Hi everyone. I'm a rare poster, since I don't often have issues with the H3 (2007 I5).

Symptom: AC is not cooling well. Somewhat variable, as at times it seems fine, others, temps are barely below ambient. Whenever I've checked, the compressor clutch is engaged, and I always have it set to Max. I did check freon pressures the other day during a period of not-cooling-well, and got about 38 psi on the low side and 270 on the high. That seems fairly normal low, a bit too high on the high?

Some background: A long time ago, while having some work done, a mechanic told me I needed a new fan clutch. However he wanted 300+, and I know I can get one for $50 and do it myself. Only, I really wasn't seeing symptoms so I blew it off. Now this is gradually getting worse.

High side pressure too high IS a symptom of poor air flow through the condenser, but this doesn't go away at highway speeds. My impression is that if it were a bad fan clutch, at highway speeds the problem would disappear. At best, it gets very subtly better. Also, I haven't seen engine temps move much, they stay under the 3/4 high line even idling in the hot sun (South Florida).

Any thoughts, given the novel I just wrote?

 

Here is a thought. Your AC orifice might be plugged. You have to empty the refrigerant just to check it. The orifice also has a built in screen filter. Part is cheap.

 

not sure what you are using as a reference to check but I got 55 psi on my low (in Orlando when it is in the 90's and I drove around a bit)
Mine is nice and cool

 

I might be using a reference that is off. If 55 is a normal low pressure, than I'm definitely low on that side of things.

Regarding the AC orifice...is that a part of the expansion valve, up by the firewall on the passenger side?

It just seems weird that its not consistent...

 

Is it possible you need to refresh the Freon?

 

I don't think it would be intermittent if it were low on freon, and I would not expect the high high pressure readings either. I wouldn't say for sure it's not low, but those things don't seem to match a low freon condition to me.

 

What was ur problem? Having similar issues

 

Oh boy digging up a 3 year old thread. Necro-bumping is not a good thing on this forum.
The OP is most likely no longer an active member and you will get no response.
bureau12 Last Activity: 07-27-2016 12:29 AM

Please ask your question in a new thread started by you with your model, mileage, maintenance done, etc.
We all try to help each other the best we can, but we need as much info on your exact issue/issues as possible.

 

Please avoid digging up OLD THREADS!

Stick with the thread you started on the topic.