There is a service campaign for 17, 18 forester contact your dealer they know the condenser in some foresters get rusty and leak so if yours is one they will replace at no cost. Only takes about an hour. Got mine fixed today actually hope this helps someone
Hi, Yup that could have been it too. I finally got a notification of the recall/campaign from Subaru and got it done. Asked if there was active leaking at the condenser, but rep didn't know, just replaced. At least if that was an active issue, that's also resolved!
FIRST HAND INFORMATION: Subaru replaced ours under warranty. The techs said they quit checking to see which cars were involved and just replaced anyone who responded to the notice.
Thank you I'm dealing with this now. I had my O rings changed under warranty. I am having the same issue. In going to try a recharge like you showed with me sealant a d lubricant. Thanks so much
I have a 2017 forester also had 2 condensers replaced already both were covered under warranty also 2 compressor replaced 1st one covered 2nd one was not dealer wanted $1,300 took to my private mechanic for $900. Did complain to corporate and got $500 coupon which I used for tires. Now doing same thing like all the other times blows warm are when sitting idle or in heavy traffic. This time should be condenser again but I'm passed the 5 year warranty they sent out complained to corporate again and got no where. Are they replacing these with the same faulty parts told her should be class action suit.
TLDR: I tried cleaning the AC and replaced the TXV but only a simple recharge fixed it. I think these things are notorious for this AC issue. Glad you fixed it. I actually had the entire AC system pulled out for cleaning, replaced the TXV, and after returning the refrigerant, the compressor still was noisy. So I tried adding more refrigerant and that fixed it.
Thanks for this. Have the exact issue! Hissing sound in the aircon (only driver side blowing hot air), and when you check the condenser, it sounds soooo bad. Called the dealer and said it might be included in recall. 2018 forester less than 22k mileage.. fingers crossed!
There is a defect in the condenser that is leaking the refrigerant. Subaru has extended the warranty for this problem. You should take your Subaru to the dealership and have them "really" fix it. Just adding refrigerant is just a Band-Aid at this point. I believe the condenser was replaced on ours.
It's possible the issue could be a condenser defect, but not enough information at this point. So far, after the refrigerant fill the A/C is working fine, though the summer time will be the real test. I'm wondering if the issue could have been user error as I don't think I tighten the Low side cap tight enough. Anyways, within the last week, I took the refrigerant pressure again and all's well. Beside a possible condenser defect or user error, there still could be a small leak in another part of the system, but only way to find that (I think) will be when the leak gets larger. I do have refrigerant refill with dye added, so if I need to use it, I'll add and periodically check with UV light to try to find the leak.
Yea, they just dont loose freon for no reason. You have a leak. Remember that it can also leak at the condenser or evaporator. Just look for oil spots.
@@georgecurtis6463 It's a possibility, summer time will be the test, but pressure test done recently was good. I might not have tightened the Low pressure cap enough causing the loss, but not sure. Per other comment, could be a condenser defect or yup a small leak in another area of the system. I have refrigerant with dye if/when the issue presents again.
An a/c system can have a leak anywhere, big or small. My own '17 Forester XT had the condenser problem in 2020, and it leaked only a modest amount out, so the compressor still engaged (but was noisier) and there was still some output of cooled air, just not nearly enough. An oddity of the Forester's ductwork is that when refrigerant is low but the system is still engaging, the coolest air emerges from the right-hand dash vents, while the left-hand ones are not cool at all. For cars with my car's fancy 2-knob dual system (separate temperature settings for the driver and the passenger) this falsely suggests to some people that the left/right air-dividing system has gone wrong. It hadn't, in my car. I had a dealer repair done and it has lasted fine for more than 2 years now. Don't let a weak-performing a/c system sit unrepaired for long - something serious enough to make the compressor noisier, is going to wear it out faster, even if the leak has nothing to do with the compressor.
I read in comments on another post that mentioned that the newer models have a smaller volume of refrigerant overall than the older models, so maybe it didn't require much to start working again. Yeah, I was floored when I seen the price of a new compressor ($600-800).
Hey! So far, so good, but summer time will be the real test! Though a few possibilities still on the table; user error (I might not have tightened the Low pressure cap enough causing lose of refrigerant), possible supplier defect in condenser of the car, or small leak somewhere else in the system. Fingers crossed for user error! lol
There is a service campaign for 17, 18 forester contact your dealer they know the condenser in some foresters get rusty and leak so if yours is one they will replace at no cost. Only takes about an hour. Got mine fixed today actually hope this helps someone
Hi, Yup that could have been it too. I finally got a notification of the recall/campaign from Subaru and got it done. Asked if there was active leaking at the condenser, but rep didn't know, just replaced. At least if that was an active issue, that's also resolved!
Mine is 18 and just started to show problem today. I can here that something is trying to engage but fails. I will call the dealer and see. Thanks!
FIRST HAND INFORMATION: Subaru replaced ours under warranty. The techs said they quit checking to see which cars were involved and just replaced anyone who responded to the notice.
Thanks, information is so helpful
Thanks
You're lucky you have the year you have. The year before and down to 2014 have the same problem but only the 17+ were warrantied
Thank you I'm dealing with this now. I had my O rings changed under warranty. I am having the same issue. In going to try a recharge like you showed with me sealant a d lubricant. Thanks so much
I have a 2017 forester also had 2 condensers replaced already both were covered under warranty also 2 compressor replaced 1st one covered 2nd one was not dealer wanted $1,300 took to my private mechanic for $900. Did complain to corporate and got $500 coupon which I used for tires. Now doing same thing like all the other times blows warm are when sitting idle or in heavy traffic. This time should be condenser again but I'm passed the 5 year warranty they sent out complained to corporate again and got no where. Are they replacing these with the same faulty parts told her should be class action suit.
Dan, thank for the information. I have the same problem and same model as your car.
Subaru just replaced our AC unit, in April of 2021, free, because of a recall. The problem was rusting tubing, if I understood correctly.
If the ac clutch is engaged, there is some refrigerant in the system. Probably just low on refrigerant.
Thanks young man. I looked at other vedeoes same damn issue. But you my man explained it the best. Many thanks.
TLDR: I tried cleaning the AC and replaced the TXV but only a simple recharge fixed it.
I think these things are notorious for this AC issue. Glad you fixed it. I actually had the entire AC system pulled out for cleaning, replaced the TXV, and after returning the refrigerant, the compressor still was noisy. So I tried adding more refrigerant and that fixed it.
I have the same exact car and dealing with the same problem. I bought it used and trying to trouble shoot the issues myself
Thank you for sharing your experience!
wow! such a nice and easy fix! I would've brought it into the auto shop and probably gotten slapped with a bill for a couple hundred dollars
Thanks for this. Have the exact issue! Hissing sound in the aircon (only driver side blowing hot air), and when you check the condenser, it sounds soooo bad. Called the dealer and said it might be included in recall. 2018 forester less than 22k mileage.. fingers crossed!
You have a LEAK in the system. Freon just doesn't disappear. Add a dye to the system and look for the leak.
There is a defect in the condenser that is leaking the refrigerant. Subaru has extended the warranty for this problem. You should take your Subaru to the dealership and have them "really" fix it. Just adding refrigerant is just a Band-Aid at this point. I believe the condenser was replaced on ours.
It's possible the issue could be a condenser defect, but not enough information at this point. So far, after the refrigerant fill the A/C is working fine, though the summer time will be the real test. I'm wondering if the issue could have been user error as I don't think I tighten the Low side cap tight enough. Anyways, within the last week, I took the refrigerant pressure again and all's well. Beside a possible condenser defect or user error, there still could be a small leak in another part of the system, but only way to find that (I think) will be when the leak gets larger. I do have refrigerant refill with dye added, so if I need to use it, I'll add and periodically check with UV light to try to find the leak.
YES, the problem didn't, magically, appear out of nowhere.
Was your refrigerant at low (green) before recharge?
My 2015 forester compressor has leak, dealer quoted me $1000 to replace and fix.
Well, it's still cool and running fine. I'm calling it a win for now! ;)
How about the noise? Does it reduced? Thanks.
Yea, they just dont loose freon for no reason. You have a leak. Remember that it can also leak at the condenser or evaporator. Just look for oil spots.
@@maolee7217 Yup, after doing the work and leaving it alone, the sounds of the vehicle returned to normal or what I'm use to anyways!
@@georgecurtis6463 It's a possibility, summer time will be the test, but pressure test done recently was good. I might not have tightened the Low pressure cap enough causing the loss, but not sure. Per other comment, could be a condenser defect or yup a small leak in another area of the system. I have refrigerant with dye if/when the issue presents again.
Hey Dan, how long did this fix last? Did your AC end up going out again and require another recharge?
How much quantity is required of frion gas?
Yes this was very helpful thank you for this video!
can you load the RA-35 While the car is running?
Dan u the man. U. Got right to no b.s like some mechanics did. Loved ur vedeo.
Nice one Danny👍
Stop leak is bad for ac systems
My pulley just donc turn
I'm having the same problem!! I'm just thinking to get a Hoda civi !!!! A/C works much better!!
An a/c system can have a leak anywhere, big or small. My own '17 Forester XT had the condenser problem in 2020, and it leaked only a modest amount out, so the compressor still engaged (but was noisier) and there was still some output of cooled air, just not nearly enough. An oddity of the Forester's ductwork is that when refrigerant is low but the system is still engaging, the coolest air emerges from the right-hand dash vents, while the left-hand ones are not cool at all. For cars with my car's fancy 2-knob dual system (separate temperature settings for the driver and the passenger) this falsely suggests to some people that the left/right air-dividing system has gone wrong. It hadn't, in my car. I had a dealer repair done and it has lasted fine for more than 2 years now. Don't let a weak-performing a/c system sit unrepaired for long - something serious enough to make the compressor noisier, is going to wear it out faster, even if the leak has nothing to do with the compressor.
Just the info I needed! Did the trick for me as well. I have the same year and model. Blowing cold air now! Thank you! :)
I read in comments on another post that mentioned that the newer models have a smaller volume of refrigerant overall than the older models, so maybe it didn't require much to start working again. Yeah, I was floored when I seen the price of a new compressor ($600-800).
How is it now???
Hey! So far, so good, but summer time will be the real test! Though a few possibilities still on the table; user error (I might not have tightened the Low pressure cap enough causing lose of refrigerant), possible supplier defect in condenser of the car, or small leak somewhere else in the system. Fingers crossed for user error! lol
Subaru ac has been problematic for years same bs they never addressed
Talking too much