Expert: Von Sudderth - 2/15/2008

Question
Hi!  The AC in my 01 Xterra has been a headache for me.  Currently, it blows warm/hot air, and whenever I turn the AC on or off, I hear a groaning noise for a few seconds.  I'm guessing this could be the compressor clutch?  I've added refrigerant several times over the past year, and it doesn't seem to make the AC get very cold.  Any quick/inexpensive things that I can do, or am I doomed to a complete AC overhaul?  I live in AZ, and I need my AC!

Thanks!
Mark

Answer
Mark,

I would check the system pressures on the truck to see what is going on.  If there is too much or too little refrigerant the system will only blow warm air.  The groaning noise is under the hood or inside the cab?  If under the hood then it is the compressor and if under the dash it is the blower motor.  Again, get a set of gauges and check the system pressure.  If all else fails evacuate the system and recharge so you will have a baseline as to what the system pressures are.  Email me back with what you find.