A/C gets warm while at idle
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 7
From: London, KY
A/C gets warm while at idle
Hey guys,
As it got warm this summer and I started using the A/C in my truck I've noticed that if the truck sets at idle for longer than just a minute or two, the A/C will start blowing warm air, not like heat or anything, just not cold. As long as I'm driving it blows nice and cold. It also takes longer than it should to start blowing cold air when I first start the truck and drive somewhere. I've checked the freon and it's good. Is the compressor getting weak or could it be another issue?
As it got warm this summer and I started using the A/C in my truck I've noticed that if the truck sets at idle for longer than just a minute or two, the A/C will start blowing warm air, not like heat or anything, just not cold. As long as I'm driving it blows nice and cold. It also takes longer than it should to start blowing cold air when I first start the truck and drive somewhere. I've checked the freon and it's good. Is the compressor getting weak or could it be another issue?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: South Shore, MA
Have you checked the Compressor Gap, per SpringerPop's write-up?
SpringerPop's Compressor Clutch Air Gap
SpringerPop's Compressor Clutch Air Gap
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 16
Check compressor gap. See what your psis are. Also, make sure there are no weeds etc in radiator and condensor area. However, its not uncommon for the a.c to blow slightly warmer at idle than at other speeds.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 7
From: London, KY
Thanks for the advise guys, I'd never heard of compressor air gap before so I'll check that. As far as the PSI goes, what should it be? The radiator and condenser area is probably due to be cleaned out so I'll do that also. It's not just slightly warmer, It's alot warmer like if you turned the switch to just fan and not A/C.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
My truck was doing the same thing. Roland and I took the shim out of the clutch this last Saturday and that fixed it. Takes about 5 mins to do this if you take your time. 
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 249
From: Ringgold, Ga
Yes pull the shim off the Compressor. It fixed mine up great.
Just be slow win pulling the front plate off so shim doesn't drop. Think its like a 10 mm socket and 2 small screwdrivers. 5 mins.
Just be slow win pulling the front plate off so shim doesn't drop. Think its like a 10 mm socket and 2 small screwdrivers. 5 mins.
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
I began to experience the same thing when my alternator started going out. The low RPM simply could not keep the appropriate level of charge going. I would try the compressor shim first, and if that doesn't take care of the problem, then have your alternator checked.
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