A/C Compressor cycling on and off, not cooling properly.

[Integrity]

'96 Eclipse GS N/T


Ok, my problems started last Wednesday. It was scorching hot that day so I cranked the A/C on full blast, of course. It's a thirty minute drive to the interstate from there and the A/C performed properly the whole time. Shortly after entering traffic on the interstate, maybe reaching 5k rpms in 3rd... I wasn't going that fast but the interstate was packed and I had to fight to get on, I noticed that it was getting hot in the car. After checking to see that the A/C was still on, I noticed that the light on the A/C button was flashing. Well, on my way home this happened several times, working, stopping, a/c button flashing, then working again... I started to notice a smell and saw smoke coming from the right side of the hood when I reached the top of the off ramp. It seemed that the compressor was busted. I bought a refurbished compressor and new dryer... had them both installed yesterday. Everything seemed to work fine. Today I cranked the car up, turned on the a/c and the air was... not very cold. Whenever I rev the car over 3k rpms the compressor or maybe just the compressor clutch clicks on, then off, on, then off and doesn't cool very well. If I rev the car up again the a/c light starts blinking and I start smelling that smell again. I haven't tried much yet because I don't know a thing about a/cs. Any help would be appreciated. I have disconnected and reconnected the negative batter terminal. Everything worked properly until I revved it up to cruising speed again, then, no cold air. Thanks for your time

-Bryant

 

[AWDPetmitsu]

Is it low on refrigerant? Did it leak out? The compressor will not operate if there is low refrigerant in the system.

 

[SpoolinV8ETR]

Is it low on refrigerant? Did it leak out? The compressor will not operate if there is low refrigerant inthe system.

this is correct

 

[Integrity]

Great question, I plan to take it and have that checked in the morning. I will type up an update then. Thanks for the advice. Any other thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciate.

 

[Defiant]

You need to have it evacuated, vacuumed down (which also tests for leaks) and re-charged.

I just did the godawful compressor swap last week.

The compressor is also cut-off at 4400 RPM by the ECU, so you'll likely get a hot spell when coming onto a freeway.

 

[TSiWarrior]

For us older 1g owners, we can get the kit from any local Murry's that retrofit's our cars for the new refrigerant. It comes with a can of system oil/stop leak, a gauge, and 3 cans of the refrigerant. I used it and it was awesome, my AC runs like a champ.

 

[agent0002]

I am having this same problem, but mine turns on and off (unlimited times when above 1K RPM)... Is there a problem with the A/C system? or should i just evacuate the system and pump in new R134?? Any help would be nice......Thanks!

 

[Integrity]

Ok... I know it's been a few weeks but we finally got the car into the shop to have an expansion valve replaced. They checked the pressure on the high pressure line before the replacement and it was reading over 500psi. It works better than it ever has before now.