A/C kind of works with switch on or off

[dustertwister]

All,

I have been using this site for years - lots of good information. And I try to help out when I can. Now to my question, I have a 2001 Silverado. It has been a great truck. Just today, the a/c began to slowly get warmer and warmer as the day went on - I drove about 500 miles today. I am currently in a place where the temperature is about 118 and the humidity is 50-60%. Terrible.

Anyway, everything seems to be functioning properly but the a/c just doesnt perform like it used to. What's bizzare is the temperature of the air coming from the vents would actually cool down for a couple mintues if I pressed the a/c button to turn it off. I could drive for 30 mintues with it off and the air would be just as cool if not colder then when the button is on. The fan is still on - I just turn off the compressor. Also, remember the air outside is at least 100 or more (I'm is so cal). Needless to say, I was not comfortable in my truck, however it was much better then rolling down the windows. In addition, the fan does not blow as hard as it should on level 5. I also have an 01 Tahoe with an A/C that I have to run on level 2 to keep from getting frost bit.

I think I might just be low on freon. I can hear the pump engage when when I press the button but it just does not get ice cold. I would say as it is that it blows out about 75-80 degree air. But I dont know why the fan seems so weak.

Any advice you might be able to provide would be very helpful.

Thanks.
Frank

[kenwood guy]

off???? not sure could be pumping down maybe???? I would clean the condenser coils check my pressures for proper superheat and subcooling and charge accordingly as for your fan I belive that since your evaporator is not as cold as it should be it does not feel like its blowing hard as it should

[dustertwister]

Thanks. I will let you all know how it works out. I plan on taking it into the shop for the old "stick it to the working man job" - but I need the cold air down here! Take care.