Subaru Forester a/c issues

Anyone here knowledgeable on Subaru air-conditioning?

Our 2003 Forester ac is cutting out at times during hot weather. My first thought is low refridgerant charge levels but I thought I'd ask here before heading off to get someone to take a look.

If the outside temps get above 85 it works well for a while and then cuts out. It may cut out for only a few minutes, but sometimes more like 10-15 minutes or untill the car is shut off for a short period of time. Given that when it works it works well, I'm assuming the compressor is fairly healthy. So as I said above, I suspect low charge, But would anything else be a likely culprit? Say a sticky TX valve? or a dodgy pressure switch? Could a clogged cabin filter have any effect? I'm assuming thats unlikely?

Any help is good help, I don't like flying blind when paying other people to do Diagnostic or repair work. Thanks

Sounds like the evaporator is freezing up, usually a (slightly) low charge problem.

It's 22 degrees, I'll think about AC when is is 85 in both temp and humidity in a couple of months.

If you do a search on the Forester forums you should be able to find a tutorial on this issue. It's an issue with the compressor clutch wearing.

My wife's car had it and basically it is a simple tapping the compressor clutch with a screwdriver to move it closer to the engagement point.

+1, this is the typical failure mode of a compressor clutch that is on its way out, it overheats and stops engaging until it cools off.

akylekoz wrote: It's 22 degrees, I'll think about AC when is is 85 in both temp and humidity in a couple of months.

I'll swap you! Id didn't get below 85 all night last night.... I berkeleying hate summer.

In reply to Greg Voth, knurled:

Man I love this place!, I'll give that a go this afternoon, I love a free repair. Also makes perfect sense as to why it still functions well when it does work.