Scotty.
I own a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart 2.4l 177k miles automatic. Sometime back the A\C would cool for 15 or 20 minutes and then blow hot. It would do the same thing next time after it cooled down, soon the condenser fan would run most of the time even when the A\C wasn't on. Took it to the dealer, they checked for codes found none. Dealer checked refrigerant load and it was good, they checked with a 'sniffer wand' found no leaks, they put in dye and checked again for leaks and found none. They told me to bring it back when it stopped working after having it run cool. I did that and still they found nothing. They then told me not to bring the car back because they had run every test in the Service Manual and couldn't find anything wrong or fix it. I took it to a independent service shop that specializes in Auto A\C and electrical problems, they also found nothing. Eventually the condenser fan ran more and more and the A\C stopped blowing cold at all. The refrigerant load to this day is still good. Is there a cheap fix for this? If there isn't I'll just live without A/C. 🤔
You found a rare gem here my man. If the AC people can't figure it out you might just have to call it there because you've got the max value out of car like this. I mean Mitsubishis aren't known for their reliability.... but go with me on this: You've got 250k miles in a mitsubishi that probably should have broken before 150k miles.... Why not sell your car for whatever it's worth and get something that will go 250k with little to no maintenance like a Honda or Toyota and let someone else figure out this "AC from hell" crap lol. I say this because your at the point now where spending any more money fixing anything on this car is just madness and if the car still runs and drives great I to think it would be an easy sale. Now you could absolutely drive it without AC but you're at a point where you've spent too much just trying to fix it period! You obviously take great care of your cars if you made it to 250k with Mitsu and the AC burning out is the only problem with the car and you did your best to try and fix it. Plus car is kind popular so I'm sure you get something something for it. Check Autotempest.com for a great deal on Scotty favorite car makers!
Based on mileage...Failing/worn out compressor and/or failing expansion valve. Both easy fixes.
