00 SSEI - AC button does not work while car is running

[Freejack]

Just saw some odd behavior earlier today... while driving, my AC turned itself off and would not turn back on. The "AC" button would not toggle, the display would only show "AC Off". After I stopped and turned the car off, I found that with the key in the ON position, the AC would toggle between off and on normally - but as soon as I start the car it will remain off. I won't really have time to look at it until tomorrow night. Was wondering if anyone had this happen before? Didn't see anything in the faq about it.

Thanks

[ddalder]

How cold was the air prior to this behaviour. It would be worth having the car scanned for DTC's but my first thought is possibly low refrigerant. The system does have a pressure sensor and will not allow it to turn on (or will turn it off) if a leak developed causing too much loss. You may be right of the cusp of it working/not working.

[Freejack]

That's what I suspected, and is the likely culprit. I've only had the car a couple months and had to recharge it when I picked it up (with a can of R134a), but the levels still werent optimal. It was blowing cool, but not cold - just enough to keep me happy. I'll try and check the levels tomorrow and report back.

I appreciate the suggestion!

[nos4blood70]

I had issues like these and scanned my car. Got a DTC for the pressure sensor, replaced it, and no longer have these issues.