The a/c compressor in my 04 s takes about 45 seconds to around a minute and a half before it kicks on, so I get hot air blown in my face when I start the car. Is there a relay going out or something? What can I do to diagnose it? It sucks because it's like 100 degrees outside and no telling how hot in the car when I get in.

 

joshmoney,

When was the last time that you had your A/C system serviced?? Could be just a low charge... also remember if its that hot outside the inside of the car can heatsoak and all the vent might be hot until the cold a/c air cools them down... I live in Arizona and I know the feeling of hot car insides....I leave the back windows cracked and sunroof in vent. Also if you change the air intake to "fresh air/ outside air" it will help cool the vents down for the first bit and then switch it to "recirulate"....

Carl

 

I'm pretty sure it's the compressor not coming on at first because I can hear it kick in when it starts blowing cold air. otherwise it's like a hair dryer blowing in my face. I recharged the system last year. also, it does the same thing right after I turn the car off for a few minutes. Like getting gas or something. just air until the compressor kicks in

 

The compressor is constantly driven so there is no ON/OFF noise from it the only thing that happens is that the swash plate gets powered and adjusted to position to create the flow of refridgerant. If the a/c comp "locks up" it breaks the rubber hub and does NOT turn anymore. An A/C system "should" be serviced every year due to small leaks and/or damage to system. Have the pressures checked and faults check in the HVAC Control Module to set if something lost a motor to a blend door or other issues. That's the stuff I would check and then go from there....
Good luck

Carl

 

ah. I see. Anyone have what the pressures should be in the ac system? I've got gauges, but I don't know what is spec

 

35-40 on the LOW side and about 150-200 HIGH side with the engine running A/C on MAX.... NOT AUTO!!!!