Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: 00 Nissan Xterra A/C Thermostatic switch?, thermostatic switch, nissan xterra

Question
I have a 2000 Nissan Xterra V6 4x4. My a/c quit blowing cold air. You can hear the compressor switch on and off consecutively like it is trying to switch something on but it just keeps tripping itself off constantly. It blows hot air at whatever speed I put the knob to and the switch clicks but just hot air. I did some research online and supposedly the early 2000 Nissan SUV's and trucks are known for this problem and Nissan hasn't done a recall even though there are thousands if not hundreds of thousands of complaints. I have been told the actual thing wrong by these people who got screwed by their dealers, is something called a Thermostatic switch or relay located behind the glove box. The part supposedly costs about 124.00 from the dealer based on the 50+ emails I have read on this subject. It is also said to be very difficult to get to and that you have to remove your glove box to get to it. Problem is... when I call the dealer they say they do not have a part called a thermostatic switch/Relay. All of the people I spoke to said the dealers always told them it was the compressor or something else and after they paid to fix everything else they would finally fix this switch and it would fix the problem. I tested the freon and had it all removed and replaced with the cans I purchased by my friend who is a full time mechanic. Unfortunately we don't know where to begin. I would like to replace this "thermostatic switch" first before anything else and then go from there. Can you tell me if you know what the thermostatic switch is that these people are speaking of? Is it maybe called something else? I know there are various switches on an a/c but how many can there be located behind the glove box on my model?? Help???? thanks much! Emily

Answer
Hi Emily

The Dealers call it a thermal amplifier.  Tell them it is located at the Evaporator case.  Don't worry about the relay your problem is the thermal amplifier.  The thermal amp. is a long 8" cable with a black plastic bulb at one end and a white 3 wire electrical connector at the other.   When you go to the dealer have them show the schematic for the evaporator case just look at it and look for the cable.  Tell them you want the electronic piece that is in there.  good luck