AC operation becoming intermittent

[Bob Minadeo]

I have a 2004 FX35 AWD (288,00 miles) that I have had since new. The A/C is beginning to operate intermittently, which is to say that the AC Compressor drops out of operation for periods of time. I get that the compressor cycles on and off via AC clutch control, but this is for several minutes and you can feel and taste the heavy moist muggy air when this happens. When the AC runs, the air is very nice and cold, but when it does not fun, it is just the fan moving air. It is set on AUTO and 70F (both sides of the dual control) and on recirculate flow. Since this can happen as soon as the engine is started after hours of being parked, it cannot be low freon level freezing the coil. nothing seems to be blocking air to the AC coils. Something is causing intermittent clutch drop out for several minutes at a time. Anyone have ideas?

 

[Camilo Cortes III]

I am having a similar issue in my wife's 2011. I am thinking about bringing it to a mechanic this afternoon, I will let you know what I find out.

 

[RAGTPZ]

That usually means something in the AC system is freezing up with ice. Once the ice melts off the cold air comes back. The evaporator is usually the culprit. Check to see if your in-cabin air filter is really dirty (replace if it is) and check to see if the evaporator drain is blocked.

Have you added additional refrigerant lately? An overcharge may cause this as well.

 

[Old Blue]

There’s also an “ in-cab” breathing temperature regulator/ reading part of the system that’ll get clogged with dust after a few years.

Look by your right knee, then blow the dust out.