A/C issues

SKGILMORE1967

MEMBER
2006 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

Replaced compressor, expansion valve, condenser/accumulator assembly and cycle switch. Flushed system when apart. Fans work when A/C is activated. Problem is this. Car blows around 55 degrees with an outside temperature of 87 ish. When at idle it blows around 60. Why would it not be colder than that? Just seems the idle temperature is just not cold enough. Even the driving temperature should be colder, at least I would think so. Just not sure where to go from here. Thank you for any advice you can give me. Steven Gilmore

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi Steve and welcome to 2CarPros.

First, are you certain that there is the proper amount of Freon in the system? Low Freon can cause this type of issue. Also, is the condenser clean and not blocked? The condenser looks like a radiator positioned between the car's grille and the engine-cooling radiator. This is where the refrigerant sheds heat and returns to a liquid state. If it isn't cooling because of dirt or something blocking it, the temperature will not get real cold.

I realize the system is working. However, take a look through this link. It discusses common causes when the AC is not working or weak. In this case, it is weak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Also, if you could let me know what both the high and low side pressures are, as well as the outside temp when checked, it may help me pinpoint an issue.

Here is a link that shows an AC manifold gauge set being used to vacuum and recharge the system. I'm adding it because you need the type of gauges used in the pics to get both pressures.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions. Also, if you could let me know what the pressures are, it would help.

Take care,
Joe