Hi all,

I don't know a whole lot about cars and I've stumped a few of my mechanically inclined friends and family members so I figured I would give this a shot.

My air conditioning has been going out on and off for the past week or so. It seems to stop working at the same time that my e-brake light comes on and stays on. I'm not sure if this is an electrical issue or something else?

The compressor is getting electricity and the air works fine when it does work and come on. There is plenty of freon in it. What could this be?

 

What model year?

If the compressor is getting electricity but the clutch does not always engage, this is usually fixable by reducing the clutch gap. There was also a rash of bad thermal protectors on models in the early 2000's (starting in 2001). But start by reducing the gap, just unscrew the shaft nut and take the clutch plate off, take some of the shim washers off of the shaft and reassemble.

The BRAKE light on the dash is probably not related. The light comes on either if the brake handle is up, or when the brake fluid is low. So check the brake fluid.

 

Yeah, it's a 2001. Thank you I will try that out

 

The 2001 is also known for trouble with the Multiplex Control Unit. In that case, nothing will happen when you press the A/C button-- the radiator fans won't even start. The unit controls a bunch of other stuff including the dome light.

 

Here it is, sometimes I turn on AC and it works great for about 3 to 5 miles then quits, or on a real hot day it won't come on at all but cooling Fans run when AC engaged. I read this thread and i see mentioned a thermo switch as a possible issue and this seems to me to be possible in my case. If anyone agrees, my next question is where is it located? Thanks!

 

Ruffneck, that sounds more like the clutch gap, try that first like I said above.

The thermal switch is on top of the compressor. It is wired in series with the clutch. It is only supposed to open if the compressor gets extremely hot due to operating the system with very little refrigerant (there would be no cooling, but some people leave the button pressed anyway). Part #5 in this diagram:
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