Hello all,

My '02 Vitara's A/C doesn't seem to be operating properly.  I brought it to an A/C shop early this week, they replaced the fuse and refilled the refrigerant.  It seemed to be working ok after that until today, driving home, the A/C would be cool for a bit then start blowing outside temp air.  When I got home, I popped the hood, ran the truck with the A/C on and noticed the A/C clutch seems to kick on for 2 secs, then kick off, kick on for 2 secs, then kick off, etc...  Is this normal operation for the clutch or should it run longer when it kicks on?

Help!  I've already spent $300 getting to where I'm at and don't want to pay someone else to troubleshoot...

Thanks

Ok, so after googling this topic and reading about 2 hours worth of material, I see a lot of people mentioning the refrigerant pressure switch?  Has anyone else heard of this problem?  Can this switch be replaced without draining the freon or not?

...the A/C clutch seems to kick on for 2 secs, then kick off, kick on for 2 secs, then kick off, etc...  Is this normal operation for the clutch or should it run longer when it kicks on?

It's normal for a system that has no refridgerant! Sounds like you have a leak in your system. I'd take it back to the shop. They should have done a pressure test on it in the first place.

As for as the pressure switch - no DON'T remove it. you will discharge your system in .5 seconds (if there's anything to discharge!) Don't ask how I know.

Pepatt pretty much nailed it. 

Most of the vehicles I have worked on have valves under the pressure switches but I have not done any Suzukis yet. Did the shop add a tracing dye to the system when they recharges it? I would take it back and get them to check with the UV light for any leaks in the system.

Derek

There is definitly a leak in the system! And if it stopped working that fast it is a big one! The shop should have checked for leaks after realizing the system was empty in the first place! I would take it  back and ask" What the ****? LOL!

Yes, they apparently did a leak check and said it was good.  I've noticed a few new things over the past few days.  The A/C will work fine for about 20 minutes, compressor clutch cycles normally, vents blow nice cold air.  After about 20 minutes, the system starts acting up.  Clutch kicks on and off constantly, blowing air returns to ambient.

Any ideas?

There are valves inside the system that turn the refridgerant from liquid to vapor. The orifice valve could be plugged with grit causing the system to not work properly. It may also have an expansion valve which could be acting up as well. I would test the pressure switches to make sure that it is not a bad switch.

Derek

maybe it is overcharged and building pressure to fast

does the electric condensor fan turn on.  that was my problem. it got too hot and raised the pressure in the system and shut it off and it cooled of a little, cane on then off pretty fast.

When I swapped, I had to completely discharge (in an environmentally unfriendly way) the system.  When everything was reinstalled, I attempted to recharge it myself using an over the counter kit.  I was unable (surprise!) to fully charge it that way, and the result were symptoms exactly like yours.  When I finally got around to getting a professional purge and recharge (around $200, I think), it tested fine pressure-wise.  That was early last spring, and all is still good.
 
So, among the other suggestions, it sounds like it's also possible they simply did a crap job of purging and recharging yours.  Maybe?

Tipover, yes, the condensor fans are working perfectly.  Thanks for the tip.

Beercheck, I'm starting to think you might be right.  It's going back in on Tuesday to get re-checked; with all the advice I've received from you guys I will be well educated and won't take any crap from them.

Thanks everyone!

Update:  brought it in today to get re-checked.  Turns out the condensor is shot (or plugged I think was what they said) and one of the hoses is leaking.  All said and done with parts and labour I'm looking at $1100.  Sigh.

That will do it! Got to love A/C. Love it when it workin but when it quits look out. 90% it costs a small fortune to fix!LOL

Ouch.  And ouch.  Price sounds about right if the shop sources the new parts, unfortunately.  I gotta believe a used condenser would come in under the $300+ of the new one.

First time I've ever heard of a blocked condenser, though.  The leaky hose alone could have caused your problem.