Are sonics known for ac problems?

[Jdnorton72]

I have a 2014 HB LT w/1.4t, 66k. Out of nowhere my ac stopped blowing cold air. The first thing I checked was the cooling fan; not working. Took it in to have the whole thing troubleshooted. Cooling fan replaced; rather expensive, was told the compressor was going bad as the clutch seemed to be having trouble engaging. It was blowing cold when I left the shop, but quit on the way to work the next day. It seems rather early to have all of this replaced, but I do live in Florida so maybe with all of the use it just wore out. I'm being quoted 1200 for the repair. Is this unusual or normal? Thanks

 

[EzekeiL]

Compressor would be the last thing to replace imo. There are quite a few nannies that keep the compressor from engaging. I would check, or have checked, the coolant levels and leak test the system. It could just be a line with a leak. It could also be temperature sensor that's not reading right which will keep the compressor from turning on. Unfortunately I can't really give specifics as I haven't diagnosed an ac system on our cars before, but you could look up some schematics and attempt to manually switch on the compressor at the relay for it. If it turns on and pumps cold air then you know it's an electrically issue and not a mechanical. Also, a mechanic doing their due diligence should be able to narrow that down for you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

 

[brainpause]

I've had more than my share of troubles with my AC since new. It's a 2014 with 114k on it. But at 68k, I replaced a faulty line from compressor to condenser, which may have been the main trouble all along.

56k: replaced compressor and seals
63k: AC system flush
68k: replaced a faulty line from compressor to condenser
And may or not be related, but I've replaced thermostat twice at 61k and 113k, water pump at 107k (maintenance), and coolant flush and fill (also maintenance).

I take care of my cars pretty much by the book and I still have trouble. I may start throwing the book out the window when I buy a vehicle.

 

[SoCalRs]

My 13 RS AC never blew really cold since if it's new under 80 degrees outside it worked ok above 80 degrees might as well open the windows I took it once to the ac shop they put die in it and recharged it worked great .

I took it back after 2 weeks he could not find a leak said if it's a leak it's a very slow one I was happy for about 2 years now I need to go recharge again so yeah had issues from day 1 when I bought the car .