gets warm and stays warm. I checked and added Freon per instructions on kit, still same as before. Also engine temperature is running normal and coolant level is where its supposed to be.
Jul 15, 2016 at 8:38 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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SILVER1941EAGLE
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Oops, that should be 130,000 miles instead of 13,000 miles.
Jul 15, 2016 at 8:44 AM
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HMAC300
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if you added Freon it may not have needed it and that may be problem as well. to see what is wrong a set of gauges must be hooked up and engine run at about 1500 rpm's for a bit. this is called a performance test. to see what is happening.
Jul 15, 2016 at 9:38 AM
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SILVER1941EAGLE
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The air conditioner was not putting out cold before i added any Freon, just a little cool. I did use a gauge to check Freon before i added any. It says i have the right pressure for it to be right. Thanks for the answer. I will see what happens.
Jul 15, 2016 at 1:18 PM
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STRAILER
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Please check the radiator cooling fan operation, if they are not working the ac will not be cold while the car is stopped.

Best, Ken
Jul 21, 2016 at 10:12 AM
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SILVER1941EAGLE
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Fans are running as they are supposed to. It has cold air until you accelerate a little bit. i was finally able to see that the clutch kicks off at that point. I assume that is what is happening as I drive down the road. I just don't understand it starting to cool again when I let off the gas pedal while driving. just as soon as I let up on it it starts getting cool.
Aug 12, 2016 at 4:38 PM
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HMAC300
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one other thing to check is the belt for alternator those serpentine belts are supposed to be replaced at 60,000 miles along with tensioner as the tensioner loose tension. what may be happening is the belt is slipping so when you accelerate it slips and compressor doesn't function as well then you let off it does. if everything else is ok with hvac unit i'd go for that. also it may be not letting alternator charge right so actuators work but not as good when you accelerate. make sure cable ends are clean on battery too.
Aug 12, 2016 at 6:17 PM