So I have a new problem with the A/C in my 2005 TL. It blows cold for awhile but when on the highest fan speed setting and recirculate it will blow cold then shortly after the air coming out of the ducts gets really low speed and I hear a noise in the dash as if it's not getting out. I turn the A/C off and wait awhile, turning it back on it will blow normal for awhile and then the same thing happens again. It's like something is freezing up in there. Please help.

 

Does it do the same thing when it's not in recirculate? Has the cabin air filter ever been changed? It could be really clogged up. How many miles on the car?

 

are you leaving it in AUTO mode? If yes, the proper operation is to cool the car down to the temperature you set it to. It'll be at 1 bar below high to ensure the coolest air and will continue at this until the temp gets very close to what you want and it will slowly tone down the air-speed to maintain that temperature.

It is normal for the compressor to cycle on and off in these cars so do not worry about that. Also keeping the fan at it's highest setting (manually) isn't going to really help cool down the car faster. The problem is that air can only be cooled a certain amount in a certain distance. If the air is moving at full speed it doesn't have enough time to cool all the way. At a slower setting the air is moving a bit more slowly through the A/C coils and can cool down a bit more.

 

Yeah, James... The climate control on these cars threw me for a loop at first. I've had ACC in other vehicles, but one of my first complaints with the TL was how the AC didn't seem to push out enough cold air, in Auto mode or otherwise. Granted, since you've had the car for quite some time, you would know if something was wrong.

I'm no longer in the neighborhood (hell... I don't even know if you are anymore, lol) as I have moved back to Sacramento. However, if you need to compare how the climate control performs between the two, I'd be happy to meet up with you. You're not the only one having an issue... my Navi drive gave up the ghost a couple weeks ago as soon as the temps started to rise. Hope all is well.

 

I wager you're experiencing evaporator coil freeze up. This can be caused by a several things. Blockage/restriction of air flow, high humidity, extended use of the recirculate mode, A/C service needed.

First thing to do is to make sure your cabin filter is clean. If not, replace it. Next, use the AUTO mode or if you don't want to use the AUTO mode, avoid extended use of the recirculate mode and opt for outside air. AUTO mode is best. About three to five minutes before arriving at your final destination (such as coming home from work or a trip), turn off the A/C and run your fan on a higher speed through the vents. This will help to dry off the evaporator some and virtually eliminate moldy odors. Lastly, don't close off vents. This reduces air flow across the evaporator and promotes coil freeze up.

 

Red, I moved to Omaha Nebraska 6 months ago...so happy to be out of Plumas Lake.

 

cabin filter is brand new...car has 125k miles