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Intermittent A/C blowing cold air

Tiny
VWRESTLER171
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 204,000 MILES
We have changed the condenser, compressor, had the system vacuumed and recharged, but the A/C only blows cool air when the car is pulling. Keeping the RPM's higher doesn't work, it is only when pulling a hill and sometimes at idle.

Any ideas?
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Friday, September 6th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,336 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

That is an interesting one. I have to be honest, it doesn't sound like an AC issue. The compressor doesn't care if you are going up hill or at an idle.

I have a question. Is there any ticking sounds from the dash when the key is first turned off or on? I'm wondering if there is an issue with what is called a blend air door actuator. It could be bad, have a bad connection, or not be fully attached and only works under the conditions you mentioned. The blend air door actuator is what is responsible for the air temperature entering the vehicle. If not working correctly, you won't get the temp you requested.

Do me a favor, take a look through this link. It is the directions for replacing the actuator, but it does explain common symptoms. See if any of the symptoms mirror what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

Let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, September 7th, 2019 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
VWRESTLER171
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Other than not controlling temperature, nothing matches up with the blend door actuator. Anyway to test them if they are not clicking?

I've had to change a couple of them in my 2007 Impala.
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Sunday, September 8th, 2019 AT 5:49 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,336 POSTS
Welcome back:

The only other way is to remove it and see if it functions.

Joe.
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Sunday, September 8th, 2019 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
VWRESTLER171
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks, I'll tear into the car tomorrow and check back to you.
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Sunday, September 8th, 2019 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
VWRESTLER171
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay, the blend door seems okay.

This has both me and my dad stumped. I'm starting to wonder if the shop didn't vacuum out the line and we got something in the coolant lines that prevent the air from cooling.
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,336 POSTS
You know, anything is possible. Here is a link explaining how it is done. Also, you could even have a partial blockage. Have you ever checked both the high and low side pressures?
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
VWRESTLER171
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
We have not as we do not have the equipment. It's pretty much the only thing we have someone else do when it comes to vehicles.
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,336 POSTS
I understand. Often times a parts store will lend you an AC manifold kit. You should check that. Most times the pressures will tell the story.

Let me know if you can get them and check it.

Joe
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 8:13 PM

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