The evaporator coil WILL NOT do this. An evaporator leaks, or it doesn't...that's it...that's all. This is something getting hot and breaking down. There are two sensors that will play into the main ECU of the car, and thus supply a ground to the climate control system. Basically, if one of these two components is faulty, they will not allow the compressor to come on. The coolant temp sensor (alerts the system that the car is running hot, even if it isn't, and says that you can't have AC), and the high side pressostat (says the pressures are too high, and you can't have AC).
When your AC doesn't work, you need to see if you have power to the compressor. If you have power, then the problem is the compressor clutch.
When your AC is working, is the front cooling fan on? If the front fan isn't on, it is possible that the pressures get too high, and the pressostat won't allow the compressor to come on.
If the fan is working, double check your temp gauge, is it acting erratically? If not...onto the AC relay. Which is really where I am leaning towards. It sits behind the glove box. There are two relays there, one for the compressor, and one for the high speed on your blower motor. The one to your left as you are sitting in the passenger seat is the AC compressor relay. If you have power to the relay, and it isn't clicking...there is your problem...and yes...this problem usually occurs about 5-10 minutes into your daily drive.
Chris
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