Greets all,

I have a 2003 SE and anytime I drive over say 100 miles or so, the air system freezes. I'm not sure what part it is, but the underside of the box on the passenger side in the cab under the glovebox literally covers in ice. It doesn't matter if I'm running the A/C, the vent, or the heater, it always does it after driving anywhere for very long. It sounds like the blower is still trying to push air - it's just not coming out of the vents.

Has anyone experienced this or know what's going on?

I've heard these things have "constant on" compressors and don't have a compressor clutch that may be sticking it on. That's just silly.

Please help!!!

This is the first I've heard of this problem...

That box is your blower, and also it's where your in-cabin microfilter is located if you have the option installed.

Maybe too much moisture in the system??

So, if that's just the blower, why would it get ice on it, even if the heat was on?!?

Hello, You may be having a leak near that area...You will need to take it to an auto air condition specialist. This would be one step you may want to try? ...........Aloha

In 2003 Nissan changed the compressor to a constant on compressor designed to dehumidify and reduce window fogging. So the compressor being on all the time is normal. The case where the micro-filter is located also has the evaporater inside. Sounds like your expansion valve could be sticking and causing the evaporator to freeze.

I have a similar problem on my 2004 SE/SC without the freezing. After I drive for long time the air doesnt come through vents but I can still hear it behind the glove box. any suggestions?

Well...aside from the "constant-on" compressor being a piss-poor design (it kills HP and drinks gas)...

If it is the expansion valve sticking, where would that be located? What kind of time/$$$ would I be looking at to have it repaired/replaced? (just a ballpark is fine)

I've already replaced the in-cabin microfilters in the hopes that they were just sooooo dirty that they could've been restricting airflow to a point where it froze up because of that...but, alas, that didn't remedy the situation :(

Thanks again for everyones input here,

Ken

In 2003 Nissan changed the compressor to a constant on compressor designed to dehumidify and reduce window fogging. So the compressor being on all the time is normal. The case where the micro-filter is located also has the evaporater inside. Sounds like your expansion valve could be sticking and causing the evaporator to freeze.

you know i really don't think that compressor is gonna have much impact on HP or gas.

I buy the theory that the compressor could run at anytime the selector is not off but it should still cycle on the low pressure cut out before it makes ice, or in the case of a refrigerant leak pulls itself into a vacuum....:kalt-big:


Hey I just notice this started in feb.....Where u been okie?

Hey I just notice this started in feb.....Where u been okie?

Haha...I've been out in Phoenix since February. I've only had a short break back home since then and used that time to try changing out the micro-filters (which didn't do it)...so now I've got to try to figure out the next step to troubleshooting this problem. I should be back home (for good) this weekend, so I'm wanting to try to get a resolution to this...as inexpensively as possible.

I didn't really follow you on the low pressure cut out.

If it is an expansion valve sticking or low pressure cut out not cycling properly, what kind of $$$ do you think I'd be looking at to fix that problem?!?


Thanks again!!!

Ken

Well I just thought I posted some precise troubleshooting instructions, and somehow lost them anyways try to determine if your compressor clutch is disengaging,,,,if it's like mine the compressor is farthest belt driven mechanism to the drivers side under the air intake duct, You should see the front of the pulley remain stationary while controls are off. When engine is running it will click when you turn on a/c if it does not try unplugging the electrical plug on top of the compressor...it has a release detent you may have to use a small screwdriver to push it in

???

I thought this was a constant on compressor (i.e. no clutch)?

Mine is not (04 s/c)

unfortunately, mine appears to be '03 SE :(

(supercharged makes megaphone with hands)
ANYBODY GOT AN 03 OUT THERE, AND DOES YOUR A/C COMPRESSOR ALWAYS TURN? I wonder if the sedans had a different setup from suv's

read the TSB 03048, it talks about 'em...

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/Bulletins/Nissan/2003/NTB03-048.htm

The very idea, well nice try but my windows still fog up, i'm gonna remember to unplug the dam thing next winter, it will probly prompt a code, I thought I heard it going off and on this day

haha...that's about what it looks like under my dash when the @#$% thing freezes up!!!

so what your saying is, it looks like Stevie Nicks' nasal cavity circa 1978?

I know this is an old thread but I have the same issue with my 03 SE, did anyone find a fix for this?