A/C starts cold then gets warmer

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KJGremlin

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So my 02 KJ with the 3.7 has a bit of an a/c issue. When I start it the air is nice and cold but as it gets up to operating temp the air starts to gradually get warmer until it’s almost like having the heat on. I bought a recharge kit and the gauge reads the it’s full. Fortunately 2 of my 4 windows work so at least I can get fresh air in but as the weather warms up it would be nice to have the a/c working.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

On a side note any tricks to help prevent the windows from fogging ip when it rains would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
 

blackhawk

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My 06 kj was in the same condition, I took it to ac mechanic and the high pressure was over 350 psi. Everything was pointed at a clogged condenser. I myself change it along with the ac liquid line assembly and the accumulator (have never changed it before) and now everything is in good shape ☺️
 

seafish

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My 2005 KJ CRD was doing the same thing...the original condensor was dirty, corroded and had damaged fins.
Like blackhawk, I replaced the condensor, and also the orifice line and drier/accumulator and had a garage vacuum and refill the system... it blows nice and cold now all the time.
 

Zippy the jeep

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It very well just be freezing. If you have the fan on low , sometimes they will freeze up. Just ise outside air not in cab recirculating air and put the fan on 3 or 4 . Try that . Mine used to do the same thing tell i realized i didn’t have enough air moving over the condenser when on 1 or 2 and recirculating air selected now its perfectly good ice cold for past 2 years
 

KJGremlin

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My 2005 KJ CRD was doing the same thing...the original condensor was dirty, corroded and had damaged fins.
Like blackhawk, I replaced the condensor, and also the orifice line and drier/accumulator and had a garage vacuum and refill the system... it blows nice and cold now all the time.
Is the condenser a relatively easy fix as I’m fairly mechanically inclined and have the means to do simple/ somewhat easy fixes myself?
 

seafish

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Is the condenser a relatively easy fix as I’m fairly mechanically inclined
It just depends on the condition of the fins and amount of corrosion...every time I tried cleaning and straightening the fins on mine, they woulds just break... so IMO it want really fixable.
FYI, while I am NOT sure about AC condensor in the the V6 3.7 the one in the CRD is a combined A/C condensor and AT fluid cooler and is hard to get in the states. I have an extra one BNIB if you're interested lemme know.

 
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JeepJeepster

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Without properly diagnosing it, were just taking guesses. You need to have a set of gauges to properly check the pressures and even then, its best to evac the system to see if it has/had the correct amount of refrigerant in it.

With that, mine was doing something similar and it was a bad low pressure switch. It wasnt cycling the compressor so it was freezing up the evap. When it starts blowing warm air, check to see if the compressor clutch is engaged. If it is and its blowing warm air, trying turning the A/C off and keep the fan on high for around 5 minutes. Turn it the A/C back on and see what it does.

If the air is warm and the compressor clutch isn't engaged, you have other issues.
 

AFT2008KK

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Similar intermittent issues on 08 sport. Starts cold. Goes warm. Turn off a/c for few minutes and then cold again. What’s the best way to test if its a/c clutch?
 

LibertyTC

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Don't feel bad my jeep also needs to go in and be checked. Shop Quoted $200.

In my honest opinion, it is best to have a professional automotive A/C shop complete a proper diagnosis.
In the chart below you will find some useful information re the high & low side pressure specifications.
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