A/C does not work when ambient temperature is high - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

8ty8 ls1 · 06-13-2014, 11:22 AM

Hey guys, I've seen a lot of other A/C issues on here, but none that really are the same as mine. I have a 2010 SS with about 100k on the clock which definitely means my warranty is out. I've noticed that when I go to run my A/C when the temperature outside is about 85 degrees or higher, it will not turn on and will only blow hot air. This is with both the snowflake and recirc buttons on. If it is sitting in my garage on the same type temperature day, it will run for maybe 30 seconds to 1 minute, then turn off.

I can see that the compressor is turning then disengages the clutch and the pulley stops. I'm just seeing if anyone's had this issue and if so, what did they do to take care of this problem. Any help is appreciated.

BowlingSS · 06-13-2014, 12:00 PM

I had this problem with an older Camaro and it was low on Freon. I would check that first.

Bill

Ragnar · 06-13-2014, 12:20 PM

2nd that, possibly low on Freon.

8ty8 ls1 · 06-13-2014, 12:40 PM

even though it does work when it is about 80 and below?

Ragnar · 06-13-2014, 01:10 PM

Check your Freon level, The higher the temps, the higher the pressure, and the high side switch will turn the compressor off, if you have to much Freon, for example. If it is low the compressor will turn on and off in short intervals. Possible that your Orifice tube is slightly plugged. You need to see where your pressures are at.

8ty8 ls1 · 06-13-2014, 01:32 PM

ok i'll do that. but that's the thing, it doesn't do it in intervals. its just off once it's hot. but yes, i will check the pressures this weekend

SS Blinder · 06-17-2014, 12:31 PM

if your freon is ok, then change out the AC compressor clutch relay. location and number are in your manual. I had a 2009 honda odyssey that did the same thing you described and would also cause the relief to lift make a noise like air escaping. changed the relay out and top of the freon and it was back to normal. good luck

TommyTheCat · 06-18-2014, 10:33 AM

Don't get one of those do-it-yourself A/C cans, actually get a shop drain, vacuum test, and recharge your system. Then they can tell you how much freon actually came out vs how much it was supposed to have. Have them use some UV Dye to check for leaks later on, too. If the shop can't do all that and guarantee they're not just using those cheap cans, take it somewhere else that can.

Nor Cal ZL1 · 06-20-2014, 07:54 PM

Freon is a registered Dupont refrigerant name.
Calling refrigerant Freon, is a bit like calling all soft drinks Coke.

RobertRS · 06-20-2014, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nor Cal ZL1

Freon is a registered Dupont refrigerant name.
Calling refrigerant Freon, is a bit like calling all soft drinks Coke.

134A or tetrafluoroethane to be specific.

firestone_ss · 06-20-2014, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nor Cal ZL1

Freon is a registered Dupont refrigerant name.
Calling refrigerant Freon, is a bit like calling all soft drinks Coke.

thank you this drives me nuts

oh and go spend 30 bucks and have it checked by a real tech not these guys here telling you to throw parts at it

06-13-2014, 11:22 AM	#1
8ty8 ls1 Resident Engineer Drives: 2010 Camaro SS, 1988 GMC S-15 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 766	A/C does not work when ambient temperature is high Hey guys, I've seen a lot of other A/C issues on here, but none that really are the same as mine. I have a 2010 SS with about 100k on the clock which definitely means my warranty is out. I've noticed that when I go to run my A/C when the temperature outside is about 85 degrees or higher, it will not turn on and will only blow hot air. This is with both the snowflake and recirc buttons on. If it is sitting in my garage on the same type temperature day, it will run for maybe 30 seconds to 1 minute, then turn off. I can see that the compressor is turning then disengages the clutch and the pulley stops. I'm just seeing if anyone's had this issue and if so, what did they do to take care of this problem. Any help is appreciated. __________________ 12.68 @ 109: LSR cai, Borla S-type axle-back, Tunes

06-13-2014, 12:00 PM	#2
BowlingSS Camaro Owner Since 1987 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS L99 RJT Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 2,185	I had this problem with an older Camaro and it was low on Freon. I would check that first. Bill __________________ 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS L99 RJT CAI, Inc. Cold Air Induction;ADM Scoop Rx Catch Can;Rx Breather;Roto-Fab Washer Container VMax Ported RJT Throttle Body XSPower Headers and XSPower 3" Exhaust System Elite Engineering Tunnel Brace, Gorilla Wheel Lock System; Bear Rotors, Hawk HPS Tinted Windows 35%;EFILive Tune

06-13-2014, 12:40 PM	#4
8ty8 ls1 Resident Engineer Drives: 2010 Camaro SS, 1988 GMC S-15 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 766	even though it does work when it is about 80 and below? __________________ 12.68 @ 109: LSR cai, Borla S-type axle-back, Tunes

06-13-2014, 01:32 PM	#6
8ty8 ls1 Resident Engineer Drives: 2010 Camaro SS, 1988 GMC S-15 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 766	ok i'll do that. but that's the thing, it doesn't do it in intervals. its just off once it's hot. but yes, i will check the pressures this weekend __________________ 12.68 @ 109: LSR cai, Borla S-type axle-back, Tunes

06-17-2014, 12:31 PM	#7
SS Blinder Drives: 2011 SS (Sparrow Spearer???) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: South of OKC, OK Posts: 707 View My Garage	if your freon is ok, then change out the AC compressor clutch relay. location and number are in your manual. I had a 2009 honda odyssey that did the same thing you described and would also cause the relief to lift make a noise like air escaping. changed the relay out and top of the freon and it was back to normal. good luck __________________ Black magic woman, don't turn your back on me baby!

06-13-2014, 12:20 PM	#3
Ragnar Destroyed by flooding Drives: Wife's car Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,673	2nd that, possibly low on Freon.

06-13-2014, 01:10 PM	#5
Ragnar Destroyed by flooding Drives: Wife's car Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,673	Check your Freon level, The higher the temps, the higher the pressure, and the high side switch will turn the compressor off, if you have to much Freon, for example. If it is low the compressor will turn on and off in short intervals. Possible that your Orifice tube is slightly plugged. You need to see where your pressures are at.

06-18-2014, 10:33 AM	#8
TommyTheCat SHKE BKE Drives: 2013 Camaro Join Date: May 2014 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,108	Don't get one of those do-it-yourself A/C cans, actually get a shop drain, vacuum test, and recharge your system. Then they can tell you how much freon actually came out vs how much it was supposed to have. Have them use some UV Dye to check for leaks later on, too. If the shop can't do all that and guarantee they're not just using those cheap cans, take it somewhere else that can.

06-20-2014, 07:54 PM	#9
Nor Cal ZL1 Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,825	Freon is a registered Dupont refrigerant name. Calling refrigerant Freon, is a bit like calling all soft drinks Coke.