02 Forester AC problem - cutting on and off constantly

[mparkes]

02 Forester 2.5L, 120,000 miles.
Lately the AC has been really acting up, it usually works okay when
first turned on at engine idle but as I accelerate the AC is apprently
cutting in and out sporadically to the point where the car runs very
rough, jerking. But if I turn off the AC it runs smooth. It will
sometimes blow hot air for a bit, and then cut back on and cool
normally. Once I get the car up to highway speeds it seems to settle
down and cools normally. Thanks for any help!

 

[nobody >]

02 Forester 2.5L, 120,000 miles.
Lately the AC has been really acting up, it usually works okay when
first turned on at engine idle but as I accelerate the AC is apprently
cutting in and out sporadically to the point where the car runs very
rough, jerking. But if I turn off the AC it runs smooth. It will
sometimes blow hot air for a bit, and then cut back on and cool
normally. Once I get the car up to highway speeds it seems to settle
down and cools normally. Thanks for any help!

Sounds like a compressor locking up. The next time it does this, stop
and open the hood and see how hot the A/C belt is, or if there are
"divots" or burnt spots on it.

 

[Todd H.]

02 Forester 2.5L, 120,000 miles.
Lately the AC has been really acting up, it usually works okay when
first turned on at engine idle but as I accelerate the AC is apprently
cutting in and out sporadically to the point where the car runs very
rough, jerking. But if I turn off the AC it runs smooth. It will
sometimes blow hot air for a bit, and then cut back on and cool
normally. Once I get the car up to highway speeds it seems to settle
down and cools normally. Thanks for any help!

Get the AC serviced before the compressor seizes. The compressor may
be low on oil or refrigerant.

 

[mparkes]

Get the AC serviced before the compressor seizes. The compressor may
be low on oil or refrigerant.

OK thanks.

It seems to be only happening on very hot days - I drove it into town
today and it did fine, never noticed any problems and cooled normally,
with the outside temps are low-mid 80's. It seemed to be acting up
this past week when the temps were in the upper 90's. Could the
outside air temp trigger the problem? Is the oil for the compressor
something I can check?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

OK thanks.

It seems to be only happening on very hot days - I drove it into town
today and it did fine, never noticed any problems and cooled normally,
with the outside temps are low-mid 80's. It seemed to be acting up
this past week when the temps were in the upper 90's. Could the
outside air temp trigger the problem? Is the oil for the compressor
something I can check?

Maybe the drive belt is old and 'glazed'. Either have it inspected or -
as a possible trouble shooting aid, buy some 'belt ease' and spray on
it. If the problem goes away - likely the belt is stretched/old
whatever. If its the original - probably bad. Depending on mileage,
could be bad if its the second one on the car.

this does not mean the compressor could'nt be trying to seize though!

Carl

 

[AS]

Are the fans running?

If it happens only when accelerating with the car stopped, and on hot
days, the high pressure swithc could be cycling on and off, and being
high pressure the engine could feel as you described.

It could be the compressor seizing up too.

When was the AC serviced last? Has anyone added refrigerant
overcharging the system?

 

[Spudzzz]

Are the fans running?

If it happens only when accelerating with the car stopped, and on hot
days, the high pressure swithc could be cycling on and off, and being
high pressure the engine could feel as you described.

It could be the compressor seizing up too.

When was the AC serviced last? Has anyone added refrigerant
overcharging the system?

I don't know that the AC has ever been serviced. I just take it to a
local Goodyear shop and they perform whatever servcice is recommeneded
at specific intervals. Don;t know that I recall AC ever being
mentioned though. And no refigerant ever added as far as I know.

 

[Sjnasca]

I don't know that theAChas ever been serviced. I just take it to a
local Goodyear shop and they perform whatever servcice is recommeneded
at specific intervals. Don;t know that I recallACever being
mentioned though. And no refigerant ever added as far as I know.

I have the same problem with my 2002 Outback. Have you ever figured
out what the problem is?