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02 Forester AC problem - cutting on and off constantly

02 Forester 2.5L, 120,000 miles. Lately the AC has been really acting up, it usually works okay when first turned on at engine idle but as I accelerate the AC is apprently cutting in and out sporadically to the point where the car runs very rough, jerking. But if I turn off the AC it runs smooth. It will sometimes blow hot air for a bit, and then cut back on and cool normally. Once I get the car up to highway speeds it seems to settle down and cools normally. Thanks for any help!
Reply to
mparkes
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Sounds like a compressor locking up. The next time it does this, stop and open the hood and see how hot the A/C belt is, or if there are "divots" or burnt spots on it.

Reply to
nobody >

Get the AC serviced before the compressor seizes. The compressor may be low on oil or refrigerant.

-- Todd H.

2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4 Chicago, Illinois USA
Reply to
Todd H.

OK thanks.

It seems to be only happening on very hot days - I drove it into town today and it did fine, never noticed any problems and cooled normally, with the outside temps are low-mid 80's. It seemed to be acting up this past week when the temps were in the upper 90's. Could the outside air temp trigger the problem? Is the oil for the compressor something I can check?

Reply to
mparkes

Maybe the drive belt is old and 'glazed'. Either have it inspected or - as a possible trouble shooting aid, buy some 'belt ease' and spray on it. If the problem goes away - likely the belt is stretched/old whatever. If its the original - probably bad. Depending on mileage, could be bad if its the second one on the car.

this does not mean the compressor could'nt be trying to seize though!

Carl

Reply to
Carl 1 Lucky Texan

Are the fans running?

If it happens only when accelerating with the car stopped, and on hot days, the high pressure swithc could be cycling on and off, and being high pressure the engine could feel as you described.

It could be the compressor seizing up too.

When was the AC serviced last? Has anyone added refrigerant overcharging the system?

snipped-for-privacy@mparkes.com wrote:

Reply to
AS

I don't know that the AC has ever been serviced. I just take it to a local Goodyear shop and they perform whatever servcice is recommeneded at specific intervals. Don;t know that I recall AC ever being mentioned though. And no refigerant ever added as far as I know.

Reply to
Spudzzz

I have the same problem with my 2002 Outback. Have you ever figured out what the problem is?

Reply to
Sjnasca

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