Q: Air conditioning is pretty much useless

asked by on November 06, 2015

The AC in my 2012 GMC Acadia works intermittently and the AC light will light up on the dashboard right before it fizzles out. I am pretty sick of having this reoccurring problem at 59,000 miles. Is there a part that would fail and make it turn on the AC light then stop working right after?

The A/C indicator light blinking is an indication that the system is low on refrigerant or a defective pressure sensor or wiring issue. The way you described your problem is that it is an intermittent one. The fact that your system works fine at times tells me that most likely your system is not low on refrigerant but instead a sensor or your wiring is the issue. The system has a pressure sensor mounted to the A/C compressor which senses the pressure in the system and if defective could cause the erratic signal causing low pressure indication when the system is not low on refrigerant. I recommend you contact YourMechanic to have a thorough A/C diagnostic test and computer scan for A/C codes. The technician will confirm A/C pressures are normal and electrical wiring is not damaged to the A/C pressure switch. They will then scan the computer and check for A/C codes and diagnose as needed to give you a repair solution to fix your problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

My car takes a long time to start
Hi there. From the description you have provided, I don't believe a bad fuel rail sensor could cause the ECM (electronic control module)/PCM (powertrain control module) to set a P0335. The crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) could set the P0335 and...
Does not idle
Hello. Low idling (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-idle-is-rough-inspection) issues can be caused by several faults. Typically they are an effect of poor fuel and spark efficiency. When diagnosing this type of issue, you will want to start with the easiest parts to check, and...
Why did my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica jump 33,000 miles overnight
Hi there: Unless somebody took your car for a worldwide joy-ride in one day (highly unlikely), both issues are most likely caused by a damaged transmission speed sensor (which does control both the odometer and speedometer on your Chrysler Pacifica)....
does both fuel pumps on a 2005 c55 amg go out at the same time (right and left)
Hi there. It's very rare for both fuel pumps to fail at the same time. If they are not functioning it's due to a faulty relay or ground that operates both. In either case, you might want to get a...
Can missing wheel studs affect 4wd?
In most situations, I can't think of a situation where missing wheel studs will prevent you from engaging the four wheel drive system. If a piece of a broken wheel stud falls behind the flange, it can cause the wheel...
06 mazda3 runs idles wont accelerate no major engine codes one forlow coolant adn the other for catylist below effeciancy but noth
Be sure to maintain adequate coolant in the engine. If you suspect a leak, request a coolant leak diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection). The diagnostic trouble code referring to catalyst efficiency, although that issue should be resolved in a check engine light diagnostic...
Brakes are stiff. Car is not starting.
Your car has power brakes. The power assist relies on engine vacuum. When the car is off, there will be a little stored vacuum in the system, but when you push the brake pedal when the car is off, the...
I am looking at buying a 2007 VW passat with about 100K miles. Are there any concerns with engine issues for the 2.0T engine
Generally, this is a very reliable vehicle with fairly affordable replacement parts. I would suggest checking the Kelly Blue Book website with specifics related to your zip code as market prices of cars vary by zip code. This will give...
Steering wheel won't turn
It is unclear if you are referring to a locked steering column versus a circumstance where there is loss of power assist or perhaps failure of a steering linkage that is causing the steering wheel to bind. Regardless of which...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Terrain
When When you look at smaller SUVs like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, do you wish for just a little bit more space? But then when you look at the larger SUVs like the Ford Explorer or the...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Switch)
Common signs include lack of cold air coming from AC, temperature fluctuations, and the AC compressor not activating.
What Does the Key Fob Battery Low Warning Light Mean?
The key fob battery low warning light lets you know when your key fob battery needs to be changed and replaced, so you can continue using the remote.