A/C is not getting cold

JOEL R. BUEHNER

MEMBER
2006 SATURN VUE
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

When I first turn on my vehicle with A/C on the clutch engaged and the compressor kicks on. The low pressure port reads 30 psi but the air is barely cool. After about twenty minutes the port reads 50 psi and the air is still barely cool. Condenser fans are running. Any thoughts?

Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 4:55 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,068 POSTS

Hi,

At 30 psi, it must be below 70°F when you use it. Is that correct? Have you tried simply adding Freon to the system? If your temperatures are higher than in the 60's, the low pressure indicates it is low on Freon. By any chance, do you know the high pressure readings? And, can you let me know the outside temperatures when testes?

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

Let me know.
Joe

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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 7:56 PM

JOEL R. BUEHNER

MEMBER
8 POSTS

At 30 psi, it was about 85. The temperature had probably dropped by about 5 degrees when it read higher pressure. I don’t currently have a gauge that fits on the high pressure port.

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Friday, June 19th, 2020 AT 1:28 PM

JOEL R. BUEHNER

MEMBER
8 POSTS

I hadn’t tried adding more Freon yet since the gauge that came with the system either read as filled in the green or bordering on going into the yellow.

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Friday, June 19th, 2020 AT 1:29 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,068 POSTS

I have a feeling that is the problem, low Freon. The pressure is really low, but high enough to allow the system to run. Try adding Freon. At 85°F low pressure should be between 45 and 55 psi.

Let me know if that takes care of the issue.

Joe

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Friday, June 19th, 2020 AT 6:47 PM