So on the lovely commute home from work today, I had the AC going at about 66 or so. About 20 minutes into my drive, the AC just cut out abruptly but the climate controls still registered the temp and all that stuff. It also smelled like something burned for a bit. I shut off my AC and wondered wtf...

I tried turning it on later and even when it was set manually, it would only blow cold air for about 10 seconds, then it would just cease to move air. When I stopped at the gas station and filled up with some ludicrously expensive ($4.19) gas, I checked my engine bay and looked for anything that could have snapped, broke, etc. and nothing looked out of the ordinary.

What could cause the AC to just shut off like that? The compressor? It doesnt really suck much for me since I drive with the windows down most of the time... but if its really hot or I have passengers, I put on the AC. and now I dont have it.

Any ideas?

 

could have blown an oring at a connector- or blown a hose, or blew the conpressor seals-
just guessing based on your avatar says 5000rpm~
Is there slimy residue on any parts? thats the oil in the freon that has leaked out, often the funny burning smell
Does the ac compressor come on?- the front part of it should start and stop turning when you click the ac on

 

if it smelled somthing burnt checked the transistor in the evap core under neath the glove box..you'll see two bolts that hold it and check for wires that are burnt ..or might have a problem with electrical problems with the blower motor..

 

I need to change my headline thing. I dont really go 5000rpm much now... thanks to gas being so high and the fact that I drive alot for work and such. Didnt see any residue on anything, but then again I just took a look around at the belts and moving parts. When I turn the AC on, I hear it come on, but its really really weak air flow and it shuts off about 10 seconds later. You can hear it come on and then turn off.

As far as the burnt smell goes, Im probably going to look at that transistor tomorrow. If anything how much should I expect something like this to cost in terms of repair? I mean, I'm not very mechanically inclined, but I do have a friend that used to work as a mech for Acura so I have some hookups in case it exceeds my capabilities.

Awesome timing if you ask me, considering its starting to heat up over here... hitting 90s and such on an average day..

 

good point flipd!!
See the DIY on cabin air filter for direction on glovebox removal- behind that is the cabin air filters- those come out on a slide tray and then you see the blower motor and related parts.
More than 1 ziner has found loose connector- melted wires at that point
Requires a new connector from auto electrical repair place- a specialty shop- some may find it easier to remove the glovebox and such- then let the electrical specialist handle it to be safe- wiring is very important to not mess up- dash fires are such a bummer

but thats just my opinion- some have really good insurance for that sort of thing!!!

 

2k3_TLs, did you ever find out what was wrong?
Mine did the same thing to me today.