A/C cutting in and out

[truckmen]

Had anyone had an issue where the A/C compressor cuts in and out while the blower motor functions normally? This seems to happen most when I try to run the system at a higher fan speed and never at the lowest fan speed setting.

 

[Prime]

Have you tried recharging the system? It sounds like a low pressure shut off in the AC system. If the fan is working normally, that means your blower resistor is working.

 

[Muadeeb]

Charge issues, or the clutch is going out. Get a set of gauges (High and Low) to see what it's really doing, and also check on the clutch when it should be on max cold. If the face isn't spinning, it isn't engaged.

 

[truckmen]

Thank you, Prime and Muadeeb,

That is something I haven't checked since purchased new in 2013. When it works, the air blows quite cold but in your posts, I am sure that a low pressure could still be a problem. I actually HAVE the set of hi/low gauges so will try to use them next weekend.
By the way, the clutch seems to be engaging okay and there is not any strange sounds coming from that area when the A/C is functioning. I'll get my assistant (lovely bride) to help me determine if the clutch is kicking out when the light goes out at high fan speed.

Next question: what should the pressure read when in normal operation?

 

[truckmen]

...just checked and yes, the compressor DOES kick out at higher blower speeds but works well at low speed. Of course, low speed does not give enough cold air on a hot day so I still would like to fix this.

Add: The X has 96,466 miles on the odometer.

By the way. I also think I have a BCM problem and wonder if there may be a correlation.

 

[Muadeeb]

Yep, BCM is in the control path for when the clutch engages.

Any time I see "IPDM" I wonder if it's not the real culprit. @Prime, when did Nissan get their shiat together with that unit?

 

[truckmen]

Thank you Muadeeb,

Okay, so, here is another possible source. I have some issues with the towing/trailer light circuit and believe that is coming form the BCM (but that issue is for another post). in you last post, it looks like a part from a manual. Is that available to us members of this list?

 

[Muadeeb]

Yep. The fabulous people at NicoClub buy them to post for the world. https://www.nicoclub.com/nissan-service-manuals

They did get a C&D from Nissan a couple years back, but I guess they worked out a deal. Nissan is fully aware of this.

 

[truckmen]

Thanks, again Muadeeb,

I'm a member of that group too. I just haven't posted there for a while. I'll have to look up the manuals to better familiarize myself with the X.

 

[truckmen]

Hey all,

Just a )long-delayed) follow-up. I finally determined the problem I had regarding the A/C compressor kicking in and out: It was the resistor (under the dash) all along. Once switched out, the problem totally disappeared. So, if you have a similar issue, check that little guy out.

R