A/C does not work

1997 SUBARU OUTBACK
165,000 MILES • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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JEZJAX
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A/C slowly stopped putting out cool air. Then it would come and go depending on how hot it was outside. Sometimes if I let it run for awhile, it would eventually get cold. Now nothing but hot air. It took more than five years for all this to happen, but up until about six to twelve months ago it still occasionally blew ice cold air.

Did not need the A/C in Washington state. Now I live in Los Angeles area. Problem started happening about two years after I moved to California, 2009.

Three mechanics have looked at it recently. The compressor works. No Freon leaks. They think it is electrical. Replaced the computer. Still does not work. New mechanic is painstakingly tracking backward to see where the problem is. He thinks it may need a thermo switch (see attached photo). Something about telling the A/C when to blow cold air?

Any ideas about what is wrong or where I can get parts?
Jun 30, 2017 at 2:44 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

It sounds like you may have a bad compressor clutch, these stop and start working at any time. Here is some guides to show you show you what you are in for when doing the job. If the compressor has power and the clutch is not turning its bad.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Jul 2, 2017 at 8:25 PM
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JEZJAX
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Thanks, Ken. I'll pass this info on to my mechanic. Will let you know what happens. Judy
Jul 2, 2017 at 9:30 PM
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STRAILER
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Please let us know what happens

Cheers, Ken
Jul 3, 2017 at 11:29 AM
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JEZJAX
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My a/c is finally fixed. Turned out there were two problems. First the mechanic found that the Electronic Control Module (computer) was faulty. He replaced that with a used one. Didn't work so he removed it. Then he ordered a part called an EVAP Core Thermistor (EVAP temperature sensor). He replaced that but the a/c still didn't work. Then he put the "new" ECM back in and, with both parts replaced, it worked. ECM = $200. EVAP = $90. Labor $75. This mechanic is a dream come true. He spent hours trying to find the problem and looking for parts. The only labor charge was for installing the computer. No charge for the EVAP installation or for shipping costs or all the time it took him to find the problem.

Thanks for your help Ken. Judy
Jul 8, 2017 at 8:11 AM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help

Cheers, Ken
Jul 8, 2017 at 10:38 AM