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Subaru Forester Air Conditioning Problems

55 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2013 at 3:29 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester

Messages Page 1 of 6

#1 of 55 Need AC system replacement at 62,000 miles by bpowis

Dec 22, 2007 (1:39 pm)

My 04 Forester XT engine making squealing/rattling noises which sometimes diminished when I accelerated. My boyfriend said it sounded like a bearing. Mechanic diagnosed it as a bad air compressor and said I need the compressor, clutch assembly and freon all replaced, for a total cost of about $945. The car is only 4 years old with 62,000 miles. Does this sound right?

#2 of 55 Re: Need AC system replacement at 62,000 miles [bpowis] by paisan

Dec 23, 2007 (2:12 pm)

Replying to: bpowis (Dec 22, 2007 1:39 pm)
from the symotoms seems possible. 62k is a little low but it's possible.
 
-mike

#4 of 55 Foester AC Problems by rochcom

Jul 02, 2007 (9:17 am)

Sorry, I accidentally posted this in the wrong forum previously.
 
I am having a problem with a '98 Forester A/C compressor. The compressor clutch runs fine in moderate weather for a period of time, then cuts out. To get it to come on again, the system needs to be turned off for a period of time and then re-started. After a total of about 20 minutes or so of running, or if it is particularly hot and sunny it can happen much sooner, the system will shut off again and NOT restart. The outlet temperature is normal (40) when running, but quickly climbs to 73+ when it shuts down.
  
The dealer tried to solve the problem by recharging and doing a leak check. The recharge did not help and there is no evidence of a leak. After next observing the compressor clutch cutting out, the dealer said that the problem is the clutch and it cannot be repaired. Their solution is to replace the entire compressor assembly. This is expensive. At this point, the dealership staff does not seem to know what they are doing.
  
Does anyone have any alternatives to check for? Could it be an electrical fault or pressure switch problem? If it is mechanical, can the clutch mechanism be repaired?

#5 of 55 Re: Foester AC Problems [rochcom] by rsttoole

Jul 20, 2007 (11:25 am)

Replying to: rochcom (Jul 02, 2007 9:17 am)
I have the same problem on my 97 Outback. ANy ideas?

#6 of 55 Re: Foester AC Problems [rochcom] by xwesx

Jul 20, 2007 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: rochcom (Jul 02, 2007 9:17 am)
Is it possible that the compressor is overheating? Maybe too much friction in the bearings for the pulley? This is just a shot in the dark, really. How long does it take for the system to "reset?"

#7 of 55 Re: Foester AC Problems [xwesx] by rochcom

Jul 25, 2007 (11:33 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jul 20, 2007 3:15 pm)
Thanks for your reply.
 
It can vary greatly. It does seem to take longer in direct sunlight so that overheating is a possibility. But then, what is the solution?
 
I have found that it will cut in and out by itself and under some conditions, leaving the system in partial or full recirculate mode will allow the interior to stay cool. But in strong sunlight, this is not adequate.

#8 of 55 Re: Foester AC Problems [rochcom] by xwesx

Jul 25, 2007 (2:01 pm)

Replying to: rochcom (Jul 25, 2007 11:33 am)
Well, again, hard to say, but if it is a friction problem then perhaps spraying the bearings with lithium grease will help. The compressor pulley is clutch activated, so try not to get any grease on the pressure surface or the plates may slip.
 
Again, just a shot in the dark. If the system is not low on refrigerant and the compressor works (when it works!), there must be something telling it to disengage so often. I am not sure what the triggers are, but often they have fail safe systems (shutting down if overheating would be considered a fail safe).

#9 of 55 Re: Foester AC Problems [xwesx] by paisan

Jul 26, 2007 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jul 25, 2007 2:01 pm)
Check to make sure that there is water draining below the car during operation. If it isn't dumping a significant puddle at idle, then chances are the condensor is freezing over and that will cause it to spew warm air.
 
Tinted windows help a lot.
 
My 05 LGT Wagon has been excellent during the past week of high 80s low 90s here in NYC with very high humidity.
 
-mike

#10 of 55 Proper ac compressor oil for 03' Forester by Bowhunter51

Jan 16, 2009 (9:07 pm)

I'm changing my ac compressor and it calls for a 200 oil, the auto parts shop have 100 or 150, what is the difference and is the 200 necessary?

Messages Page 1 of 6

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