Intermittent A/C blowing cold air

2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
204,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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VWRESTLER171
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We have changed the condenser, compressor, had the system vacuumed and recharged, but the A/C only blows cool air when the car is pulling. Keeping the RPM's higher doesn't work, it is only when pulling a hill and sometimes at idle.

Any ideas?
Sep 6, 2019 at 2:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

That is an interesting one. I have to be honest, it doesn't sound like an AC issue. The compressor doesn't care if you are going up hill or at an idle.

I have a question. Is there any ticking sounds from the dash when the key is first turned off or on? I'm wondering if there is an issue with what is called a blend air door actuator. It could be bad, have a bad connection, or not be fully attached and only works under the conditions you mentioned. The blend air door actuator is what is responsible for the air temperature entering the vehicle. If not working correctly, you won't get the temp you requested.

Do me a favor, take a look through this link. It is the directions for replacing the actuator, but it does explain common symptoms. See if any of the symptoms mirror what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

Let me know.

Take care,
Joe
Sep 7, 2019 at 7:20 PM
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VWRESTLER171
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Other than not controlling temperature, nothing matches up with the blend door actuator. Anyway to test them if they are not clicking?

I've had to change a couple of them in my 2007 Impala.
Sep 8, 2019 at 5:49 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome back:

The only other way is to remove it and see if it functions.

Joe.
Sep 8, 2019 at 6:15 PM
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VWRESTLER171
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Thanks, I'll tear into the car tomorrow and check back to you.
Sep 8, 2019 at 7:38 PM
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VWRESTLER171
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Okay, the blend door seems okay.

This has both me and my dad stumped. I'm starting to wonder if the shop didn't vacuum out the line and we got something in the coolant lines that prevent the air from cooling.
Sep 9, 2019 at 4:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You know, anything is possible. Here is a link explaining how it is done. Also, you could even have a partial blockage. Have you ever checked both the high and low side pressures?
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system
Sep 9, 2019 at 5:45 PM
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VWRESTLER171
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We have not as we do not have the equipment. It's pretty much the only thing we have someone else do when it comes to vehicles.
Sep 9, 2019 at 6:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I understand. Often times a parts store will lend you an AC manifold kit. You should check that. Most times the pressures will tell the story.

Let me know if you can get them and check it.

Joe
Sep 9, 2019 at 8:13 PM