AC Issues

Tiny
CALEBGALLEGOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 202,000 MILES
My AC is currently blowing hot air, here is what I know:

-Compressor clutch spins continuously.
- No fuses are bad.
- AC light stays on.
- No grinding noises.
- Freon is charged properly.
- Intake is clean and air filter is new.

What could possibly be the problem?
Thursday, June 27th, 2019 AT 12:01 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

When you say the compressor spins constantly, do you mean the electric clutch on the compressor is engaging? If so, chances are there is a problem with the air temp cable or lever under the dash. If I recall, there were issues where the lever that the cable attached to broke and the cable couldn't move it.

I attached three pictures. The cable and control lever (if I recall correctly) should be approximately where your right knee is when driving. It's under the dash, right side of driver's side. Take a look at pictures 1 and 2. Picture 1 shows the air mix lever. That is the one of concern. Picture 2 shows how it moves back and forth with the cable to obtain desired temps. The last picture is the lever that would often break. Make sure the cable is tight and moving when you adjust the temperature to cool as well as the lever.

Do this and let me know what you find. Also, if the cable is broken or the lever is damaged, you should be able to manually turn that component to get AC. However, you will need to turn it back in the winter.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, June 27th, 2019 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
CALEBGALLEGOS
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  • 6 POSTS
That works fine, just took the pressure with the A/C system running, see the picture! The clutch is engaging, but the pressure is the same! Would this be the compressor?
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Monday, July 1st, 2019 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

If they are that close, I have a feeling the compressor itself is the problem. The high side should be much higher than 50. What was the temperature outside when you tested it?

Joe
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Monday, July 1st, 2019 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
CALEBGALLEGOS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The temperature was around 85-90 F.
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 AT 4:18 AM
Tiny
CALEBGALLEGOS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Car was parked in the shade.
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 AT 4:18 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
I hate to say it, but my first suspect is the compressor in this case.

Here is a link that shows how in general one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

I wish I had a better answer for you, but the compressor isn't doing its job. That's why it is so low.

Let me know if I can help you in any way.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
CALEBGALLEGOS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
You were right, I replaced the compressor (along with the condenser, receiver-drier, and expansion valve for preventive maintenance). It works like a charm now, hopefully the same thing that caused it to blow in the first place doesn’t happen again! Thanks
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

You're welcome. I feel bad that had to be done because I know it isn't cheap. Chances are you won't have anymore issues. They just wear out and that is most likely what happened.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care and Happy 4th!

Joe
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
CALEBGALLEGOS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thankfully, I did it myself or it would have been a lot more expensive to have a mechanic do it! Thank you for your expertise and assistance, chances are I will be back on this site again!
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
You are very welcome. Hope to see you again.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 AT 6:53 PM

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