Air conditioning intermittently not blowing cold air?

Tiny
2BOYS
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 KIA SORENTO
  • TURBO
  • 86,000 MILES
This does not happen all the time but more often than not. My air is on but not blowing cold air. I get on road and step on gas hard and it starts blowing cold air.
Monday, July 15th, 2024 AT 6:19 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,253 POSTS
Hi,

This could be a couple of things. First, I need to know if you hear the AC compressor turning on while you are getting warm air. If you do, then I suspect it is related to the blend door actuator. If the compressor doesn't turn on, it could be low on freon.

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

Let me know. Also, take a look through the link I attached and let me know if anything helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, July 15th, 2024 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
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Let me tell you something a little funny. You’re talking to a 73 year old lady. My son checked the Freon and other things. The compressor is running. He’s pretty mechanically minded and saw nothing under the hood that he thought wasn’t working properly. He was puzzled also when he took it on road and stepped on gas and it started blowing cold air.
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Monday, July 15th, 2024 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

LOL 73 is the new 40. I have a couple of questions for you. When this happens, do you lose cold air from all vents? For example, is it lost on both the passenger's side and the driver's side? Also, I need to know if you have automatic climate control or manual. Automatic is like your AC/heat at home. You set a desired temp and the system maintains it. Manual requires you to change it as desired.

One more question. I need to know the engine size.

I'm asking so many questions because there are two blend air door actuators. If only one side is affected, one of the actuator doors may have failed or become disconnected, allowing the door to move in the right direction under heavy acceleration. It is unlikely that both failed at the same time. Note that the blend door actuator is what determines the air temperature entering the vehicle. If the A/C compressor is working properly, this would be the next thing to check.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
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The engine is a 2.0 turbo. Both sides do not blow air when it does this. I guess you say it is Manual. I have to set it where I want it. It is dual control.
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Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 AT 5:25 AM
Tiny
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Do me a favor. Have your son confirm the belt is tight. It could be slipping and the A/C reacting when the engine revs. It's a theory.

I asked the site owner to go over our conversation. He is excellent with A/C, so I'm hoping he has some input.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
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I was at my son’s house on Hatteras Island, Outer Banks NC when this problem started. I’m home now about 6 1/2 hrs away but I have a friend I can get to check it but it might be Friday before I see him.I will for sure get back to you. Thank you for your help so far.
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Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

No problem whatsoever. Tomorrow (Friday) I have oral surgery scheduled. UGH! There is nothing I like less than the dentist. So, I have no idea if I will be able to get back with you tomorrow, but I will by Saturday for sure. If I do get back with you tomorrow, please forgive me for whatever I say. I have no idea what the anesthesia will do to me. LOL

Anyway, in addition to checking the belt, pay attention if the cooling fan under the hood turns on when you request AC. It should turn on when the AC is on to cool the condenser. Your friend should be able to hear it. See if it runs when you turn the AC on but are getting no cool air in the vehicle.

Take care and Good Luck,

Joe
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Thursday, July 18th, 2024 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
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Oh, my goodness. I hope all went well with your oral surgery. My friend looked at my car. He happens to be a certified Honda mechanic. My belts were fine. I was wrong about my A/C not having an automatic option. It does. He reached in a clicked on the automatic bottom and the air has been working correct ever sense. I pray this continues. You guys are awesome, and I appreciate so much having someone out there willing to help a lady out without some big expense. Thank you so much!
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Monday, July 22nd, 2024 AT 4:10 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad it was a simple issue, and the problem has been resolved.

As far as the surgery, well. Let's say it didn't hurt after it was done. But today, day three since it was done, I'm ready to have my head removed next to eliminate the pain. LOL

You take good care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime. You are always welcome.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, July 22nd, 2024 AT 8:22 PM

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