So I'm pretty certain that the A/C unit on my car has had it. When it turns on, there is a loud clunking engagement noise as it turns on. When the weather is about 80, the A/C unit struggles to operate, intermittently blowing hot air, and occasionally causing the temp gauge to spike to 60-70% (normal is 50%).

If it's 90 like it is today, it usually doesn't work at all. On the freeway it works OK, but city driving causes it stop working and overheating the car.

I get pretty anxious about running the car hot, so I generally avoid using it if I can. But I don't like showing up for appointments all sweaty, so I gotta fix it.

Anyone replace their A/C unit? What does this repair usually run?

 

How do you know it's your AC unit? Take you car to an Infiniti dealer and let them check it out for you. Their trained technician will tell you what's wrong with your car.

 

You mean compressor?

They all clunk when it turns on, mine is pretty loud. Been this way since new and still blows cold.

Have a certified HVAC tech look at the car...could have a minor leak that requires a simple o ring replacement and rechanrge

 

Well I took advice from another thread here and power-washed the condenser, and it did make a large improvement, A/C blows cold now and no overheating. Still runs loud as hell but I guess I don't really care as long as it works.

 

It's gonna be loud. E-fan plus the compressor clicking on and off make a he'll of a racket under the hood.

Sounds like your issue is cooling through the condensor/radiator and not so mich a compressor issue.

 

What was the other tread you found the advice on? My 2003 G35 Sedan is having the exact same problem as yours was with the a/c not working in warm temps and the car overheating.

 

Hmmm..seems to be a pattern here. Last month or so there have been a lot of these threads and it seems they are all made by 03/04 owners

 

87 degrees and 90% or higher humidity and the A/C runs great. Everyone should try this before they go to their garage and have them fix the wrong thing!!

 

How were you able to get a good shot at the condensor without taking it off?

 

i would like to know where the condensor is located. could someone please show a picture? my AC turns on but no cold air is coming out

 

Condenser is the silver "radiator" in front of the real radiator. Pop the hood and look down thru the hole where the latch is...can't miss it.