Air conditioner fluctuates cold and warm

Tiny
SZALKUSKT
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 64,000 MILES
The compressor clutch engages and the air conditioner is blowing forty degrees F out of the vent with a thermometer and then it will not hold that temperature after backing out of driveway from an idle speed. It also has a check engine light on the one below the gas gauge. I put my scanner on it and I got no codes. So my problem is an intermittent conditioner blowing cold then warm with a check engine light.

I can see the clutch on the compressor staying constantly engaged. With the compressor running and the high and low side gauges hooked up I have 37 psi low side and 210 psi high side. Today I had about 48 degrees F coming out of vent with thermometer. My static pressure on the gauges with the engine shutdown is: both sides reading 114 psi at 86 degrees outside air temperature. I also have a check engine light on and my OBD2 scanner cannot detect a code number. I verified the gas cap was seated properly and it is an original gas cap. I was reading that some home scanners will not be able to read certain codes and only can be done with a more advanced code reader. I also disconnected the battery and the code cleared but returned after fifteen miles of driving and still the scanner will not retrieve a number of that code while the CEL is on. As far as the air conditioner where should I troubleshoot next? Parts store says that the full charge is.9 lbs of R134. Based on my gauge numbers what should I do. Yesterday compressor ran and suction line did not even get cold and unable to feel cold air from vent. Possible blend air door actuator? Owner said someone replaced compressor last year and not sure if mechanic evacuated it properly because mechanic was kind of wishy washy.
Saturday, August 5th, 2017 AT 12:39 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the system is a little low of Freon. Here is a guide to help you double check the charge:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

It should be cold coming out of the firewall on the suction side.

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, August 7th, 2017 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
SZALKUSKT
  • MEMBER
  • 274 POSTS
Changed expansion valve and filter screen. Screen was clogged with debris. Owner took car to mechanic who just replaced compressor and nothing else. After I changed expansion valve and filter screen along with evac and charged the system is still intermittent cold then warm on the suction line from evaporator to compressor. I think possibly the replaced compressor is damaged from previous debris, but the compressor clutch is always engaged and never cycles. Is this normal for those 2006 Saturn ion?
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Monday, August 7th, 2017 AT 10:39 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Yes the compressors run all the time does your radiator cooling fan run constantly with the A/C on and not turn off?
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Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
SZALKUSKT
  • MEMBER
  • 274 POSTS
Yes the fan runs constantly with the AC on.
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Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 AT 1:31 PM

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