Q: AC blows cold only when driving

asked by on March 30, 2017

Ac doesn't blow cold till rpms are above 1500. Sitting and idoling blows coolish start moving or Rev engine above 1500 rpms it blows cold

My car has 144000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

AC Condenser Fan Replacement $194.17 - $890.79 Get a Quote

Hi There, Based upon what you are describing it sounds like the AC condenser cooling fan is not working properly. As you are driving down the road, there is generally enough cool air blowing through the condenser without the need of the fan to cool. Once you come to a stop, this cool air blowing stops almost completely resulting in the need for the fans to come on. If they are not working properly, this will cause the AC to blow intermittently cool and warm as you describe. I would suggest checking to see if the fan comes on when the vehicle is sitting at idle. If you do not hear it come on periodically, then it may suggest you have a bad relay which could be causing it to work intermittently. I would recommend having this looked at as soon as possible by an expert from YourMechanic to avoid further potential damage.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How Frequently Should I Have My AC System Recharged?
The refrigerant in an automotive AC system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-does-a-car-s-air-conditioning-work) circulates through a sealed system. It is designed to be totally leak-free and usually is. Many vehicles are driven for years and years without needing any refrigerant added to the AC system....
Whining from timing area after water pump was replaced
Noises are often a point of contention in automotive repair. There is a phenomenon we humans all exhibit, mechanics included, where we become ultra sensitive to our cars after they have been worked on. I'm not stating this is what...
It feels like my car is about to break down, like I am very carefully carrying the engine home so it doesn't fall out.
Hi there. I would typically start by checking to see if the check engine light is on and then I would scan the computer for codes. This can give some insight as to what is going on. If there are...
2011 Nissan Sentra pulled to left we took it in shop they replaced left front bearing and aligned it.. 5 days later it still pull
Hi there. A pull to the left can be caused by a few different things: tires and bent/broken suspension components, brake calipers sticking (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-caliper-replacement), and/or wheel bearings (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement). I would have to have to know a few things like was...
Loud screeching noise on left front tire when the car is in motion
Hi there. If there is a screeching noise when the vehicle is moving coming from the wheels, then the brakes need to be checked again. That type of noise is typically caused by a bad brake pad sensor. It is...
car won't start: electrical problem
Even a relatively new battery can be bad. If it has an internal short, a jump start may not even work to start the vehicle. try removing the battery and taking it to a local auto parts store, or where...
ticking / clicking noise coming from the front end while driving a low speeds.
Hello. In some cases, the ticking or clicking noise while driving you're hearing can be caused by either a wheel bearing that is faulty, a rotor that is warped or CV joint that is damaged. It's best to have a...
Anti theft system won't let me use my car
You will need to try a different key. If the second key works then you need to replace the key that did not work. If the theft system still will not allow the engine to start then you need to...
Car not moving in any gear
Hello, and thank you for writing in. Unfortunately this is a classic sign that the transmission has failed. They fail for various reasons including mechanical failures, pressure issues, or leaks. The transmission oil needs to be drained, and meanwhile you...

Related articles

2007 Nissan Versa vs. 2007 Saturn Ion: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact cars as a class are generally meant to be commuter vehicles: with excellent gas mileage, an entry-level price point, and decent safety ratings for those who are on the road the majority of their time. These cars also make...
Saturn Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Drivers Drivers who are shopping around for a used Saturn vehicle may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on to...
Understanding the Saturn Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Saturn Oil Life Monitor indicates when and what service your car needs.