I have a 99 rodeo LS with 99k miles. Starting yesterday my air conditioner stopped working. This morning it was blowing warm (outside air temperature) air as if it was a vent. On my way home from work it started pumping out cold air again, until I got off he highway at which point I kicked it down to level 2. It turned back into a vent.

What would cause intermittent air conditioner problems? I've never had an problems in the past...please tell me this is a freon charge issue...

thanks for the help!

I think if the freon was low or gone it wouldn't come back on at all. It may be the relay or switch that controls the compressor clutch or a loose connection or a bad compressor clutch that is only engaging intermittantly.

which engine is in your Rodeo

which engine is in your Rodeo

I have the v6 DOHC 3.2L (4wd). I believe its the 3.2L, I'd have to check for sure.

Note: I let it sit for a while last night and tried it and it didn't work. Thenk, it worked again for a while this morning on the way in for about 15 minutes, then started acting as a vent only again. I turned off the AC for a while and hit the switch again about 5 minutes later and I was up and running.

about the only thing that comes to mind on that one is the pressure switch on the dryer (round thingy behind the grill on the drivers side)
or possibly the thermostat which is a probe that is pushed into the fins on the evaporatore core

Okay. It doesn't appear to be the dryer. When it happens to kick on, there is a unit mounted to the block and driven by the main belt that start clicking. I think this is the condensor. I have no knowledge of air conditioners.

I have read that they are lubricated by freon, could the click and clunking be caused by no lubrication? Is the only fix a new condensor...and what is the typical cost for the part and labor?

Thanks!