The A/C does require additional air flow to work so it may very well be the fan speeding up to provide the air flow.
I'd start with a possible bad fan or bad fan relay - there have been a few issues with these on these cars. The fan's lower speed isn't operating, or pressures are getting too high that it kicks into high speed to bring down high side pressures at the condensor.It will speed all the way up then stop then a few seconds later do it again. Over and over.
I can't tell if it does it when I'm driving but it is excessive when I'm in idle.
I bought my car brand new in 2011 and it did not always do this.
How should I go about fixing this? Could a common mechanic check and fix that problem or do I need to take it to the dealership?Yes, looks like full speed and then straight to off.
The fan motor has multiple windings, and the relay has 3 speeds that it can put it on (low, med, high). High grounds straight to 12V as a fail-safe.
I believe one of the two is to blame. I have had the relay in another car not work on low, yet worked on high speed, but the fans themselves seem to be the common failure point in Cruzes.
You are sort of between a rock and a hard spot......you likely need the dealer for a solid diagnosis and, if it is the fan module, you have to buy the fan assembly.How should I go about fixing this? Could a common mechanic check and fix that problem or do I need to take it to the dealership?
Id think a voltmeter at the connections to the fan itself would be a good start. A common mechanic or even a mechanically inclined buddy could start there.How should I go about fixing this? Could a common mechanic check and fix that problem or do I need to take it to the dealership?
Actually, the fan has one winding, but two resistors to create a "3-speed" fan. Apparently, a resistor or fuse in the resistor block opens up and now the only speed that works is "jet mode". But the module is not sold separately. The whole fan assembly needs to be replaced.The fan motor has multiple windings, and the relay has 3 speeds that it can put it on (low, med, high). High grounds straight to 12V as a fail-safe.
That makes more sense. My old car had two separate stages for the fan motor, but I was unsure as to how the Cruze got 3 speeds out of it. I have seen it kick up to that medium speed when the AC is first turned on on a hot day.Actually, the fan has one winding, but two resistors to create a "3-speed" fan. Apparently, a resistor or fuse in the resistor block opens up and now the only speed that works is "jet mode". But the module is not sold separately. The whole fan assembly needs to be replaced.
Hello Themaverickdude,How should I go about fixing this? Could a common mechanic check and fix that problem or do I need to take it to the dealership?
A "good" mechanic should be able to diagnose and repair your problem. Operative word being good. I have a mechanic who has been reliable about diagnosing and repairing problems and doing it right the first time. If you don't have someone like that then the dealer may be the best solution. Only you can make that determination. I hope everything works out for you and keep us informed as to the outcome.How should I go about fixing this? Could a common mechanic check and fix that problem or do I need to take it to the dealership?