Hyundai Elantra 2005 air conditioner occasionally fails to come on: Why?

Question

It's a great car. Recently, after I've been driving for twenty minutes or more, and then I stop and turn off the car, the air conditioner will fail to turn on when I start the car again. It will remain off for a few minutes. The AC control panel lights are on, but no air blows out. Then, it eventually comes on after a few minutes of driving, and it runs great. Plenty of cold air. No strange noises. Is something over-heating? Is it a wiring problem? Could it have something to do with fluids? Could a belt be going? Is it going to be expensive? 2005 Hyundai Elantra Experts, HELP!

Answer 1

If you are under 60,000 miles, it should be covered under warranty - even if you are not the original owner.

Sounds like a problem with the compressor - the clutch isn't engaging properly.  There is a service bulletin on your vehicle referencing replacement of the 'field coil' on the a/c compressor.

If you are out of warranty, have your mechanic test the coil specifications.  The resistance should be 3~4 ohms.  If the coil is out of spec, it needs to be replaced - about $75.00 for the part from a Hyundai dealer.

Answer 2

It may be your relay is out. (A fuse in the panel box), or you may have a wiring problem such as a short or something gets bumped when you drive. If the panel light is on, I would suggest to check the fuse and see if it looks burnt out. If its just the fuse it wont be too expensive.

Answer 3

if no air is blowing out its related to the blower motor.  if it works on 4th speed and none of the others the problem is the resistor block.  otherwise i'd check the relay and then the blower motor itself.

Answer 4

It is actually a good and safe feature. If it isn't a daily thing that happens all the time its the engine that is getting hot and when it gets to hot hyundais and kias stop the air conditioning on the inside and blow on the engine