Air Conditioning problem

Hello all

I have a 2000 Nissan Altima SE. As of recently the air conditioner doesn't seem to come right on EVERY TIME. When you turn on the air conditioner, the compressor engages, which drops the idle slightly, puts a strain on the engine, and the radiator fans kick on. You can definetly tell when it kicks on.

Sometimes, I start the car up, and the compressor doesn't seem to be engaging, even though I have the air conditioner switch on. At first I thought the A/C relay could be going bad. I switched it out, and it is still doing it. The weird thing is, although it doesn't immediately blow cold air, I will drive down the road for 5 - 10 or even 15 minutes, then it will all of a sudden kick on, and work with no problems at all for the rest of that trip...

My first thought isn't a freeon problem, because I would think the compressor would still kick on with low freeon, but it just wouldn't be as cold. Any thoughts??? This is driving me nuts (FLORIDA RESIDENT!), as I am getting ready to drive my car on vacation.

Any help is appreciated!

Just to clarify

What normally happens is, again, you turn on the air, the compressor engages, radiator fans kick on, and idle drops slightly. This is NORMAL.

What I am experiencing is - Turn on the air, inside blower turns on, but compressor does not engage. Sometimes I have to drive about 10-15 minutes, then the compressor will kick on, and work normally the rest of that trip.

this an old post --but i am having the exact same problem....

2000 nissan altima GXE

a/c works at random....blows very cold air when it actually comes on...

can anyone help!

i think the compressor is going bad

I was sure I replied to this thread, but I don't see the response :(.

I got my problem fixed. It was a thermostatic switch in the evaporator coil.

I was sure I replied to this thread, but I don't see the response :(.

I got my problem fixed. It was a thermostatic switch in the evaporator coil.


thanks a million for replying Milkman...how much was the switch? Where is the evap. coil located? and can I do it myself or do i need to take it in?

the problem you described in you original post is exactly the same problem i have...

thanks in advance

As I remember it cost me anywhere from $200-$400 dollars. I don't remember for sure as I had some other work done as well. This was done by the dealership, so the cost may be a little high.

I am not sure where the switch is, or if it can be done ourselves, as I just wanted it fixed, so I didn't even see if it was possible.

Sorry I don't remember more. It was a while ago, and I was SURE I posted this fix in here, but I guess I forgot. :)

I am having the same problem with my 2000 Altima. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it works then quits....

When it does work, it blows very cold and helps me deal with the Arizona heat!!!

Anymore info on this part? I've looked at all the parts stores and haven't been able to locate it.

Thanks,

Andrew

Anyone else having this problem?
Anyone have a part number and/or location for the thermostatic switch?

A/C Thermostat control switch is mounted near the evaporator which is inside the car under the glove compartment. There is a probe from the switch that resembles a piece of solder that is pushed between the evaporator fins. A bad switch can keep the compressor engaged until the evaporator freezes up or keep the compressor turned off so that the evaporator stays warm. When the A/C compressor kicks in, the computer kicks the idle up faster. The climate control works with the thermostat switch and is also a possibility. Proper diagnosis is important with the high cost of parts and hours of labor to get to the evaporator. If you are guessing and replacing parts, Ebay usually has used climate control modules listed.

A/C Thermostat control switch is mounted near the evaporator which is inside the car under the glove compartment. There is a probe from the switch that resembles a piece of solder that is pushed between the evaporator fins. A bad switch can keep the compressor engaged until the evaporator freezes up or keep the compressor turned off so that the evaporator stays warm. When the A/C compressor kicks in, the computer kicks the idle up faster. The climate control works with the thermostat switch and is also a possibility. Proper diagnosis is important with the high cost of parts and hours of labor to get to the evaporator. If you are guessing and replacing parts, Ebay usually has used climate control modules listed.

what else should be checked/replaced before going after the switch in the evaporator--just to isolate the problem. Isn't there a switch in the compressor itself?