A/C clutch stays engaged

2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
120,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WRECKDIVER230
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  • 3 POSTS
Does not cycle , does shut off when fuse is pulled , Freon is okay , using single hose type gauge.
Jul 17, 2019 at 11:22 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Is the air cool in the car?

I need to see both pressures to see if the system is working correctly. You can rent a set of gauges at a parts store.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-air-conditioner-works

The system may not cycle depending on ambient air temperature.

Roy
Jul 17, 2019 at 12:36 PM
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WRECKDIVER230
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  • 3 POSTS
i just ordered a new set of gauges, will check back when they arrive. ambient air was 113 degrees.
Jul 17, 2019 at 12:38 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Okay, sounds like a plan.

Roy
Jul 17, 2019 at 12:40 PM
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WRECKDIVER230
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay , got new set of gauges. here are results: ambient temperature 102 degrees
engine off pressures low 100,
high 90

engine on low 90
high 100
clutch runs constantly , will shut of with switch or pulling fuse,
i believe its a bad compressor ,
Jul 21, 2019 at 1:38 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are correct. The pressures did not budge at all.

Replace the compressor, dryer and expansion valve.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

Roy
Jul 21, 2019 at 1:57 PM