A/C compressor not engaging

TED1069

MEMBER
2000 SATURN STATION WAGON
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
45,000 MILES

Diagnosis is compressor not engaging with clutch. Car engine covered with lots of dirt and seeing how compressor on lower portion of engine. Maybe dirt filled spacing in between clutch. Car belonged to a friend whom not much on air conditioning not even in house by choice. Thanks for you're response.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The most common reason a compressor won't engage is due to low Freon. Now, over time Freon can be lost or there could be a leak.

To determine if there is a leak, you need to place a vacuum on the system and see if it maintains pressure. Or, you can simply try to add Freon to see if once enough is installed the compressor engages.

Here are a few links to help. Take a look through them and see if they help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Here is a link that explains how to vacuum and recharge the system. This procedure requires an AC manifold gauge set.

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

Let me know if any of that helps and what you find. Also, let me know if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 10:49 PM

TED1069

MEMBER
4 POSTS

That's great information. Although, I didn't mention that it was inspected at a lube shop and tech filled with Freon for sake of the test. (My apology for leaving this out, chicks man). Thanks

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Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 AT 11:06 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

No problem. When freon was added, did it hold pressure? Do you know what the pressures were both high and low side? I've seen freon leak out as fast as it was installed.

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, July 11th, 2019 AT 6:57 PM

TED1069

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for reply. It did hold pressure. The car had sat couple of years after original owner passed away and car has 45,000 miles. I know any bit of information helps.

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Friday, July 12th, 2019 AT 9:01 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Welcome back:

Is it possible for you to tell me both the high and low pressures? Also, have you checked the basics like fuses? Has anyone checked for power to the compressor?

Joe