I have searched the posts and have found nothing about this..

I have a 96 XJ and was driving about a 150 mile trip this weekend in the 90+ heat. I noticed that the air conditioner was intermittently not blowing cold air after about 50 miles. Wouldn't last long but definitely noticeable, especially when putting engine under a load like climbing hills on the interstate. I was also pulling a trailer with about a 200lb load on it..... just wondering if this is normal for an XJ? Have only had mine about a month. It still blows, just not cold, and only lasts for about ten or fifteen seconds and then back to cold.

 

I'm guessing the compressor is kicking on right after you notice it, and it gets cold again?

 

I would imagine that is what is happening. It does not do it when sitting and idling, only when driving. Blower keeps blowing but just not cold for a few seconds. It really isnt a big deal to me when driving as far as comfort since it only lasts a few seconds.
Just curious if that is normal for a XJ to do this.

 

low pressure could cause this.. if it gets too low then the compressor won't kick in at all. Go to your local parts store and get a can or refrigerant and a filler hose with a gauge on it, put about 45 psi in the low side with the engine running and the AC turned on.. as pressure builds, you will hear the compressor kick on on stay on.

 

Just my two-cents... Considering your description of driving conditions, perhaps it's cutting out periodically due to ambient temperature and power demands.

 

my $.02 is a vacuum leak, check around defroster vents when this happens, if you feel air blowing thru derroster vents its probly a vacuum leak

 

x2 I can almost guarantee it's a vacuum leak. I have the same problem (and yes, it appears while going up hills or when quickly accelerating) and I know for a fact that's what it is....now I just have to get around to finding the leak!

 

thats where i am right now, its real intermetent