intermittent ac issue

[mcd]

I have an 01 Altima that is experiencing odd ac problem. Always works great
for awhile, then compressor shuts off unless system turned off for awhile.
It's not freezing up, and sometimes only have to turn switch off for a
minute to get to work again.

The symptoms seem to match what I've read about the thermo control amplifier
issue. The same thing happened a couple years ago, and that was the fix. I
assumed the same thing had happened, so I replaced it again, but same
problem. I even got another one from the Nissan dealer thinking maybe the
first was defective, but again no change.

Seems to kick up more if sitting at idle, but once it starts doing it it
will occur even as driving at highway speeds. Both cooling fans working
properly, not overheating.

Thanks for any help/info, Todd Mcdermott

[John Somerset]

Post by mcd
I have an 01 Altima that is experiencing odd ac problem. Always works
great for awhile, then compressor shuts off unless system turned off for
awhile. It's not freezing up, and sometimes only have to turn switch off
for a minute to get to work again.
The symptoms seem to match what I've read about the thermo control
amplifier issue. The same thing happened a couple years ago, and that
was the fix. I assumed the same thing had happened, so I replaced it
again, but same problem. I even got another one from the Nissan dealer
thinking maybe the first was defective, but again no change.
Seems to kick up more if sitting at idle, but once it starts doing it it
will occur even as driving at highway speeds. Both cooling fans working
properly, not overheating.
Thanks for any help/info, Todd Mcdermott

By "freezing up," I'm not sure if you mean there's no ice in the
expansion valve. It reminds me of an experience with my 1984 Stanza.
The AC quit working on the way to a local store. It worked on the way
back, and it has worked ever since.

I believe car AC systems can pick up moisture, and frost blocked my
expansion valve. The system includes a water trap. My owner's manual
says if I haven't used the system in weeks, I should run the AC for a
few seconds several times before leaving it on. I guess that lets the
trap collect water.

If your water trap is full or for some other reason it's not working
properly, I imagine your system would sometimes quit cooling.