2001 Dodge Neon SE Automatic (100 K miles)

The air conditioning will blows warm air, but works intermittently for a few minutes at a time. The fans come on when the a/c switch is turned on.

I’m not hearing the compressor engage though, which confuses me since it blows cold air sometimes.

When cold air is blowing, the return line under the hood is cold to the touch. When it only blows warm air, both lines are warm (being under the hood)

Anyway, I’m not very experienced with AC units. Is this a normal breakdown occurrence with Neon’s a/c systems?

I have a Haynes manual, but before I start digging in I thought I would ask on this forum. Perhaps there is something simple I could be overlooking. Loose connections/ bad sensors?

I don’t want to start throwing parts or R134A (expen$ive!) at it if it doesn’t need it.

Anyway, your thoughts?

Eightlitermopar

sounds like it's low on 134a

The older models had a site glass in the receiver/dryer. You could tell if a system was low on freon by watching it. While the a/c was on and running, if the site glass was clear, no leaks. If it was milky or saw lots of bubbles, then add freon. You use this method only if you didn't have proper gauges for checking the pressure.

It is possible that the low pressure cut-off switch is loose. Seen this once.

You can disconnect it and "hotwire" it, system will run continuous and check the temp, and also use this to fill it with r134

Thanks for the input.

We tried charging it today, but nothing happened. I assume the system is fully charged.

On my 2001, the low pressure cut off switch is on the firewall right in front of the passenger side. If it is "loose" (I haven't checked yet) does this mean the connector is loose or it has come unscrewed or what?

Is the high cut off switch right on the compressor?

Also, if I need to change these switches, do I need to release the system pressure first, or can they be replaced with a full system?

My dad's chevy truck does not require the system pressure to be released for the sensors to be changed, this is why I ask....

eightlitermopar