Q: AC works sporadically

asked by on July 27, 2016

The AC in my car sporadically stops working. It usually isn't functioning when the car has started. Occasionally, it would barely work even though the light is on and the settings are on full. However, it would start working great if I accidentally hit a rock on the road. I took it to the mechanic but he couldn't solve the issue because it was functioning then. He said the the connections are good. He also had the blower motor examined and it checks out fine. Do you have any idea what might cause this?

AC Compressor Replacement $715.49 - $3134.49 Get a Quote
AC Pressure Switch Replacement $176.05 - $501.42 Get a Quote
AC is not working Inspection $111.46 - $131.46 Get a Quote

Hello. It sounds like you have an intermittent problem. If the A/C compressor or A/C pressure switch is working intermittently, this may cause the A/C to work intermittently as well. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come and complete an inspection of your A/C system in order to pinpoint your problem and make necessary repairs.

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

Car makes loud noises
There can be a variety of reasons behind what is causing your Toyota Corolla to make loud noises while driving. Unfortunately without more information, it can be difficult to point you in the right direction. This is when I would...
Using 10w-30 accidentally instead of 5w-30
Yes, it's just a little bit heavier (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-does-motor-oil-viscosity-matter), nothing much. You'll get slightly lower gas mileage, but that's the only thing. A lot of guys, as their engines get older, go and switch to 10-30w anyways, when they get older...
My car feels as if I am driving it in neutral but I'm not.. my RPM will go up but I cant accel over 20mph. Only happens sometimes
Hi there. This may be a sign of a faulty transmission control solenoid or simply low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service). Modern automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer activates...
How many transmission, engine, torque strut mounts I need for replacement?
Generally when one engine or transmission mount fails, others may fail soon after. When one mount fails, added stress is placed on the remaining mounts to hold the engine and transmission in place. Your vehicle should have 4 engine and...
Clutch/gearbox oil 2013 Chevrolet Spark
Hi there - your Spark clutch is a "dry" clutch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/how-does-a-clutch-work-by-richard-manning), which is to say oil/grease are the last thing you want near the clutch friction surface. It does sound like yours is slipping, and may have gotten engine oil...
P0420 engine error and poor gas/mileage.
Hi there. The catalytic converter on your Honda Accord has two oxygen sensors. One oxygen sensor is positioned in front of the catalytic converter and the other oxygen sensor is positioned in the rear. When the oxygen sensors have a...
Keeps throwing main fuel pump circuit code.
Check the fuel pump relay and see if its getting hot. A faulty fuel pump relay will throw a fuel pump circuit code if the relay gets too hot. If there is a code for the camshaft actuator, then there...
Question about wheel size
You want a wheel that has the same offset, backspacing, and width as your existing wheels in order to avoid handling problems. If you had OEM wheels, I could tell you the offset but inasmuch as you have aftermarket wheels,...
why wont my `06 chevy tahoe shift into drive and go but when in park and shifted to reverse it will reverse?
Hi there. A car that refuses to shift or go into gear easily is trying to tell you something is wrong and in most cases the culprit is the clutch (in a manual transmission) or torque converter (in automatic transmission)....

Related articles

How Long Does an AC Condenser Last?
Your Your car’s air conditioner system has a lot of different components, including the compressor, the receiver dryer, the hoses, the evaporator, and the condenser. The condenser is the component that converts gas into cooled liquid. Most people do not...
How to Replace an AC Line
AC hoses are failing if the air conditioning system is not blowing cold air or the air is leaking out of the AC lines.
Understanding Toyota Maintenance Required Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Toyota Maintenance Required lights indicate when and what service your car needs.