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A/C not cooling

Tiny
RODEOOWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 ISUZU RODEO
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
My vehicles's A/C started cooling intermittently. The first place I took it to thought the coolant line was plugged and said it could cost thousands to fix. The second place tested it and said everything is working fine under the hood and it is most likely something in the controls in the dash. He did not have the equipment to test that and said to take it to a dealer as they have the machine.
Before I do that, I was hoping someone might have an idea what might be the cause and steps to check first. I no longer hear the compressor kick in and the cooling seems to have stopped all together. Thanks!
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Monday, May 7th, 2018 AT 12:11 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
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Good afternoon.

Is the car overheating?

Do you have a set of gauges to check the high and low side of the system?

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cooling-system
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Monday, May 7th, 2018 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
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The engine gauge does not show that it is hot. Unfortunately we are not savvy enough to know how to check the low and high sides of the system. Could the engine be overheating despite the gauge not showing it?
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Monday, May 7th, 2018 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
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Most likely not.

It is just the AC system that sounds like the issue.

Can you have someone check it for you and report back with the results?

Roy
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Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 AT 3:24 AM
Tiny
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Okay, I took the Isuzu to another air conditioning place. He said he believes it is the head unit for the controls for the climate control and to buy it on eBay which would cost around $40.00 to $50.00. I can find nothing that is called "head unit". Does anyone know what he is talking about?
Under the hood is fine but the control to make the compressor kick in is defective.
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Saturday, May 12th, 2018 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
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The part is called a control head or just control with AC.

I found tons of them on the web site I use all the time.

Roy

http://www.car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi
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Sunday, May 13th, 2018 AT 3:13 AM
Tiny
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Roy, I could not see the part in your link as it told me to search again but is it just the visible part on the dash with all the controls? LOL! I was making it too hard! :)
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Sunday, May 13th, 2018 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
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Sorry, it is the AC control as it is listed.

Start at the beginning with year make model and part number. Then add your zip code and it will show parts in your area.

Roy
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Sunday, May 13th, 2018 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
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I am back. Unfortunately! Ordered a head unit for the controls for the A/C. Got it installed today. Compressor kicked in and blew cold air for a few minutes. Blew a fuse three times. A/C guy says I need a new compressor. Not sure what to think. Blue light that is to turn on A/C still does not light even with the replaced head unit. Repair guy said the compressor did not even kick in with the old head unit but it did this morning. Help! I need advice before I tell him to replace the compressor.
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Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
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Testing is required to confirm the compressor.

My suggestion is this. Tell him if guarantees that the compressor will fix it, then do it. If it does not, you will not pay for the job.

A lot of guys shoot from the hip and guess for the failures at your expense.

I wish I was there to check it for you.

Roy
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Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
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Thanks, Roy! I wish you could look at it, too! I called another place and they are going to diagnose it for me later today. This place said it sounds like a short. I will let you know what happens.
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Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
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Sounds like a plan.

Keep us updated.

Roy
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Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
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Update: took the vehicle for a second opinion. In thirty minutes, and he was busy, he came back saying the hoses were leaking. He put in another fuse and the blue A/C light came on.
It blew cold air all the way home. He said "if" it is true the fuse keeps blowing then it probably will need a new compressor but all the work would be guaranteed. I am to take it back in the morning and will see what the next step is.
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Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
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Good deal. There is just more than the compressor that can make he fuse blow. Hopefully, he will find it for you.

Roy
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Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 AT 4:39 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for all you help, Roy! So I can sound somewhat intelligent when I go back in today, what are some of the other reasons the fuse might blow? (He also told me he gets a lot of customers that tried the other place first and then come to him.) I guess you could call them "referrals". :)
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Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
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It could be wiring to compressor, relay, fuse box among some items to check.

Roy
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Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
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Update: I have now driven my car for nine days without the fuse blowing. I am taking it back to the last/seemingly most reliable A/C place to have him replace the hoses and whatever else is needed to stop the leaking. In making the appointment and telling him the fuse had not blown he said he moved a wire that was touching something which could have caused a short. I guess fourth time is a charm as that is the fourth place we took our car to!
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Thursday, June 14th, 2018 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
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Good luck. Keep me updated with the results.

Roy
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Thursday, June 14th, 2018 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
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The A/C began to fail, especially if the car was very hot. So I took it back and he put in a new compressor. $1,000.00 later, it freezes me out on high. It was worth it because the alternative was buying a new SUV.
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Sunday, July 1st, 2018 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
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Good deal. Now you can ride in comfort.

Roy
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 4:27 AM

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