Subaru air conditioning question

[RichZ]

I recently bought a 2004 Subaru Outback. The a/c runs nice and cold for about 5 to 10 minutes and then the cold air turns to the temperature of the outside air. When you start it up the next time, the same thing happens. Could it just need more Freon? I've never seen something like this. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks for any info.

 

[dstig1]

Checking the charge level with a real set of gages is a good start. That will give you a good idea what is going on. Don't add freon or use the Miracle in a Can stuff without knowing what needs to be done. And just never use the Miracle in a can stuff.

But there is another likely source of your problem: The compressor clutch. The way a car AC system works, there is a clutch on the compressor that engages the compressor. There is a coil that acts as an electro-magnet and draws the clutch plate in contact with the pulley (pulley is always spinning) when it energizes the coil. But the coil cannot pull the clutch in if the clutch gap is too large. You need some gap so the clutch does not drag when the AC cycles off, but too much gap means it cannot pull it in when it wants to. Your situation is probably the common one where the clutch gap is on the edge so it is able to pull it in at first, but then with a little heat build up it lets go. This is because the clutch wears with time. The cheap fix: They shim the clutch gap with thin washers to hit the correct specs. If you pull the clutch (one bolt in the center, typically) you can remove a shim or two (assuming you are lucky enough and they have a shim in there) and probably get the gap back in spec enough to hold out for a good while. The clutch will need replacing at some point of course, but this can buy you a lot of life.

It pays to check the clutch gap first with feeler gages to see where it is. Check at 2-4 spots around it, with a target of about 0.020" +/- 0.005. Odds are with an '04, you will be on or above the high side.

This can be a very easy fix and basically free, but the hard part is often just getting to the clutch, depending on the car and where they put it. If you bring it to a shop, they will probably tell you the compressor needs replacing and they will do that. This way they can charge more, and avoid you coming back screaming at them in 6-18 months if indeed the compressor does fail. Replacing the comp, replaces the clutch, pulley, coil, etc so it covers a few bases.

 

[dodge man]

Sometimes a easy check is just feel the line and see if its cold. If it is at first and then when it starts blowing warm and its not, I agree, probably the clutch. When I say line, I mean the cold line leading to the dash, it will sometimes have a little moisture clinging to it. My other thought is the blend doors might not be working correctly.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I recently bought a 2004 Subaru Outback. The a/c runs nice and cold for about 5 to 10 minutes and then the cold air turns to the temperature of the outside air. When you start it up the next time, the same thing happens. Could it just need more Freon? I've never seen something like this. Anyone else experience this? Thanks for any info.

Sounds like it's freezing up to me.

Check freon level.

Chris

 

[Garandman]

When it stops, get out, open the hood, and see if the compressor is still engaged.

Does this car have automatic climate control?

 

[Eric102]

Our 02 Outback was doing a similar thing about a year ago. Took it to a local independent Subaru mechanic and he replaced a $15 relay (or switch?) to fix the problem. Also had him evacuate and replace all the refrigerant and now the AC is working better than when new, icy cold! Less than $150 total cost and well worth it.

 

[RichZ]

My Suby doesn't have climate control.

 

[94BULLITT]

When you turn the a/c on does the radiator coolant fan run on high?

 

[newbury]

<snip>This can be a very easy fix and basically free, but the hard part is often just getting to the clutch, depending on the car and where they put it. If you bring it to a shop, they will probably tell you the compressor needs replacing and they will do that. This way they can charge more, and avoid you coming back screaming at them in 6-18 months if indeed the compressor does fail. Replacing the comp, replaces the clutch, pulley, coil, etc so it covers a few bases.

That's VW policy, on the Jetta there is an RCV valve which "clogs" up. VW only replaces the entire compressor, the valve is a $75 part which it took our son about 15 minutes to replace plus half an hour to refill and test.

 

[TractorLegend]

I've replaced a fair number of compressors on those rigs for freon leakage. It's recommended to replace the receiver/dryer if replacing a compressor. In Subaru's wisdom it is only sold with hoses attached to it. Dealer only. $350.00 just for that part.
Have someone who deals w/ ac diagnose it. Guessing without equipment can get costly.