I just bought a used '99 Subaru Outback. Love the car, but the A/C is weak - sort of like a car that isn't on recirculation and trying to cool down 96 degree heat.

 

The recirculation switch light will not stay on. It turns on momentarily when I press it and then goes off. I can not tell any difference in the air flow.

 

What's the best way to determine if I have a faulty light verse a problem with the air flap? If I have to take the next step, how do you approach an air flap problem?

Welcome to the board.

 

Probably the first thing I'd do is put my hand up near the blower intake and see if the flapper door is actually moving. You can remove the glove box and that should help a little.

 

As from there, if it's not working, you may need to troubleshoot whether it's an electrical issue or mechanical.

 

Here's the factory manual for the 99 Legacy which should help.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subaru_manual_scans/1999_Legacy_FSM/

 

 

During the evening hours how does the AC work, is it "cold"? It may need some refrigerent added.

The a/c system feels good. The temperature drops and it can get fairly cold on the evening commute when its in the 80s. Thank you for reply. I'll get into that this weekend and see what I can come up with. I have really enjoyed this car so far!

Keep us posted on what you find out.

I'm getting used to the car more. The only update so far is 1) the debug information you gave me going invaluable. I can tell if its recirc switch is working at the in the a/c control unit by testing to two output pins. 2) the recirc button seems to stay on if the button directing air to your face is selected. I'm still experimenting a bit and can't feel the air getting sucked in under the glove box so sometime this week I'll open it up.

 

This weekend I stopped short at changing out all the front/rear differential oil. The car sounds a lot quieter now

I got to spend some time on this and found that the recirc switch and supporting mechanisms are working fine. The light must be loose or just on its way to burnt out. I could toggle the switch and feel the air getting sucked into the intake by the fan motor when I had the recirc switch on.

 

No need to open her up I guess. I'll have to keep my eye out for other potential inefficiencies (pressure differences in the lines, etc) or consider getting those back windows tinted to help the system out.

Good to hear it's probably just the light.