My air conditioning when first started blows ice cold air after 10-20 miniutes the front of the compressor stops turning (which i think is the clutch, but i don't want to sound like i know what i am talking about) and then blows warm for obvious reasons. turn off the AC for 1-2 minutes and turn it back on ice cold once again. No major condensation run off from the coil so i do not believe it is freezing over. my hunch is the presssure switches. Appriciate any help thanks

 

you can try a pressure switch but its most likely the clutch on the compressor. i had the exact same problem, it was the clutch getting hot an shutting off, if you have a test like turn your ac untill it starts blowing warm an back prob the connector at the compressor an see if it lights up, if you have power, its the clutch. they are serviced seperatly. depending on you miles if they are high just replace compressor an ac dryer along with the orphis tube. got all my stuff from discountacparts.com for under 200 with a 1yr warranty.

 

Check the pressures, as the ac runs the freon warms up and if there is too much it will trip the switch, then when it cools the pressures will lower and allow it to kick back on. A faulty orfice tube can cause the same thing, to much pressure on 1 side. One thing to try is spray water into the front of the radiator when you think ist about to trip, that will cool the condensor and lower the pressure and allow it to keep running if it is building to much pressure, just dont do it with the engine is boiling hot. Some people will say not to because you may crack the radiator because of the cold water on hot radiator but I have done it many times on many different cars and trucks and equipment for diagnostic purposes, even when the engine is boiling hot I will just use the first water that comes out of the hose because it is always hot, hot or warm water wont hurt the radiator at all. I am not saying it hasnt but out of all the cars and trucks and equipment I have run I have never seen a clutch go out, kinda like the timming chain jumping a link, we have all heard the stories but never seen it first hand.

 

I have worked on some that the clutch has gone bad and caused a problem similar to what you describe. A wire inside the clutch can break and as it gets hot while in use the expansion opens the broken wire and it stops working then when it cools a little it makes contact and works again for a little while. As jshblain said when it quits before you turn it off pull the plug off the clutch and check for power. If you have power there it is a bad clutch. If not then check for a switch or relay problem.

 

hey been extremly busy tthis last couple of days sorry for the late response appriciate all the info guys. i can check all the things you all have suggested excoept the pressures i will have to find a shop to do that but on another thought could my clutch fan be possible bad and not pulling enough air through the radiator to cool the condenser i guess if i drive down the freeway and the ac doesnt shut off like in town this will probably answer that question whats your thought . thanks again you guys are awsome.

 

definitely possible