Weather was warm enough for air a couple of weeks ago and I noticed mine was not working, What is strange is after a run on he interstate it started working and worked the rest of the day. Last week same thing, Air is cold when it works, I suspect it may be a relay but has anyone else had this issue? Its a 06 S with auto AC and 32000 miles

 

Has it ever been serviced?
Most AC's usually need a top-off every 4-5 years...so it is likely due. When the PSI gets too low, the AC compressor will not engage, protecting the compressor. I am just guessing the Highway travel, with the high airflow might have allowed more gas to condense...perhaps allowing it to turn on?! Checking the charge is the FIRST step in MOST AC trouble shooting!

 

Well in guess i always think the worst and not the simple things, I should have remembered that as my sons Ford truck in Fla. needed a little boast just last year. I will pickup a kit on the way home.

 

Just remember,the mini's ac system is er....mini...it takes less than a pound from empty..so you may only need a couple ounces.
with the home kits, the compressor must be working....so add it AFTER one of those times it works...follow the directions...most have some type of psi guage that you use to addto a number based upon the outside temp. Hopefull it works for you!! Good luck.
If it does not work, the most common issue seems to be the ac compressor clutch....ususally the entirr thing is swapped out, but some ac shops sometmes have parts....but a compressor swap, along eith the drier, and sometimes the expansion valve is what is done in most cases!

 

Just take it to a local A/C repair shop they will probally check it for free. If it is low have them fill it up to the proper level with the gauges on it. If you overfill it may not work either becuse of the high pressure switch. R134a is not that expensive compared to the old R12