I have a chevy optra and for the last 6 months or so while the air con works fine after going about 50/60 kms it stops blowing cold air and i have to switch off for about 5/10 minutes then its fine again ,any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Refill media (freon type)?

Sounds like freezing up.

In a modern system can be the temp sensor not working properly, so the compressor works non stop...

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Take it to the local car aircon repair shop. Shouldn't cost much, unless they try to claim the compressor's gone.

Cleaning might help. Dust attracts humidity, then freezes.

thanks for the input ,chevy suggested commpresor at 11000 baht ,went to the s/h dealer 3500 baht but he suggested it was more than likely some other fault ,the freezing up sounds right as i get cold fog coming out of the vents, off to the air con man in the morning.

thanks for the input ,chevy suggested commpresor at 11000 baht ,went to the s/h dealer 3500 baht but he suggested it was more than likely some other fault ,the freezing up sounds right as i get cold fog coming out of the vents, off to the air con man in the morning.

Sounds like a bad sensor or more likely expansion valve problem.

Take it to an independent air con shop and they'll isolate the problem in a heart beat.

It won't cost an arm and a leg.

When AC get low on refrigerant it will start freezing up as well. If it is low on refrigerant, it is leaking.

Don't assume that a new compressor will rectify the issue, that would be the last component that I would be looking at even if you are getting it for a good price 2nd hand.The only reason you would change the compressor was if it became ceased, if the valve plates developed a fault or if the refrigerant system was that compromised (oil contamination) that a new compressor was required.

For some reason the compressor clutch is disengaging after a certain period of time, do not listen to the "experts" who tell you that it is low on refrigerant, they are sealed systems & you won't get a leak unless the system is not being used frequently. This is a rarity in a warmer climates like Thailand as the air con is always used which the intern lubricates the rear main seal on the compressor ( the most common area for vehicle a/c leaks).

Don't take the mist as a indication of the evaporator freezing, jump on any train or plane and have a look when they first turn the a/c on, same thing a mist. This is due to the cooler air coming of the Evan coil, app 9-12 degrees mixing with the ambient air which could be anywhere from 25 degrees upward causing a condensate vapor which will be visible to the eye.

Since you are using it for some period of time then it is blowing cold air the compressor clutch is disengaging, I would be looking more towards a high pressure problem. The compressor clutch is cutting out due the high pressure switch becoming open circuit. A easy fix for you, check that your condenser coil is clean, if not wash thoroughly with a hose. Also check that your condenser fans are working, if not this will cause the high pressure switch to open after a period of time.

Hope this helps, if you have any more questions post again. I personally do not trust a lot of the mechanics here in thailand as they are always very quick to jump on the ...low gas bandwagon.

No idea of the engine layout of the Chevy but had a similar problem on a Landcruiser...the viscose fan wasn't working properly so A/C would work fine in the morning, but if you got stuck in traffic then the coolant temp would rise (not noticeable on the gauge) slightly and would pass the heat onto the A/C condenser which in turn would cause higher pressure in the A/C system and it would just blow warm air

Check the drain pipe is not blocked by a wee dead critter, look under the car, should have a puddle of water, not when it's moving though eh.

Check the drain pipe is not blocked by a wee dead critter, look under the car, should have a puddle of water, not when it's moving though eh.

Actually when we stop there is usually a large puddle on the floor

Is ice forming on the evaporator or any of the piping in the system once it quits working? I am not talking about condensation coming out of the vents, but ice forming.

Try turning down the temp. control to about 3/4. Not the fan just temp. control.

Is ice forming on the evaporator or any of the piping in the system once it quits working? I am not talking about condensation coming out of the vents, but ice forming.

I think it may be as when we park a large pool of water eventually forms under the car ,much larger than normal for an air con

i have also tried turning down the temp control as sugested ,no differance.

Im no expert but I have worked as for a company in a tropic climate on aicon systems

First up its wont be your aircon compressor that's at fault

Cost you nothing to check a few things yourself at lest you know so they don't rip you off

Low gas / to mutch gas = can freeze up the system = air won't pass through the fins on the element ( fits with. The 5-10 time off whiKle Ice melts )

easy to check I there is ice on the element in the car remove a few screws before your next drive so it's easy to acess

When it's stops blowing cold air

does the compressor clutch turn off

Check the air con compressor

Simply open hood turn aircon on off and see if clutch kicks in on compressor so air con should be working

Should not cost a fortune to fix

$200 in the West Thailand a lot less

Even if it's a blocked capillary pipe ( dryer )

Witch only happens if there is foreign objects in the system

Is ice forming on the evaporator or any of the piping in the system once it quits working? I am not talking about condensation coming out of the vents, but ice forming.

I think it may be as when we park a large pool of water eventually forms under the car ,much larger than normal for an air con

i have also tried turning down the temp control as sugested ,no differance.

Why haven't you taken it to an A/C shop as you said you were going to, rather than discussing it further on this board?

You asked for advice and have been given plenty of it, some of which is very good.

Pop off down to your A/C man in the morning and get it sorted.

Perhaps you are too nervous? Don't worry, it'll be easy!

Another Chevrolet nightmare ?

Within 1 or 2 years it will be big news, just be patient...