I've only used the A/C in my car maybe twice in the year I've had it. I just tried it this moring for the hell of it, cause it was already getting hot. I let it run on full blast set at 65 degrees for ~10 minutes while driving. Never did it feel anywhere near 65. It just kind of blew warm air at me

I guess it's broken huh. Not using it very often; does that have any affect on the air conditioner?

 

but did you have it on AUTO mode or ECON?

 

Yeah, it was on AUTO.

 

So much for that theory...

hmmmmmm......

only other thing I can think of is to check the refrigerant level/pressure in the system.

sorry for not having a quick fix...

 

Run it at 60.

 

When your A/C unit is working, you should run it for at least 10 minutes every week whether you need it or not. My mechanic buddy says that the compressor can rust up if it doesn't get used, so it's important to use it.

Some user's manuals will even tell you to run it every week. Not sure if the Maxima's manual tells you to do so, though.

 

I guess I'll run longer tonight on 60, see what happens. Otherwise I guess I'll have to take it in :-/

 

hmm...i remember my dad saying something about that..he used to work on refrigerators..and if you dont use the AC atleast once a week...the chemicals can eat up the seals and youd get decreased performance...

 

What was the outside temp reading? Perhaps if it was close to the outside temp it was letting some warm air in from the outside?

The reason you should run your A/C is to get the refrigirant to circulate. It has oil in it, and will keep you systems seals lubed up good!

 

(this will work for all vehicles, not just Maxima's)

Pop the hood and locat the A/C compressor. Start the engine, and turn on the A/C to full cold, panel vents, with the windows open. (on Auto systems, set the temp as low as possible)

Look at tha A/C compressor pulley. The "clutch" in the center of the pully should be engaged, and the entire pulley should be turning (not just the portion with the belt on it). This may sound confusing but hopefully you can see what I mean when you look at it.

After it is running for a while (depending on the outside air temp) it is normal for the clutch to start cycling (turning on and off).

If the main potion of the pully is not turning at all, or only turns briefly and then stops. Your "refrigerant" (what used to be called Freon) is low; most likely due to a leak somewhere. The only way to find it (assuming it is not a huge, obvious leak) is to use some R-134 with an ultraviolet detectable dye in it and a black light in a dark garage. Something a relatively competant do-it-yourself-er can do with the right tools, but most people probably should take it to an A/C shop for diagnosis.

If the compressor seems to be engaged and turning the compessor normally; something else is the matter.

FYI: I'm not positive on the Maxima, but 99% of cars automatically engage the A/C system whenever the climate control system is set to the defrost setting. This is the way most systems help to lubricate the system in winter months. (and it defogs much faster)

Hope this helps;

 

What he said. Run it for a while *every week*.