Air Conditioner doesnt run when idling?

Narna · Post by **Narna** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:07 pm

Hi.
Over these nice summer months I've notice my (recently purchased) Outback doesnt like running th air con.

I have a 2004 4Gen Outback (2.5L), when I start the car the air con doesnt kick in, its only once your travellig well on the road that it kicks in and then works really well. If I end up crawling through heavy traffic it again seems to stop.

Is this normal for outbacks? the manual says the air con may cut out under heavy load but this seems very different. When it is running its fabulously cold. In fact it likes making thigs really cold, as in on 'Auto' at 19C with the outside ait ar say 17C its still cooling insanely. Again is this normal?

Any advice appreciated.

Davidov · Post by **Davidov** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:16 pm

My air con works fine on idle. It isnt quite as cold on idle of course but yeah. This is in a gen 3 outback.

taza · Post by **taza** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:18 pm

Possibly the relay could be on its way out. Mine cut out from overloading once this summer, but it was reaching almost 50degrees!!

Im thinking relay because it does still work, and works well. Only when at a stop whihc means air isn't coming into the engine bay and cooling it down...

Post by **Captain Obvious** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:59 pm

yeah could be getting low on gas and cutting the pump out, must be the time for it , the missuses car just stopped working too!!

bryan

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:07 pm

This is a long shot, but could your cooling system be struggling at idle rpm, maybe a corroded waterpump impeller. If the ECU senses that the coolant temp is close to 100deg, it cuts power to the aircon help keep temp down.

Narna · Post by **Narna** » Sun Feb 19, 2012 2:05 pm

Ah. Ok I'll take it back and hassle them under 'uncoditional warranty' they were on about. Hopefully they fix it.

Thanks for the help.

Narna · Post by **Narna** » Tue Mar 06, 2012 11:29 am

Apparently both the fans had faults! Performance Subaru Hobart (where I bought it second hand) replaced them free of charge. VERY happy with thier response and service on this.

The air is even colder now, how is that possible?

Thanks for replies and help, and thanks to PA too.

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Tue Mar 06, 2012 5:48 pm

With more air flowing over the air con condenser, it is able to remove more heat from the refrigerant and thus provide more efficient cooling i.e. cooler air

Narna · Post by **Narna** » Thu Mar 08, 2012 5:03 pm

Yes I did realise that, but it was already blisteringly cold (when it worked) so did not expect even more chilling power!

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Thu Mar 08, 2012 6:31 pm

good to hear you got it fixed, although being in tassie wouldnt realy get a work out

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Air Conditioner doesnt run when idling?

Air Conditioner doesnt run when idling?

Fixed!