Nissan Repair: Air conditioner, center vent, nissan frontier


Question
QUESTION: Hello Calvin, It has been a couple of weeks and you may have forgotten my problem with my 1999 Nissan Frontier v-6 4x4 air conditioner. I could not ask any more follow up the web site required a new question so I will fill you in again.
I started out with my A/C compressor clutch kicking out when the temp got very hot outside, cooled well when the temp was not sop hot maybe under 75 deg. anything abouv that and the clutch would kick out.  Change the Expansion valve however, did not help. I though for awhilw the condenser fan was not turning on and maybe that was allowing to much head pressure when it was extremely hot. After several of our questions and answers, I finally changed the air conditioner relay and now the clutch stays connected and the condenser fan will start running when the pressure starts up.  I have checked, with manifold gauges and the pressure is good on both the low side and high side. Now we are at the point that while everything seems to be working correctly, my problem before I did naything was most likely the relay, the temop just does not come down like it did before I change the expansion valve and recharged the system.  First thing in the morning when the outside temp is under 75 deg the center vent will blow 42 to 45 deg air (checking with a themometer in the center vent). However, of the afternoon in Sunny Florida, when the temp is 90 to 95 deg the center vent will register about 60 to 65 Deg after driving several, approximately 10, miles When I stop the center vent temp will go up to 70 to 75 deg if I sit over 2 minutes. I have checked and the condenser fan is running at this time. I have cleaned the condenser and radiator fins with a pressure washer and no difference. Is there a possibility I need to raise or lower the amount of Freon, I understand Nissans are very sensative to the correct amount of freon. Remember, before I change the expansion valve and recharged, the only time the temp fluctuate very much was when the cluthch would kick out, after the relay change it doesn't kick out.
I appreciate your expertise and patience with this. Any suggestion appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Charles -

Yes, I remember you.

The only thing I can think of is blockage in the system, perhaps from the filter screen. Was that checked when the expansion valve was replaced, or the system flushed?

Let me know
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sustem was not flushed and i didn't know there was a screen except on built into the expansion valve.  I know on some of the cheverolets you could simply pull out a screen and replace it, however, I didn't know the Nissan had one.  where is it located.  Also, didn't have this problem of cooling before replacing the expansion valve and recharging.  Only problem had was the clutch kicking out on the compressor, corrected that with a relay. If I had replaced the relay first before trying the expansion valve I would have solved the problem.  Now I am wondering if the correct amount of freon may be the problem or maybe with a new expansion valve I need to replace the dryer as someone suggested. Any thoughts appreciated.

Answer
Hi Charles -

Could be low on freon, especially if the compressor is short cycling. There are many variables here and I am sorry I cannot help you more accurately. Very difficult to diagnose sight unseen. I can tell you have the system put on a gauge and looked at by a local competent mechanic, so you don't keep shooting in the dark.

I would say go that direction, cause I would hate to give you suggestions that will cost you extra dollars.

Let me know how it goes -
aloha
calvin