A/C suddenly stopped working

Tiny
DAN PBADKNEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SATURN SKY
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,000 MILES
The climate control has either been really cold or really hot, not warm or in between temperatures. It's been like that for a while but now suddenly the A/C doesn't work at all and the car only blows out really hot air, no warm air even!
Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 12:01 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The air temperature entering the vehicle is controlled by what is called a blend air door. An electric actuator moves the door in different directions to either allow heat from the heater core to enter or cold from the A/C.

You indicated the A/C stopped working. Do you hear the compressor engage when you turn it on?

Also, there are two air temperature actuators in the HVAC module, though this vehicle is not equipped with dual-zone temperature control. Both work in sequence with each other. So, what I need you to do is remove one of them and while it is still plugged in, check to see if it responds when you change the temperature.

I attached the directions below for the removal of the left door actuator. Try the test I provided. If the actuator doesn't move, disconnect it from power and check to see if there is power to the connector when changing the temperature. Note that the power can be supplied via either wire based on the request. Basically, the polarity is changed to reverse the movement.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Since you have had issues, I suspect one has been faulty for some time and the other just failed causing the new problem. Also, here is a link that you may find helpful for the removal and replacement of the blend door actuator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

Take care and Happy New Year. I'll watch for your reply.

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 11:37 PM
Tiny
DAN PBADKNEE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you for your help! I just noticed today that there was water under the car and the low coolant message was on the dash. I'm wondering if the problem may be the head gasket now. The overflow wasn't low, but the system said my coolant level was low. Would it be a good idea for me to use BlueDevil head seal?
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Friday, December 31st, 2021 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Dan, are you able to check the radiator for level? I've seen the reservoir stay full and the radiator drop. (Remember to never open the cooling system when the engine is hot)

Also, a head gasket is the worst case. Do me a favor. Take a look through the link below to see if you can locate where the link is coming from.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

If you can't physically see a leak or locate it, perform a pressure test. Here is a link that shows how that is done. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know. Also, is there a reason you are thinking it is related to the head gasket? Here is a link that explains what to look for and how to check for a head gasket issue. I'm adding it so you can have an idea of what to look for.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

As far as the Blue Devil, I have heard of success and failure using it. Let's first determine where the leak is coming from and go from there. I wouldn't want you to use that unless there is no other choice.

Take care and Happy New Year.

Joe
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Friday, December 31st, 2021 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
DAN PBADKNEE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you so much for your help! Happy New Year!
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Friday, December 31st, 2021 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
You are very welcome. Also, as far as the Blue Devil, I heard it is a good product, but it can lead to other possible issues. That's why I said it is the last choice.

Hang in there and we'll get it figured out. Also, take note of where the leak was under the vehicle and check right above it to see if you can see anything wet. If you do notice anything wet, take a pic and upload it for me to see.

I don't know where you're located, but it's nearly midnight here. LOL
Take care,

Joe
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Friday, December 31st, 2021 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
DAN PBADKNEE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
That's where the leak is at! I've noticed it starts when I start the car and it will leave a little trail when I back up! Also, a belt that has been squeaking when I put the car in reverse but stops if I rev the motor or when I start driving. I'm not sure if this is related? I had the thermostat replaced a few weeks ago. But the motor seems to be running hot always! The temperature light has never come on, but it just seems hot under the hood! I know the valve cover gasket needs replaced and I'm not sure if that's related either? The liquid under the car seems to be water. It's not oily at all and I tasted it and it had no taste of antifreeze. Not sure if it's a Freon leak or something? I really appreciate your helping me try and figure this out! I'm not really able to afford to take the car to the shop right now.
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Sunday, January 2nd, 2022 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I attached two of your pics and circled one thing in each. Looking at pic 1, that appears to be right where the transmission and engine are bolted together. In that picture, it looks like it could be either engine oil or dirty transmission fluid.

Pic 2 has me confused. Is where I circled where the leak appears? At that specific point of the vehicle (near the end of the front door), there really shouldn't be anything to leak. Is that where you see the leak in the morning? Have you checked the oil level and the transmission fluid level?

If that is either ATF or engine oil, that is a lot to lose. You should notice the level being low. Also, leaking valve covers can make it to where I see the drip in pic but not pic 2.

Do me a favor. The idea that the belt makes noise leads me to think it's getting either oil or engine coolant on it. The water pump has what is called a weep hole where coolant can leak if the seal or bearing goes bad in the pump. If it is getting on the belt, which is likely would, you will get a belt squeal. Open the hood and inspect the belt and around the water pump for evidence of a leak.

Take a look through this link also. It explains in more detail what I'm saying and provides pics. If the coolant is getting low, I have a feeling this is where the problem is coming from.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-water-pump

Let me know. Also, Freon is a gas, so that isn't the cause.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, January 2nd, 2022 AT 5:59 PM

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