Simon Bennett

I took a look under the hood and I can see the AC Clutch engaged and disengage as I turn the AC on and off. Obviously, I can’t see what it’s doing as I drive down the freeway and the AC is cycling rapidly, but it is fully engaged when the car is at idle and the AC is blowing weakly. I took my 2005 OB XT Ltd to the dealer on Monday and they checked the AC temperatures and pronounced them within specifications, though they can’t actually find the specifications in writing from Subaru. Here are the values they reported: After 10-15 minutes of idle: Outside = 97 degF, Cabin = 68 degF, Vent = 56 degF After 10 minutes of driving: Outside = 92 degF, Cabin = 65 degF, Vent = 52 degF I don’t know where they took the cabin temperature, but I doubt it was in the back seat! The thermometer they used had so much thermal mass that it only reported average temperatures. The dealer told me he couldn’t get the AC to work more efficiently. Does anyone have any temperature for their 2005 OB? Since the dealer believes the AC temps are OK they won’t check the pressures…any suggestions as to how to proceed? Interestingly the service loaner, a Dodge Stratus, had a vent temp of 40 degF while driving, and 45 DegF at idle. It seems a real shame to have my OB creamed so badly… Cheers Simon

I haven't looked under the hood yet, though if someone can give me some pointers as to where to look, I'll try. I've arranged to take my 2005 Outback to the dealer next week, and I'll post what happens. I don't hold out too much hope though, based upon my experiences with my 2002 Outback Sport. I spoke to a SOA rep on their 1-800 number, and he told me it was my fault for having too short a commute. Apparently he thinks I'll have to drive for at least 30 minutes before I can expect the AC to cool the cabin to a reasonable temperature! Is the AC in Subarus usually this weak?

I have a 2005 Outback XT Ltd that has fairly weak AC. On further investigation I find that the AC appears to blow cold for about 3 seconds, and then warms up for about 7 seconds, repeating indefinitely. On a 90 degF day, driving down the free-way, after allowing the system to stabilize for 10 minutes I find the air from the AC duct has a temperature of ~45 degF while cold, rising upto ~57 degF as it warms up. If I stop at a light, the temperature slowly climbs upto ~65 degF. Is this normal AC behavior for an Outback? If not, what is likely to be wrong? I have a 2002 Outback Sport that shows similar trends, and the Dealer tells me its fine. Thank you Simon